Margaret BauerLittle darling, it’s been a cold, lonely winter. The sun was setting over the St. Louis skyline, and, as the rays glistened across Forest Park’s Post-Dispatch lake, we sat enjoying the warmth emanating from the large stone wood-burning fireplace. As the vernal equinox approaches, the Boathouse at Forest Park beckons St. Louis’ inner soul which yearns for spring time. Here comes the sun.
When winter ends, the locals begin to visit this lake, which is Forest Park’s largest and most hallowed body of water. Since the foundation of the park in 1876, boating has been a popular pastime. Even today, it’s common to see paddleboats aimlessly navigating the lake as you drink a pint with your contemporaries on the bank.
St. Louis’ own Schlafly’s Brewery provides an exclusive custom ale perfected for sipping on the dock of the Boathouse. The Boathouse Ale can only be enjoyed by patrons of Forest Park’s Boathouse, and is a taste not to be missed. The fact that the city’s now famous microbrewery created one of its finest tasting beers to only be served at this restaurant exemplifies its utter prowess.
The food at the Boathouse is as pleasant as the ambiance. Many items on the menu add gourmet variations to traditional meals. The Salmon BLT, for instance, adds a Pacific divergence to the ordinary sandwich with grilled salmon, bacon, lettuce, tomato and basil mayonnaise on grilled sourdough bread. The Boathouse’s version of the BLT is the perfect sandwich to enjoy next to the lake, as it evokes the high seas.
Another dish that proves to be a delightfully creative gourmet innovation to one of the most basic childhood favorites is the Baked Boathouse Macaroni and Cheese. It consists of macaroni tossed in creamy aged cheddar cheese sauce with ale and is then topped with crumbled gorgonzola and applewood-smoked bacon. The crisp layer of baked cheese crust over the creaminess which lies beneath this cheesy exoskeleton creates a fascinating contrast in texture.
For a heartier meal, try the Flank Steak Rarebit Sandwich, an interesting preparation of a traditional Welsh dish. The Boathouse serves the grilled flank steak on garlic toast and garnished with fried onion straws and dark ale rarebit sauce. Although the toast quickly becomes saturated with the mixture of juices and zingy sauce, the slightly soggy texture never becomes a nuisance.
The Boathouse also provides a variety of salads and gourmet pizzas to go with the creative entr‚e options. The chefs fashion something for everyone, and you’ll quickly find your favorite.
If you need a break from the dreary St. Louis winter, escape to the harborage of the Boathouse’s lake, and you will immediately feel as though you’ve left the city. From the moment you approach the restaurant, you’ll notice that the parking lot is reminiscent of a loading dock, complete with turnaround driveway and changing rooms for those who plan to tread Forest Park’s waters. The Boathouse boasts arguably the most picturesque view in Forest Park and is one of the relaxing springtime getaways in St. Louis.