Three Tidbits: Deep Brew Sea returns, Porch Parties continue, restaurant websites disappoint

St. Louis Magazine dining editor George Mahe discusses topical dining subjects.

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HOT SPOT

Under The Deep Brew Sea Returns

On Thursday, October 22 from 6-9 p.m., Under The Deep Brew Sea returns to the St. Louis Aquarium with its Oktoberfest Edition. The event, sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, features Oktoberfest samples from 9 different breweries including: Goose Island, Spaten, Breckenridge, Babe Wine, Cutwater Spirits, and more. Tickets are $35 for non-annual passholders and availability is limited (the last event sold out quickly). For an extra $10, take a ride on The St. Louis Wheel. For those staying the night, a hotel package (beginning at $105) is being offered by St. Louis Union Station Hotel that includes two tickets to the event. Masks will be required when not drinking and social distancing will be practiced; 21 and older, please. For tickets and additional information, click here. 201 s. 18th, 314-923-3900.

INSIDER TIP

Porch Party in St. Albans

High on our list of outdoor dining recommendations this season is a trip out to The Inns at St. Albans to the historic Head's Store for its popular Porch Parties/FallINN Fridays dinner series. Held every Friday night until October 16 from 5–10 p.m., walk-in guests enjoy light entrées, table service, and patio dining with a lake view. The reasonably-priced menu was created by Beth Williams (formerly of Table Three and Cuisine D’Art) who now leads the kitchen at the multi-function venue. Standout items include the chef’s famous tempura fried green beans and a salad with lobster claw meat, lump crab, and octopus. 3519 St. Albans Road, St. Albans, 636-458-0131.

MICRORANT

Lack of Restaurant Vitals

Now more than ever, restaurant owners have to make it easy for diners to determine their restaurant’s status: Open or closed? Carry out and/or curbside available? Online ordering and/or by phone? Self-delivery, third-party delivery, or no delivery at all? Current hours? Patio and/or dining room open? Are reservations accepted? A link to the current menu(s). All of the above should be on the website’s landing page and clearly discernable on its social media platforms. This is basic and essential info that potential diners need to know. Don’t make them hunt for it.

Follow George on Twitter and Instagram, or email him at gmahe@stlmag.com. For more from St. Louis Magazine, subscribe or follow us on Facebook,  Twitter, and Instagram.

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