My Stomach, 'Tis of Thee

To travel is to experience other lands, other peoples, other cultures, other foods. Gaining all that understanding is great — but that last one really is the best, isn't it? Who doesn't want to get stuffed on the native dishes of most countries? "Most" because not everyone is good at the food thing (we're looking at you, England). However, France and Spain have amazing cuisines, Italy certainly knows its way around a kitchen, the islands have a flair all their own, and you know, we're not doing so badly ourselves over here. You might think it would be difficult to take your stomach to all of these delicious places this summer, but you don't even need to pack your bags. Instead, just head over to the Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park (4256 Magnolia Avenue; www.towergrovepark.org) for the Passport Dinners on the Plaza. Butler's Pantry hosts these buffet dinners from 6 to 9 p.m. every Thursday in July (July 3 through 31) as a way of celebrating America and its melting pot of cultures. Each week honors a different country, and the U.S. of A. is first up on the list. Call 314-575-5658 to make your reservations; every dinner costs $28 per person, but if you attend them all, the final meal is free!
Thursdays. Starts: July 3. Continues through July 31, 2008