Posts Tagged ‘Florissant’

Mark you calendars! For the next five weeks, there's a fish fry every Friday.

Having grown up Catholic, I’ve attended my fair share of Lenten fish fries, and one thing is certain: not all fish fries are created equally! I’m still lamenting the sad little cod square I got several years ago at one church. Fortunately, I’ve also enjoyed a number of home-style fish fries in North County, where every fillet is hand-breaded and actually looks like a fillet, and where even the side dishes have been lovingly prepared.

With Lent just starting, I haven’t been able to personally test every one of these fish fries, so I’m relying on the recommendations of NOCO readers in many cases. This is by no means a comprehensive list of every Friday night fish fry in the area, but I think it represents some of the best. Prices average $7-8 per adult meal, plus drinks and dessert.

St. Ferdinand: 1735 Charbonier, 63031, 3-7pm

This granddaddy of NoCo fish fries, which the parish has been running for 40 years, is open year-round and always draws a huge crowd. The fish is excellent; the seamless assembly line is even more impressive! Fried and Cajun catfish, fried and baked cod, shrimp, chicken, pie and more

Our Lady of Guadalupe: 1115 S. Florissant Rd, 63135, 11am-2pm, 3:30-7pm

If you like your fish with a Mexican twist, try this fish fry, which draws on the parish’s large Hispanic congregation and is also open for lunch. Fried cod, baked tilapia, fish tacos, shrimp, guacamole, clam chowder, baked apples, mac & cheese and quesadillas

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne: 3500 St. Catherine, 63033, 4-7pm

I’ve gotten LOTS of emails touting the tastiness of this fish fry. Fried Alaskan cod, poppy seed coleslaw, clam chowder, French fries, green beans & hush puppies

American Legion #444: 17090 Old Jamestown, 63034, 4-7pm

Open since January, this fish fry offers a serene setting in the woods! Fish by the pound, plate or sandwich, plus spaghetti, baked beans, coleslaw and hush puppies

Holy Trinity: 3500 St. Luke, 63074, 4-7pm

Another parish with a growing Hispanic congregation, this fish fry features handmade chile rellenos!! Grilled salmon, fried and baked cod, grilled cheese, fried catfish, grilled and fried shrimp, spaghetti, mac & cheese and applesauce

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: 1050 Smith Ave, 63135, 4-7pm

Drive-thru service is the big draw here, but you can also eat in. I’ve enjoyed this fish fry many times. Cod, shrimp, catch of the day, two soups, pizza and more

St. Andrew United Methodist: 3975 N. Lindbergh, 63034, 4:30-7pm

Fried fish, baked chicken, spaghetti, coleslaw, baked beans and hush puppies

Holy Name of Jesus: 10235 Ashbrook Dr, 63137, 3:30-6:30pm

Baked or fried cod, spaghetti, green beans, coleslaw and French fries

St. Ann: 7532 Natural Bridge, 63121, 5-7pm

Baked or fried cod, shrimp, coleslaw, salad and spaghetti

Knights of Columbus #2951: 50 St. Francois, 63031, 3:30-7pm

Battered cod, jumbo shrimp, spaghetti, mac & cheese, green beans

If you try any of these fish fries, I’d love to hear what you think! Happy eating!

The sunny personality of Prasad "Pete" Devi is just one of many reasons to visit Pete's Cafe, an Indian-American deli that opened two weeks ago in Florissant.

Every so often I find myself in a food rut, bored with pretty much everything in my fridge. I was feeling that way lately, when quite serendipitously I happened to see the sign for Pete’s Cafe. This Indian-American deli, which owner Prasad “Pete” Devi says is the first of its kind in the Midwest, features a simple storefront in an otherwise unremarkable strip mall. But oh, what complex and wonderful flavors this restaurant creates!

Devi is an experienced chef who trained in both New York and London, and he comes from a long line of restaurateurs. Not only is his father a chef but his extended family runs a chain of successful restaurants in the southern Indian state of Kerala, a popular tourist destination.

The tasty Volcano Wrap from Pete's Cafe

Southern Indian food, of course, is known for its robust spices, particularly curry, and Devi has built on this rich tradition while still adding his own twist. “What I make is a fusion of Indian and American food,” he says. “A lot of people think that curry dishes are messy, so I came up with the idea to present them in ways that are more approachable.”

Making all of his own sauces and spice blends, Devi prepares Indian classics like Chicken Tikka and Keema Beef but serves them in a more Americanized sandwich form – what he calls “Indian on a Bun.” I got one of his Volcano Wraps to go (a delicious sweet and spicy blend of rice, chicken, beef and fresh herbs, all wrapped in a soft pita) and I swear my car has never smelled so good! Next time, I plan to try the Chicken Vindaloo, an Indian staple, and the Kofta Korma meatballs, made with spices from the northern mountains of India.

With menu prices ranging from $3.65 to $10, Pete’s also offers breakfast sandwiches, omelets, curry and rice dishes, a unique house potato salad and NoCo’s own TJ’s Pizza – a concession to kids and others whose palettes aren’t quite so adventurous. Vegetarian dishes are also in the works down the line.

A warm, cheerful decor greets customers at Pete's Cafe.

In choosing his Florissant location, Devi, who moved from India to New York at age nine and has lived in St. Louis for five years, was attracted to the affordability and friendly, family atmosphere of the North County area. “My goal is to be a nice, neighborhood store where I know my customers and they know me. That’s why I want to serve good food at reasonable prices,” he says. “I’m here to be a part of this community.”

Pete’s Cafe is located at 503 Paul Ave, 63031 – half way between Lindbergh and Howdershell on Charbonier. Hours: M-F 8am-9:30pm and Sat 10am-10pm. Dine in, carry out and catering. (314) 921-PETE

With Christmas Eve less than a week away, chances are your holiday shopping will soon focus on what really matters: food! If you’re looking to enliven your Christmas menu or maybe give someone a special gourmet gift, here are 12 tasty ways to do just that with fresh, local delights from North County:

1) Kringles @ Helfer’s Pastries, 380 St. Ferdinand St, 63031, (314) 837-6050

If you’ve never had a kringle, or don’t even know what one is, get yourself to Helfer’s Pastries in Florissant ASAP! Inside this decadent Danish pastry you’ll find a heavenly filling of butterscotch, topped with either raspberries or pecans. It’s the perfect hostess treat for a holiday party. According to legend, kringles date to the 1800s and their oval shape is said to represent the eternal love of God. Aw. Unfortunately, not even God can help you score a kringle if you don’t act soon. Helfer’s is really hopping this time of year, and orders for Christmas Eve MUST be placed by Tuesday, 12/22.

2) Linzer cookies @ Cose Dolci, 100 S. Florissant, 63135, (314) 799-2157

It’s just an added bonus that Beth Thompson, owner of this amazing little Ferguson bakery, is one of the nicest people ever. But what really keeps Cose Dolci busy (especially in December) is the fact that its made-from-scratch, all-natural cookies are divine! Beth also makes fantastic cupcakes, sweet breads, scones, muffins and more, but her most popular item is the Linzer Cookie, a delicate, jam-filled indulgence that originated in Austria centuries ago. Buy just a bag or combine several types of baked goods for one of Cose Dolci’s delicious gift sets.

3) Peppermint Stick custard @ The Whistle Stop, 1 Carson Rd, 63135, (314) 521-1600

Tomorrow (Saturday) is the last day of the year to stock up on handmade gourmet frozen custard from The Whistle Stop in Ferguson. After that, you’ll have to wait until February! Take-home quarts are available for every flavor of Whistle Stop custard, but may I suggest three delicious seasonal varieties: Eggnog, Peppermint Stick and Pumpkin Pie. If you’re not too late, you may also be able to nab a holiday pie, a German Chocolate Cake or some super sweet Peppermint Fudge.

4) Exotic meats @ John’s Butcher Shoppe, 2608 Walton Rd, 63114, (314) 423-8066

So…you’ve got someone a little adventurous coming for Christmas dinner? Why not head to John’s Butcher Shoppe in Charlack? This old-timey store has been selling fine meats for 35 years, and it carries way more than just steak. Elk, wild boar, and Potosi, Missouri-raised ostrich and bison are also available for purchase here, in a variety of cuts. You can even get the friendly folks at John’s to wrap up a gift box for you.

5) Donuts @ Old Town Donuts, 510 New Florissant Rd, 63031, (314) 831-0907

Who could resist the fluffy perfection of an Old Town donut, especially as presents are being torn open on Christmas Day? This classic Florissant shop has been churning out some of the best donuts, muffins and cookies in the St. Louis area for 30 years, with workers making fresh batches day and night. Normally open 24 hours, Old Town Donuts will take a rare break for the holidays, closing at 4pm on Christmas Eve and not opening again until 4am on Saturday, December 26. So plan accordingly, or be prepared to put your chocolate long-john fix on hold!

6) Peking duck @ Chopstix Asian Kitchen, Plaza on the Boulevard, 8021 W. Florissant, 63136, (314) 383-6888

If you still laugh every time you think of the Chinese restaurant scene in A Christmas Story, just know that you too can enjoy a little Asian flair in your holiday festivities. Chopstix Asian Kitchen in Jennings (across from Target) specializes in traditional Chinese fare, including the most wonderful Peking duck, which is made fresh every day. The owners of this stylish little place are second-generation restaurateurs, so keep them in mind as you shop for holiday eats.

7) Nostalgic candy @ Remembering When Candies, 3232 Parker Rd, 63033, (314) 831-9436

Perhaps your idea of the perfect candy is a giant pair of wax lips or a handful of Pop Rocks. If so, be sure to sweeten up your holidays with a trip to Remembering When in Florissant. This wee shop sells a dizzying array of nostalgic candies, including brands from 1950s and earlier than you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

8 ) Steak gift sets @ Paul’s Market, 1020 N. Elizabeth, 63135, (314) 524-3652

On the verge of celebrating its 50th year in business, Paul’s Market in Ferguson draws shoppers from all over the St. Louis area, primarily because of its mouth-watering filet mignon. Wrapped in bacon and sold for an incredible price, Paul’s filets are by far its best-selling item. And now through December 22, you can get ten four-ouncers – wrapped in a gift box – for just $29.95! Talk about a steak lover’s dream come true!

9) Chestnuts @ J. Goeke Produce, 449 rue St. Ferdinand, Florissant MO 63031; (314) 831-3140

I don’t know about you, but my early Christmas memories often involve nuts. As a kid, it was my duty (and my delight) to sit and crack my grandpa’s big bag of walnuts, Brazil nuts, and other shelled snacks. But what I never did was the one nut-related activity you’re supposed to do at Christmas – roast chestnuts over an open fire. Well, now I’ve got the fire. And thanks to Goeke’s in Florissant, I also have the fresh chestnuts. Let the roasting begin!

10) Gluten-free cookies @ Free Range Cookies, 425 S. Florissant, 63135, (314) 882-0163

It must really stink to have Celiac Disease during the holidays, not being able to tolerate wheat products. That’s probably why I keep seeing a steady stream of overjoyed kids walking out of Free Range Cookies in Ferguson. This small, sweet-smelling shop offers a full range of gluten-free baked goods, including breads,  pizza crusts and of course delicious cookies. My vegan friends rave about Free Range’s vegan scones, and I know the bakery is also popular with the dairy-free crowd. If you’re serving a special needs eater this Christmas, you just might be able to satisfy them here.

11) Sheet cakes @ Knodel’s Bakery, 6621 W. Florissant, 63136, (314) 385-2000

Since 1901, Knodel’s Bakery in Jennings has been whipping up some of the most scrumptious cakes in St. Louis. Unique photo cakes have become its recent specialty, allowing you to literally put your face in the frosting, but this old-fashioned bakery also offers classic sheet cakes, perfect for holiday entertaining. Order ASAP if you need something in time for Christmas – Knodel’s usually requires 5 days notice.

12) Conchas @ Las Palmas Mexican Bakery, 4018 Woodson Rd, 63134, (314) 954-6862

You’ll find a delicious world of south-of-the-border baked goods at this petite Mexican bakery in Woodson Terrace. Milk cakes, cookies, fruit pastries, and pan dulce sweet breads are sure to entice you, but may I recommend the conchas. They’re basically big buns with a sweet, colorful topping, and I imagine they’d be quite delightful when paired with a cup of coffee on Christmas Day. Las Palmas Mexican Bakery is also a great place to buy Rosca de Reyes, a sweet roll with a baby Jesus figurine hidden inside, normally served on the feast of the Epiphany, January 6th.

Happy holidays and happy eating! Hope you can shop NoCo for at least a portion of your seasonal needs.

Judging from the emails I’ve gotten this week, many folks were both surprised and elated to read about so many great North County retailers. Hooray! Mission accomplished. So without further ado, here’s the second half of my 25 ways to shop NoCo for the holidays:

13) Generations Antique Mall, 729 rue St. Francois, 63031, (314) 831-6070

Fifty different dealers converge in this small but packed-to-the-gills antique mall in Old Town Florissant, where you can score everything from 1800s primitives to 1960s housewares. If you’re itching for a vintage-themed Christmas this year, Generations is a great place to find aluminum trees and 1950s holiday décor. It’s also the first of six stops on the North County Antique Trail, which includes antique shops in both Florissant and Ferguson. Just ask for a map at the desk. (Mike Finley’s 309 Antiques at 309 S. Florissant, which is on the trail and only open Thursday through Saturday 10-2, has been known to yield some very interesting finds. Mike has been in the antiques business for decades.)

14) You’re Fired, 1121 Howdershell, 63031, (314) 837-8250

The last time I visited You’re Fired, the paint-your-own-pottery studio in Hazelwood, I rolled out of there with a brutally ugly striped vase resembling a clown’s pant leg. My husband actually gasped when he saw it. So did the guy at Goodwill. But that’s ok. Because the thrill of You’re Fired is not just the destination; it’s also the journey. And what a fun, relaxing trip it is. The folks at this cozy, laid back shop will coach you through any project you choose, or simply let you create in peace. Just pay for the item you wish to paint (bowls, ornaments, serving dishes, etc) and they’ll provide all the supplies and the firing. And yes, they offer gift certificates…for one artist or groups of up to 30. Sounds like the perfect family holiday outing to me.

15) Anna Buechter, Golden Needle Design Studio, (314) 522-9830

At a time when so many things are mass produced, my friend and Ferguson neighbor Anna Buechter is an especially rare gem. An artist and designer who specializes in meticulously handcrafted pillows and lampshades, this whirlwind mother of four learned to sew with her grandmother in Russia (at age five!) and gradually became a master of detailed handwork. Now she uses her exquisite taste and Old World talent to make beautiful objects with a vintage flair, including her latest collection of altered art jewelry, which is absolutely gorgeous! If you’re looking for something extra special this holiday season – maybe a unique custom piece – give Anna a call.

16) El-Mel, 6185 N. US Hwy 67, 63034, (314) 741-2117

I love El-Mel so much that it was one of the first businesses I wrote about here on NOCO. An old-timey lawnmower shop and all-around farm and garden supply store, it’s my favorite place for buying wild bird seed and all manner of dog treats. It also offers an awesome selection of bird feeders, including many that are made in the USA and a handful that are produced from recycled materials. If you’ve got a wild bird lover on your holiday shopping list, you absolutely must visit El-Mel! Between now and Christmas Eve, all bird feeders (and wind chimes) are 10 percent off.

17) The Fantasy Shop, 8232 N Lindbergh, 63031, (314) 831-5211

Though not really my scene, I totally understand why millions of people are absolutely nutty about comic books and fantasy role-playing. The opportunity to step outside of yourself and inhabit other worlds is very enticing. And not only that – it’s fun! Since 1981, the owners of The Fantasy Shop have been celebrating that fact, providing St. Louisans with all the action figures, card decks, graphic novels and adventure games they could handle. Their Florissant location is the NoCo headquarters for all things fantasy related, offering a mind-numbing assortment of comics and other items that would make most boys swoon. Why not reward your favorite young super hero with a gift certificate?

18) Blitz & Bling, 18 Patterson Plaza, 63031, (314) 830-0111

Much to my family’s chagrin, I usually like to snazz up the holidays by wearing a classic gem sweater on Christmas Eve. (Here’s the gem sweater queen!) But this year, I plan to glam out in another way, nabbing some super sparkly Christmas jewelry from Blitz & Bling. Open just two months, this sweet little Florissant boutique is a girly girl’s dream come true. Stocked with a fanciful and affordable array of scarves, purses, sunglasses and glistening costume jewelry, the store easily delivers on its name, offering every accessory a gal needs to feel like a million bucks. Shop there for someone special or treat yourself!

19) Hood’s, 9009 Natural Bridge Rd, 63121, (314) 427-2415

Santa Claus probably doesn’t field many requests for four-foot concrete tiki heads, but if he did, he could find them at Hood’s in Bel-Ridge. As part of the home improvement store’s recent makeover, dozens of interesting lawn ornaments, fountains and other outdoor accoutrements have started pouring in, and many would make wonderful gifts. I keep eyeing the giant glazed pots, envisioning a gorgeous water garden, but the tikis are definitely tempting me too. If you’re shopping for someone who can’t wait for spring, Hood’s just might have some sunshine you can use.

20) Dooley’s Florist & Gifts, 690 rue St. Francois, 63031, (314) 837-7444

First and foremost, Dooley’s is a florist, providing the Florissant community with beautiful floral arrangements since 1966. But step inside this charming Old Town storefront and you’ll find plenty more to grab your interest: home decor items, Christmas ornaments, cider and dip mixes, crackling WoodWick candles, and even one-of-a-kind stone candles made by a local artist. Owner Patty Sosa, a second-generation florist, can also handle all of your holiday greenery needs, selling super fresh pine wreaths and swags that will make your house smell like a winter wonderland!

21) Arcades-N-More, 6 Patterson Plaza, 63031, (314) 838-1210

If I had an extra thousand dollars burning a hole in my pocket, this magical shop in Florissant is the first place I would go. Lined wall to wall with vintage pinball machines and 1980s video games, Arcades-N-More sets my heart a-flutter, reminding me of the countless quarters and Friday nights I spent playing Centipede and Ms. Pac-Man (and skee-ball!) at Aladdin’s Castle in Jamestown Mall. The graphics on these old machines, especially the pinballs, is just fantastic, and the old-fashioned simplicity of the games, especially in this hectic era, is a pure joy. The fact that shop owner Rich Dion is as nice as could be – well, that’s just a bonus. Check out this awesome place today!

22) Perales Land Maintenance, 9420 Lackland, 63114, (314) 429-4829

Technically, this hole-in-the-wall store in Overland is the headquarters of a landscaping company, but every time I drive by, I fall in love with its colorful, spinning yard ornaments. Made of metal and just so cute, the spinners are part of a wee selection of fountains, flags, statuary and other garden items available at Perales. Shop now and you can also get a Christmas tree and some fresh holiday greenery. Gift certificates for landscape design and installation are available too.

23) The Chappel House, 4560 Washington, 63033, (314) 838-6242

It was Jean Chappel’s dream to open an art gallery, and that’s how The Chappel House in Florissant came to be. Featuring the work of dozens of local artists, this gallery and gift shop housed in a circa-1877 former residence offers everything from paintings and quilts to sculpture and fine photography – including local landscape images shot by Jean’s multi-talented husband, Gurry. Some of the items are quite pricey (in the thousands), but there are plenty of great buys to be found, especially in the jewelry cases. Why not spoil your best gal pal with some lovely handmade earrings?

24) C.R. Frank Popcorn, 5401 N. Lindbergh, 63042, (314) 731-4500

Since 1925, this family-run business in Hazelwood has been serving up all the confections that make you think “fun.” Sno-cones, cotton candy and of course popcorn – C.R. Frank not only sells the equipment and supplies to help you make these delights (like Hawaiian ice shavers and retro theater-style popcorn makers for your home). The company also produces its own line of gourmet popcorn in four flavors – caramel, cheddar, butter and kettle – and it’s sold in gift-ready tins ranging from two to 6.5 gallons. All of the tins are hand-packed and made to order, so before you invest in stale big box popcorn that’s been sitting around who knows how long, take a trip to the festive showroom at C.R. Frank.

25) GaGa’s Vintage Furniture & Gifts / Raindrop Flowers, 258 S. Florissant, 63135, (314) 522-0035 /521-9100

The only thing better than finding a neat little hidden boutique is discovering that the boutique is actually two shops in one. That’s what you get in Ferguson, where GaGa’s Vintage Furniture and Gifts shares a cozy basement storefront with Raindrop Flowers. On the GaGa’s side, you’ll find an ever-changing medley of housewares, vintage treasures, jewelry, candles and numerous gift items for almost any occasion. (Owner Cathy Frankum is especially known for her monogrammed products.) On the Raindrop side, floral designer Sarah Fletcher whips up striking contemporary arrangements, live and silk – perfect for a Christmas centerpiece! She also sells home décor and handmade greeting cards, and can make you a bouquet that any holiday hostess would adore.

So…are you ready to shop yet? If we could all buy just a portion of our holiday gifts at these fine North County retailers, just imagine all the dollars that would stay right here in our own community!

Stay tuned for next week, when I offer ideas for NoCo holiday food… YUM!  And don’t forget: If you do shop my 25, please mention that you read about them on NOCO! Thank you!

Nearly every time I visit St. Charles County, I run into former North County residents who tell me (whether I want to hear it or not) exactly why they had to “get out.” Things were getting bad, they’ll say. So much had changed. And besides, there was nowhere to shop!

Of course, if what you’re looking for is mile after mile of sparkling new chain stores, North County probably can’t compete with St. Chuck. But is there still plenty of quality shopping in NoCo, in the form of small independent retailers? You bet.

In fact, this list of 25 ways to shop North County for the holidays could have easily been much longer. And in case you don’t know, when you support independent local stores instead of big chains, at least $45 out of every $100 spent remains right here in the community. At a chain, it’s only 13 bucks. So if you want to do some good this holiday season and support your community at the same time you’re snagging some fun gifts, why not shop at these 25 great NoCo retailers:

1) Stems, 301 rue St. Francois, 63031, (314) 972-7836

When I’m working as a field editor for Better Homes and Gardens, this stylish floral shop in Old Town Florissant is exactly the type of place I’m looking for. Housed in a circa-1885 former mercantile once owned by Henry Albers, the decor is fresh and creative, the ambiance is fantastic, and even the store owners (and their super cute daughter) are magazine-ready. If you need inspiration for Christmas decorating or you’re shopping for ornaments, holiday decor or any sort of live or silk floral arrangement, definitely check out Stems. Owner Jenny Thomasson also sells gift certificates for her in-house floral design classes.

2) Nagle’s, 19 Patterson Rd, 63031, (314) 838-4444

I can’t decide what I like more – the sheer expansive wonder of Nagle’s old-timey variety store or the fact that owner Mike Nagle is a second-generation variety store man. His father ran the late Ben Franklin store  in Glasgow Village, and Mike has managed to keep that vintage mercantile feel alive and well. I don’t know any kid who wouldn’t brim with glee inside his store. Heck, Nagle’s is a sensory whirlwind for most adults, offering everything from toys, candles and gag gifts to birthday balloons, kitchen tools and wind chimes. You’ll find a little bit of everything here, jam-packed in wonderfully soaring aisles.

3) Alaska Klondike Coffee Co., 3200 N. Hwy 67, 63033, (314) 830-3488

I’m a tea drinker, so I have to trust my picky, java-loving husband when it comes to coffee, and he gives Alaska Klondike a hearty thumbs up. This simple storefront and coffee house features some of the finest coffee beans in the world, which owner/master roaster/former Alaskan Steve Richards roasts fresh every day. If you’re looking to buy top-quality coffee, gourmet cookies, flavored drink syrups, or perhaps some decadent cocoa made with eight kinds of chocolate, Alaska Klondike is for you. It’s also a great place to buy real burlap coffee sacks, perfect for crafts or green gift wrapping.

4) Missouri Mercantile, Hazelwood Mills, 63042, (314) 227-5005

This unique store at Hazelwood Mills draws shoppers from all over the state, and it should. Owner Bill Olwig has compiled an incredible selection of products produced right here in the Show Me State, especially food and wine. Missouri Mercantile sells Missouri cheese, salsa, jam, sausage, pet treats, salad dressing, BBQ sauce, lots of wine, and so much more. The best part is you can fill a gift box with whatever items you choose, and the box is shaped like the state of Missouri!

5) North Central Hobbies, 9630 Lackland Rd, 63114, (314) 426-0031

If there are pre-teen boys out there who would not like this fun hobby shop in Overland, I haven’t met them. For the past 25 years, owner Bill Egsieker has been feeding the dreams of model builders, puzzle solvers, kite flyers and remote control car lovers. And now, North Central Hobbies even has a huge slot car track that you can rent out for races. Before you hit the big toy stores, definitely give this neat place a try.

6) Pat Simmons, local author

Looking for a gift that really celebrates St. Louis? Award-winning local author Pat Simmons has not only built a loyal nationwide following with her Christian romance novels. She has also drawn legions of NoCo fans because many of her stories are actually set in North County! I hear the Whistle Stop and Thyme Table in Ferguson are both featured locations. And if you order directly from Pat’s website by December 17, she’ll send you autographed copies of her books in time for Christmas.

7) Deportes Atletica, 10005 St. Charles Rock Rd, 63074, (314) 426-4665

As the Hispanic community has grown in North County, so too has the need for quality soccer equipment, and Deportes Atletica in St. Ann has delivered in spades. This small store, which also sponsors leagues and has its own fields, sells a nice variety of soccer balls, cleats, nets, bags, and all kinds of fun gear representing professional teams from around the world. And did I mention – the folks here really know their futbol.

8 ) Smart Dogs, 396 St. Ferdinand St, 63031, (314) 921-2833

If your image of a pet groomer is a chaotic, messy place with hair flying everywhere, Smart Dogs in Florissant will change your mind right away. Clean, sophisticated and housed in the cutest old building with exposed brick and rustic beams, this full-service grooming salon is also a fabulous little pet boutique, where you can shop for organic dog treats, eco-friendly collars, leashes, toys, bowls, and even a dazzling doggie wardrobe. Another bonus: Helfer’s Pastries and Deli, featuring real whipped cream pies and other delights, is right next door.

9) Northern Arts Council (NAC) Gallery, 27 S. Florissant Rd, 63135, (314) 521-0299

I had a small hand in opening this community art gallery in 2007, so I already knew it had great merchandise. But when I visited again recently, I swear I wanted to buy half the store! Featuring an eclectic array of work from North County artists, the NAC Gallery offers paintings, handmade jewelry, pottery, prints, sculpture, leather work, and more – and most items are very reasonably priced. Normal hours are on Saturday mornings (or by appointment), but be sure to stop by NAC during Ferguson’s Christmas Glow: Dec 11-12 from 6-9pm. The gallery is so lovely at night.

10) Billiesdesigns75, on etsy

As if being an online super-mall of handcrafted items isn’t cool enough, etsy is also fabulous because it allows you to find local artists. Here’s the shop of a Florissant gal named Billie, who makes lovely one-of-a-kind jewelry and also accepts custom orders. (If only etsy would let you search its 170,000 stores by zip code, who knows how many other creative North Countians you’d find!) On Saturday, 12/19, you can shop Billie’s jewelry in person. Her first show will be at Bunker’s Tavern, 297 rue St. Francois in Old Town Florissant, from 12-3pm.

11) Trailblazer Bikes, 11 Paddock Hills Center, 63033, (314) 839-1434

Christmas isn’t Christmas unless somebody gets a bike, so you might as well ask Santa to swing by Trailblazer Bikes in Florissant. Despite its diminuitive size, this independent local bike shop offers a gamut of beach cruisers, BMX bikes, mountain bikes and pretty much anything bike and cycling related. And yes, they are competitive with the big box stores…just with better customer service.

12) Afro World, 7276 Natural Bridge, 63121, (314) 389-5194

I don’t care who you are. Everybody in North County should make a visit to Afro World. This unique Normandy emporium, which has been in business nearly 40 years, proudly celebrates African and African-American culture with an eclectic mix of artwork, clothing, jewelry, musical instruments and so much more. The fact that the store is housed in a funky 1960s bank building is worth the trip alone. So is its large gallery of original paintings featuring prominent African-Americans. (Even Gary Coleman gets some love.) But what I really adore about Afro World is the delightful gentleman who works at the counter (so sweet!) and the fact that he’s selling awesome, eco-friendly canvas bags for a knockout price. Seriously, seventy-nine cents for a USA-made, natural canvas makeup bag with a lovely graphic on it! And they come in gift bag and tote bag size too! People, get yourselves to Afro World!

Be sure to check back later this week for part two of the NoCo Holiday 25…

Founded in 1823, St. Stanislaus Seminary covered nearly 1,000 acres in the Howdershell/Charbonier area. Here it is in 1928, with the river to the north.

It’s a hard life to imagine these days – building your own home, growing all your own food, and doing so in a vast wilderness populated by natives who may or may not want you there. That was the life of early Jesuit missionaries, who arrived in North County in 1823, intent on sharing Christianity with local Indians.

Residing on 212 acres in the “common fields” of Florissant, the Jesuits constructed various log buildings and ran a small school for Native American boys, who they hoped to train as interpreters. When the school closed in 1831, St. Stanislaus Seminary opened in its place (at what’s now 700 Howdershell Road), and within ten years, it began to resemble the entirely self-sufficient monasteries of medieval Europe.

The Rock Building at St. Stanislaus, built by the Jesuits in 1840. Photo: Rome of the West

In addition to farming their land, the brothers and seminarians at St. Stanislaus quarried massive limestone blocks from the Missouri River bluffs, building themselves a new stone residence in 1840. All of the doors and woodwork were fashioned from walnut trees on the seminary grounds. The Jesuits also fired their own bricks on the spot.

Over the next 100 years, their property would grow to include multiple buildings and nearly 1000 acres, encompassing apple orchards, wheat fields, vineyards, beehives, a butcher shop, a chicken ranch, a creamery, a bakery and even a winery – the only Missouri winery allowed to operate during Prohibition. At the height of St. Stanislaus in the 1930s and 40s, the “priest farm” (as it was known by local residents) was something of a self-contained city, sprawling all the way from Howdershell Road to the Missouri River, including parts of Charbonier Bluff.

By 1971, with seminary enrollment declining and the Jesuits’ land increasing in value, St. Stanislaus was closed, and most of its buildings, except the 1840 limestone “Rock Building,” were sold to the Gateway College of Evangelism. Father Claude Heithaus, a Jesuit professor of archaeology, recognized the historical significance of the Rock Building and the many unique artifacts contained within, and he fought vigorously for their preservation.

On display at St. Stanislaus Museum is the original cross (or an exact early replica) that Father DeSmet gave to Sitting Bull.

As Heithaus knew, many early priests and brothers at St. Stanislaus had played key roles in educating Native Americans and establishing Catholic parishes and universities. Some, like Father Pierre DeSmet, were even renowned figures in frontier history, writing influential books, creating early maps, and documenting Native American customs and culture.

In 1976, with the help of his brother William, Heithaus established the nonprofit St. Stanislaus Historical Museum Society, aiming to preserve and display items from the seminary’s past as well as artifacts related to the frontier history of Florissant and Hazelwood. Operating out of the three-story Rock Building, the museum society carefully tended to its large and diverse collection, which included rare antique books, Renaissance paintings, Navajo rugs, Colonial tools, and garments worn by Father DeSmet himself.

Like a place stuck in time, the Rock Building was also preserved, looking much as it had when the Jesuits lived there. Visitors could see the priests’ dining hall and spartan bedrooms, along with tools, furniture, cigars and other items that they used in their daily lives. For 25 years, “The Museum of Western Jesuit Missions,” as it was known, offered a rare and fascinating glance at monastic and missionary life in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. It was a true North County treasure – until 2002.

Father Pierre DeSmet, who was said to travel 200,000 miles over the course of his missionary journeys, posing with men from four Native American tribes

That was the year Father Lawrence Biondi decided that the museum’s collection belonged not at the Rock Building, where it had genuine historical relevance, but at the Jesuit-run St. Louis University. Though the St. Stanislaus Historical Museum Society had been solely responsible for the collection’s preservation, Biondi wanted to showcase the artifacts at SLU, so he compelled the Jesuit order to sue the museum society, and unfortunately, the Jesuits won.

In 2003, approximately three-fourths of the museum’s holdings (including its most valuable pieces) were moved to SLU. That same year, the remains of Father DeSmet and other frontier Jesuits were removed from their graves at St. Stanislaus and reinterred at Calvary Cemetery.

By all accounts, it was a sad time for the museum society, and some questioned whether the group would continue. For a while, they displayed some of their remaining artifacts at St. Ferdinand Shrine in Old Town Florissant. But in 2007, they were kindly gifted with a new home: a pre-1860 farmhouse on Charbonier Road, adjacent to rolling fields that were once part of St. Stanislaus. The museum still operates there today.

One of the original beds from St. Stanislaus Seminary is on display at St. Stanislaus Museum, along with other Jesuit artifacts.

Gone are the priceless 17^th-century globes and DeSmet cassock that were highlights of the Rock House. But in their place, the museum society has embraced the pastoral, old-timey feel of its new locale and put more emphasis on the Jesuits’ self-sufficient lifestyle. Within sight of the former St. Stanislaus bell tower, museum board members maintain a working chicken coop and large vegetable garden. They also invite period reenactors to camp on-site and to talk about the tools and skills that were necessary in frontier times.

“I love that we’re promoting the idea of self-sufficiency,” says museum board secretary, Pat Jackson. “We’ve planted fruit trees here, and some of our board members do canning. I think we’re showing people a little bit of what it was like at St. Stanislaus, where the priests did everything for themselves.”

Board members harvest eggs and grow vegetables on the grounds of the museum.

Inside the museum, Jackson and other board members have used a handful of key pieces from the Rock House to fashion exhibits. One room boasts Father DeSmet’s own desk, as well as crosses and relics that he and other Jesuits gave to Native Americans. Another room features an original bed from the seminary, accented by simple wooden kneelers that the priests used for prayer and study.

“The furniture we were left with tells a story,” Jackson says. “And what’s nice about this house is that we can arrange the furniture how it might have been used – a desk in the study, chairs and a table in the dining room. It helps you understand the context.”

Upstairs, the museum’s oldest artifacts – textiles from 400-800AD – crown a room already brimming with Native American treasures, most of which were found in North County. “Because of the confluence, this area drew Native Americans from all over the place,” Jackson says. “It’s easier to say which tribes didn’t come here, there were so many.”

The museum displays Native American pottery, arrowheads, jewelry and other items, including artifacts recovered at burial sites on Charbonier Bluff. It also touches on the Lewis and Clark expedition, with frontier-style clothing and fur trapping gear shown beside Native American artwork and early photos of the area.

St. Stanislaus is not a large museum, at least not now. But it’s definitely worth a visit. Its growing collection paints a vibrant picture of what life was like, both at St. Stanislaus Seminary and in frontier North County. And if you come this Sunday, period reenactors will add another layer of interest to this already interesting place, setting up camp outside the museum during Florissant’s Christmas House Tour.

St. Stanislaus Museum, 3030 Charbonier Road, is open every Sunday, 1pm – 4pm. Except for this Sunday, when house tour tickets are $10, admission is free. For more info, call (314) 837-3525.

The entrance to St. Stanislaus Museum is through the back door of this charming pre-Civil War farmhouse at 3030 Charbonier Road.