HOT SPOTS
Taste of Ferguson Returns, Virtually
The Taste of Ferguson will return this year, but this time in a virtual format. The event, called The Taste in Ferguson: Boxed, will be held September 13 at the Savoy Banquet Center from 4–6 p.m. Ticket holders will be able to “drive through” the Savoy and pick up a custom to-go box full of individually packaged food from participating restaurants. The list of eateries includes Cupcake Fetish, Made by Lia, Helfer’s Bakery, Mann’s Meats, Adam’s Ribs, Paul’s Market, Pho Long, Red’s BBQ, Just Chicken, Papa Murphy’s, Amore Pizza, Drake’s Place, and more. Four price levels are available, ranging from $35–$125, but all include the same to-go sample box of food. The VIP ticket also includes custom reusable utensils; custom tumbler; cooler bag; curb service for unlimited beer, wine, soda, and water; and two prime parking spots. Proceeds provide scholarships for North County youth. Tickets can be purchased here through September 10.
INSIDER TIP
New Tea Shop Hits the Spot
“As I sipped, it took me to a place I had never been before,” Susie Kilian says of her experience with a cup of hot tea. “It revived me and brought me back to life.” So the St. Louis native decided to delve deeper, even traveling to Asia on several occasions to learn under tea masters and farmers. Kilian is now a certified tea specialist, a certified tea sommelier, a tea-blending professional, a licensed instructor, and tea etiquette–certified. Who better, then, to open The Tea Studio by Kilian, a retail store selling tea accessories and quality teas from around the world? (There will be 53 varieties to start.) When the store opens in Gravois Park on September 11, the lifelong student and self-proclaimed “lover of the leaf” plans to conduct tastings and teach tea classes on a variety of subjects. 2755 Chippewa, 314-610-7078.
MICRORANT
Masks at Half-Mast
Something we would never (and could never) have gotten upset about a year ago: ill-fitting or droopy face masks. While common wherever masks are worn, it’s especially concerning in a restaurant situation, where the offender interacts with many people and is often on the move. Restaurant owners and managers need to keep a sharp eye out for staffers' sagging masks, chin masks, or those that could be mistaken for a neck gaiter.
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