Cafe Madeleine is honored to be a part of St. Louis’ Titanic Centennial Weekend, April 13-15, 2012.

“ST. LOUIS – One hundred years ago this April, a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch scored one of the biggest stories of the 20th century – the sinking of the H.M.S. Titanic.

St. Louis journalist Carlos Hurd was aboard the Carpathia, the vessel that scooped up Titanic’s lifeboat-clinging survivors. Hurd and his wife Katherine were the first to interview the eyewitnesses to the downing of the “unsinkable” ocean liner. He wrote the world-wide headline story on rolls of toilet paper during the voyage that brought those rescued into New York harbor. Today, the legendary ship continues to make headlines in St. Louis where a weekend of special commemorative events will take place to remember this ever-fascinating piece of history. 

Cruise into the Gateway City to experience the history, fashion, food and music of the elegant Edwardian era during St. Louis’ Titanic Centennial Weekend, April 13-15, 2012. 

Starting off on Friday, Apr. 13, 2012, an Edwardian champagne reception will be served up at Bixby’s Restaurant at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park prior to a screening of the classic 1958 film about the sinking of the Titanic, A Night to Remember. Guests also will have an opportunity to view Titanic-related artifacts from the museum’s collection. Admission for the reception and movie is $50, for the movie only, $11. Missouri History Museum members receive a $3 discount. To purchase tickets go here. 

The highlight of the weekend takes place onstage at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., on Saturday, Apr. 14. The Fox’s executive chef Stephen Proctor, pictured, along with the culinary teaching staff at L’Ecole Culiniare will recreate the original menu served to first class Titanic passengers as the last dinner on the ship. The historic menu was meticulously researched to authentically recreate the sumptuous eleven-course meal and accompanying wines. The Titanic-sized menu served at 7 p.m. includes Oysters a la Russe, poached salmon, filet mignon, Chicken Lyonnaise, roasted squab and Waldorf pudding. 

The evening is black tie with everyone encouraged to wear dress in the style of the period. Dinner guests are encouraged to wear vintage attire (white tie for men, fgor instance). Upon arrival, guests will receive a boarding pass and envelope containing the name and biography of an actual first-class passenger from the Titanic. Seating for the tables of eight will be based upon the passenger’s name. (Notable passengers include Benjamin Guggenheim, John Jacob Astor, the “unsinkable” Molly Brown, Isadore and Ida Straus and Captain Edward John Smith.) However, large parties will be accommodated by phoning (314) 535-7100. 

Prior to dinner at 6 p.m., a period-style cocktail reception featuring live music popular during 1912 will fill the Fox Theatre’s elaborate Grand Lobby. Between courses, guests will be entertained with incredible stories about the Titanic told by actors portraying passengers and crew who had been aboard the fateful ship including Missouri’s-own “Unsinkable” Molly Brown. 

Proceeds from the evening benefit the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, a not-for-profit which fosters and promotes the performing arts in the St. Louis area. The cost of cocktails and dinner is $500 per person with $200 tax deductible (a tax letter will be mailed to buyers after the event by the FPAF office). Admission includes valet parking. To purchase tickets go here. 

Those who survive the Saturday evening soiree can partake in a special champagne brunch at the Piper Palm House, 4256 Magnolia Ave., the oldest standing greenhouse west of the Mississippi River. Located in St. Louis’ Victorian-designed Tower Grove Park, the Palm House’s distinctive architecture, soaring ceiling, stately windows and exotic plants, resemble the Titanic’s Verandah Café. The brunch will be recreated from a Titanic first class breakfast menu. The buffet service meal features, along with other delicacies, smoked salmon, lamb chops, sirloin steak, prepared-to-order omelets, fruits and baked goods. Admission is $45 per person paid by April 13 at 3 p.m. Go here to reserve tickets. 

A special St. Louis Titanic Weekend Travel Package is available at newly restored The Cheshire, a landmark hotel property that embodies the charm and authenticity of a traditional British inn with all the modern conveniences of today. The $389 hotel package includes deluxe accommodation for two nights (Friday and Saturday/double occupancy), an English continental breakfast on Saturday, complimentary high tea on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., and round-trip transportation to the events at the Missouri History Museum, The Fox Theatre and the Piper Palm House. 

True Titanic buffs will want to tour historic Bellefontaine Cemetery, 4947 W. Florissant Ave. St. Louisan Elizabeth McMillan Madill Robert was returning home from a year-long European tour and lodging in Cabin B-3 aboard the Titanic. She, her daughter Georgette Madill, niece Elizabeth Allen and maid Emilie Kreuchen were all rescued from Lifeboat 2. Mrs. Madill Roberts died in 1955 and is buried on the Madill family lot. Also resting at Bellefontaine are Carlos and Katherine Hurd who were traveling on the Carpathia, the White Star Line vessel that rescued Titanic lifeboat passengers. Hurd enlisted his wife to help him gather interviews for the news story of the century. Stop by the Bellefontaine Cemetery office at 4847 West Florissant Avenue for a complimentary map to these gravesites and those of hundreds of notable persons including explorer William Clark, Civil War officers, beer barons, literary personalities and more. More information may be found here.Events and accommodations are also available through Metrotix at (414) 534-1111.”

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Our pastry department has been busy designing and baking this travel themed cake for an upcoming event. Rich, Laura and Jen have really outdone themselves with this tiered cake, made to look like suitcases stacked on top of one another. Watch out Cake Boss, there are new cake masters in town!!

Still looking for the perfect wedding venue?! We’ve done all the work for you! Check out our cheat sheet for the information you need on 3 of our favorite venues…

Bixby’s, located in the Missouri History Museum, has unveiled some Civil War-inspired dishes on its winter menu to complement the museum’s current Civil War exhibit.

Chef de cuisine Todd Lough has created a savory Southern chicken pot pie and a hearty Northern beef stew, each served with a hardtack biscuit. Lough says that while dishes hearken back to the era, they’ve been made a bit more palatable for modern diners.

“That era wasn’t known for its fine cuisine,” Lough says. “But there were things we picked up on, like the hardtack biscuit, which a lot of the soldiers carried with them. Our version is a soft, savory, moist drop biscuit. We also came up with some one-pot comfort food, like the chicken pot pie, that could have been made over a camp fire if need be.”

This isn’t the first time Bixby’s kitchen has created menu items to complement an exhibit. Lough says he normally ties the menu into what’s on display at the museum.

“One of our most successful ones was the Napoleon exhibit, which made for a natural play on French cuisine,” he says. “We had three or four dishes that were French-inspired.”

Lough says he usually gets his ideas for these specialty menu items from the local purveyors he frequents.

“I visit their fields, their shops, and that’s where I get my inspiration for what we can use that’s available locally that will tie into whatever the exhibit is,” he says.

The Civil War specialties will be available through mid-March.

THE FEED: Bixby’s Serves Up Civil War-Era Eats.

Whether you’re hiring a caterer for a board luncheon or a gala, you want the food and service to make the right impression.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation events might be large affairs or more intimate parties. Kris Marino, senior foundation and donor events coordinator for the foundation, said one way to find caterers is through local professional meeting planning groups or through referrals from others. “If someone has had a marvelous experience with a caterer, I’d like to try them,” she said.

In addition to great food, creativity, especially in presentation, is what stands out. “When a caterer can bring a little pizazz, it’s a winner,” she said. If you have a theme in mind, ask the caterer to come up with a menu around that. “Sometimes you want something safe you know people will enjoy. Other times you want to be wowed. A good caterer should be able to follow your direction,” she said.

If you’re considering two or three caterers, ask for personalized tastings to help you gauge “what the food looks like, the presentation and general style of each caterer,” she said. “Go with your gut and taste everything.”

As executive assistant to the president of Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits in Edwardsville, Jean Hughes oversees arrangements for quarterly board meetings as well as company-hosted chamber or industry functions.

Establish relationships with a select group of caterers “so they know what you’re expecting and can produce that,” she said. “We like things done nicely, but obviously we’re looking for value.”…

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BUTLER’S PANTRY, 45 years
By Laura Graesser

In 1966, stay-at-home moms and one-income families made catering largely unnecessary, so Richard and Anita Nix were taking a risk when they opened Butler’s Pantry, a café and catering company. “They were a little ahead of themselves,” says their son and current owner, Richard Nix Jr.

With Anita’s talent in the kitchen and Richard Sr.’s restaurant experience, Butler’s Pantry was able to endure. “Our focus remains on the clients and giving them what they want,” Nix says. “We tailor and design our events around our clients’ needs and budgets.”

After growing up with the business, Nix took over the Butler’s Pantry in 1994. However, Richard Sr. remains active in a consulting role to “make sure we’re still on the straight and narrow,” Nix jokes.

The company continues to grow, with the opening of the Palladium Saint Louis event space and Bixby’s at the Missouri History Museum, which Butler’s Pantry operates. “Reaching this 45-year anniversary lets people know that this is a strong company,” Nix says. “I’m looking forward to celebrating 50 and 75 years!”

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Chef Greg with his featured chicken dish

Chef Greg and his chicken recipe were featured in The Best of the Bird section of this months Saint Louis Bride Magazine! See the sneak preview below…

Butler’s Pantry was recently selected as one of 20 finalists from across the nation for the Achievement in Catering Excellence Award sponsored by Catersource Magazine.  As 1of 4 companies chosen to represent the Midwest Region we are truly honored.

“I have been using Butler’s Pantry for years and have never once have been dissatisfied. I would never choose anyone else.”

Sauer Christmas Eve Open House, December 24 2011

“Wonderful food and staff made this a fabulous evening!”

Reis Christmas Eve Dinner, December 24 2011

“Christmas Eve was easy, pleasant and delicious knowing that everything was handled in the kitchen.”

Engler/Ewing Christmas Eve Dinner, December 24 2011

“EVERYTHING went well. Food was good. Staff was great. No hitches at all. Thanks!”

O’Malley Holiday Party, December 17 2011

“I had no complaints and many compliments on the food and the presentation. Great job! You made my part easy. Thank you!”

McCormack Baron Holiday Luncheon, December 16 2011

“I invited a couple of friends out to brunch on Sunday at Cafe Madeline and we had a great morning.  The atmosphere was perfect-there was great light, the food was excellent, the tomato soup was spot on, even my rather picky vegetarian friend was pleasantly surprised by the variety that she could partake in.  We had a relaxing morning filled with good conversation, great food and a couple of mimosas that didn’t hurt either.  Next time my parents are in town I’m adding CM to the mix, they enjoying trying new places and now I have a new place to take them.”

Cafe Madeleine, December 11, 2011

“Everything was wonderful, perfect!”

Kouvelis Dinner Party, December 10 2011

“Thank you so much for everything you did to make FLAME a success. Cassie and you entire staff are an absolute pleasure to work with and I even consider many of them friends after the many events they have helped me successfully put together. We are lucky to work with a catering company that takes as much ownership and care of the event as we do, and we cannot thank you enough for that. Looking forward to the many events to come!”

FLAME, venue, December 2011

“Our guests were so complimentary of the food and service at our party last night. Thank you so much for all of your planning. We have hosted this event for several years now and a common comment people would say is that ‘they wouldn’t miss it, it’s our favorite party’. I know the credit for that goes to Butler’s Pantry for your attention to every detail.”

Advantage Capital Party, venue, December 10, 2011

“The best event we have done with you thus far (and they have all been great)!”

The Plaza’s Holiday Party, December 8 2011

“As the logistics and catering contact for the Mayor’s Sustainability Summit, I just wanted you to know how pleased we were with the helpfullness and adaptability of Maggie Eichwald and Indra Russell. On December 7, we had a morning to early afternoon event at the Palladium and then, an evneing event at the Missouri History Museum.
Both of these young ladies exemplify the best that I think the hospitality industry has to offer. From preparing locally sourced meals to expediently resetting the room from our work session to our luncheon event, Ms. Eichwald and the Butler’s Pantry staff exceeded our expectations at the Palladium Saint Louis. Then, for the evening event, Ms. Russell ensured that we had the most cost-effective catering solution for our guests and where possible, she made sure that we served our guests in the most sustainable way possible. We asked, and they delivered!
Your staff was exemplary and I’m grateful for their willingness to address and meet our expectations. Thank you for hiring the right people and for supporting Mayor Slay’s Sustainability Summit.”

Mayor’s Sustainability Summit, Palladium Saint Louis & Missouri History Museum, December 7 2011