Royale weekly update
Steven Fitzpatrick Smith
Monday, August 22 - Sunday, August 28
This Thursday, August 25 · 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.:
The Royale Food and Spirits, which has labored throughout its six-year history to provide some of the most unique and entertaining party experiences in Saint Louis, is announcing another reason to celebrate. On Thursday, August 25th, the Royale will be throwing a party to observe the Feast Day of our city's patron saint, Louis IX of France.
While the liturgical calendar provides the inspiration for this first annual event, the focus is on our city's cultural heritage and its future: a story told through the media of food, cocktails, and craft beer.
The entertainment will also include live music by a French Creole fiddler, short talks by local historians on the founding of Saint Louis and the story of the local beer industry. The night will progress with alternating DJ sets of local and French pop music until closing time.
The Royale has teamed up with Urban Chestnut Brewing Company to produce a brand new collaboration beer: Apotheosis Farmhouse Ale. This beer, part of UCBC's Reverence Series, will be an orthodox take on a classic French style traditionally enjoyed this time of year, and shares its name with the statue of Saint Louis that stands proudly in Forest Park.
In addition to the headliner, the Royale will be tapping other local talent for the event. In the line-up are kegs of Schlafly's Biere de Garde and a dry-hopped Belgian-style pale ale from newborn Perennial Artisan Ales, as well as an exciting cameo or two from new and nascent local breweries.
As per usual, the Royale staff is preparing a line-up of food and cocktail specials to commemorate the event. Cocktail Museum curator Robert Griffin is preparing a batch of ratafia, an 18th-century-style cordial infused with local berries, and the kitchen will be incorporating fresh, local produce into a French-inspired menu.
Admission is free.
DJ Schedule for the Week
Tuesday, 8/23: DJ Karabell (soul, surf, punk, garage, pop and wave on wax)
Thursday,8/25: Feast Day with DJ Nina (French pop 10 p.m.-close); plus dinnertime music with Missouri Creole fiddler Dennis Stroughmatt (6-8 p.m.)
Friday, 8/26: Thomas Crone (rock’n’roll, hair metal and crunk from KDHX’s Silver Tray host)
Saturday, 8/27: Mat Wilson (the frontman of the Rum Drum Ramblers drops the vinyl)
Every Week
We start with the week with Vinyl Side Mondays. Bring down some wax. Play a side of it. Order up a half-pint of beer if’n we like it, which we probably will.
We end the week with Cocktail Museum Sundays. Curator Robert Griffin reanimates the best classic drinks for the contemporary crowd. Kicks off as our kitchen closes at 9 p.m.
Holiday Note
It’s a couple weeks away, but the hard-working staff at The Royale salute the American working man and woman with a Labor Day tribute, by not opening for one-minute of the day. Enjoy your afternoon and evening amongst friends and family, sing the Internationale or fly kite. Or all three. But just don’t expect to be doing any of that at The Royale. ‘Cause we’re gonna be doing the same, off-campus.