SLM contributor Joe Bonwich weighs in on local food events, happenings, and dining news of note. Look for his observations every other week in On the Burner.
Monster Mashing
Suds lovers can have a tun of fun kicking off the week of Halloween at the inaugural Monsters of Beer Festival, October 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Elijah P’s Burgers & Brews in Alton. The event will feature 32 beers that get their “monster” label from high alcohol content, including 9 percent ABV in the area’s own Excel 3rd Anniversary Saison; the beers top out at a whopping 18.1 percent ABV in Avery Rumpkin. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door; designated drivers get in for $5. 401 Piasa, 618-433-8445
Humpin’ to Please
Raise a glass (as we have many times at her establishment) to Jan Mangelsdorf and her team at Humphrey’s Restaurant & Tavern (3700 Laclede) the almost-40-year-old Saint Louis University hangout. Buzzfeed.com just named Humps one of the Best College Bars in America. And across the river, KAM'S—the popular bar near the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign—also got a nod.
Balaban’s Blue Plate
We give Farmhaus’ Kevin Willmann credit for first repopularizing the idea of a lunchtime blue-plate special in St. Louis. Now, just in time for stick-to-your-ribs weather, Balaban’s has decided to run with the idea, offering $12 blue-plate lunches, including meat loaf Monday, chicken pot pie Tuesday, pot roast Wednesday, stuffed peppers Thursday, and fried chicken Friday. 1772 Clarkson, 636-449-6700
