TABLE SETTING

I can't say enough good about the Tuxedo Park Inn, where out little law firm had its holiday party last weekend. The owners, Bill and Maureen, did a spectacular job of restoring a dilapidated old church and turning it into a small inn and event space. Would that there were more pictures I could show but my other photos (except yesterday's) are all of my staff and their companions. We will leave them out of this so that their cocktail preferences remain private.      

MADELEING MONDAY

Ellie came to the office's holiday party because her mother works with us and what else are we going to do with her. She's going through that dental phase common to six year olds. Doesn't stop her from stating her opinion, though.    

CAJUN AND CREOLE GONE UPRIVER

The patio of the Broadway Oyster Bar downtown. It serves food in the style of southern Louisiana with its Cajun and Creole traditions, brought up the Mississippi to St. Louis. The difference between the two can be subtle. Cajuns are the descendants of Catholic French Canadians from Acadia who relocated to warmer climes after the British took over. Creole means native born to the area and could refer to people of African, French and Spanish descent. The food traditions are interwoven.

Preparing this post reminded me of the now partly demolished building a half block to camera right. Way back 12 years ago, it was the subject of what I think is my best post of all time.          

THE OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY WAS LAST NIGHT

Actually, the group isn't very rowdy. The firm is small and we're getting a little...old. We had it at a gorgeous converted church that became a meeting facility and B & B. Some of us, including the boss and spouse (he said, looking in the mirror) got to spend the night.

The picture is of a relatively new store on Manchester Avenue in The Grove. They deal in unusual premium spirits, exotic bitters and herbal infusions, barware of all sorts and, of all things, super pure ice. We're more wine drinkers but I should visit here some time.        

DOWNTOWN NEWSPAPER BOX

Broadway and Pine.