It's not quite Halloween just yet, but you wouldn't know it if you're going to the Central West End this weekend. You can also celebrate local gardeners with Gateway Greening or meet chef Sean Brock and score a signed copy of his new cookbook, Heritage. Continue on for our food-related recommendations.
See also: Kevin Nashan to Host Chef Sean Brock at the Peacemaker October 25
Friday (Oct. 24):
Halloween Trick-R-Treat @ Whole Foods Town & Country
Bring the kids in costume for an early Halloween celebration. They can trick-or-treat around the store for fun and healthy treats in each department. The kids will vote for their favorite section; there will also be a costume contest for kids 0-3, 4-6 and 7-12. From 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Sean Brock @ the Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co.
"James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock has just come out with his first cookbook, Heritage, and Kevin Nashan will be hosting his St. Louis book signing. Not only will Brock be on hand to discuss his elegant Southern recipes, but the kitchen at Nashan's Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. will be cooking up some of Brock's food. Nashan and his staff will be making four savory and two sweet recipes from Heritage in a tasting format with a few of Brock's cocktails, plus wine and beer. $75 gets you food and drink at the Peacemaker on Saturday, October 25, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., plus a signed copy of Heritage. You can purchase tickets here."
Saturday (Oct. 25):
Gateway Greening's Harvest Fair @ Bell Demonstration Garden
Get to know your Bell community gardeners at this event celebrating Food Day. Activities include a sweet-potato harvest, garlic planting, herb vinegar making and a potluck meal. There will also be live music, raffle giveaways and more. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free.
Rocktoberfest 2014 @ Chesterfield Amphitheater
J2 Brewing is hosting a celebration of food, music and beer to benefit KEEN, which provides recreation services to kids with disabilities. Sample brews from J2, the Civil Life and 2nd Shift, plus food trucks Yo! Salsa, Steak Louie, Cha Cha Chow, Sarah's Cake Stop, My Big Fat Greek Truck, Zia's on the Hill and Completely Sauced. Music includes the Steve Ewing Band, Band of Misfits and the Matt Rowland Band. From noon to 9 p.m. Tickets available for $12.50 at the door or online here.
"Halloween in the Central West End is a pretty big deal. Family-friendly events kick off at 11 a.m. today with the kids' costume parade at the intersection of Maryland and Euclid avenues. Trick-or-treating begins at noon, with children filling their bags with goodies from local businesses. There won't be any hellhounds at the canine costume parade, but there will be lots of cute dogs and puppies dressed up for the holiday. Things go bump in the night from 8 to 11 p.m. as legions of elaborately dressed superheroes, zombies, werewolves and vampires throw an exuberant street party that could wake the dead. This wicked night of merrymaking is highlighted by the best adult costume contest in the city, and it also includes dancing, live entertainment and more than just a little drinking. For more information, visit www.thecwe.org or call 314-409-1915."
Beer 'n' Books @ Schlafly Bottleworks
Meet author Sarah M. Anderson, whose new book series features a family-owned brewery, Percheron. You can speak with her, get autographs and a Percheron Brewery bottle opener. Schlafly food and drink will be available for purchase. From 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Balloon Glow @ Chaumette Winery
Sit on Chaumette's picturesque patio and watch hot air balloons inflate and "glow" during the sunset. Balloons will be tethered to the ground so you can take photos. Chaumette wines and dinner will be available for purchase. Saturday, 6:30 p.m. to close and Sunday, 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Sunday (Oct. 26):
Paint, Drink & Be Merry @ Cielo
Paint with a local artist while enjoying refreshments. Cielo appetizers will be available for purchase, as will dinner items starting at 6 p.m. From 5 to 7:30 p.m. Spots are $38 each; register here.
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