The July 4th holiday week is here. Time to think about where to eat and watch the fireworks.
For those wanting to opt out of doing the barbecue or having to worry about where to legally shoot fireworks I have a recommendation. Go downtown for dinner with a side of fireworks. Here’s my top picks for sizzling sites with good eats with a great view.
1: Kemolls.
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The meal: A four-course dinner featuring a Primo first course of Alfredo-style pasta with smoked salmon and capers with a duel entrée plate of filet mignon au poivre and grilled swordfish. Kemoll’s famous house made cheese bread is paired with the salad course while Chocolate Love Cake as the meal’s sparkling finale.
The view: Kemoll’s dining room, located on the 40th floor of the Metropolitan Square Building that overlooks the Arch grounds and allows one to dine and view the firewarks in air conditioned comfort.
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2: Sky Terrace at the Four Seasons
The food: A communal style picnic party on the Four Seasons Sky Terrace, situated just east of the Arch grounds adjoining its flagship operation Cielo. Its gourmet barbecue buffet boosts dozens of items from creative starters to desserts. The menu to date includes specialty smoked and sauced ribs, grilled salmon sliders, cooling salads and comfort sides as macaroni with four cheeses.
The view: Perched on the eight floor of the Four Seasons, Sky Terrace open patio, which jets out towards the Arch provides one of the most expansive Downtown fireworks views.
3: Old Court House
The food and view: For the best free seat along the riverfront plan to arrive early and save your spot on the Old Courthouse steps or along the sidewalk facing the Arch. Its unobstructed view is the best. It's also a great place to sit and enjoy your favorite street food from any of the 30 food vendors expected at this year's Fair St Louis.
4: Fireworks Cruise on the Arch Riverboats
The food: Gateway Riverboats at the foot of the Arch offers a three-course meal with a choice of prime rib, champagne chicken and Alaskan Pollock. During dinner a Dixieland band entertains.
The view: Gather outside on deck or choose to stay cozy and cool at your table inside the dining room. The riverboat provides what some pyrotechnic enthusiasts consider as the ultimate fireworks platform to view the riverfront show.
5: Parking Lot Picnics
Granted, the view may be obstructed but the experience can be counted among the best July 4th memories you'll ever have. A few parkiing lots that have served as gathering places for past July 4th firework watching have included Purina and AB-InBev.
