Thursday, June 23, 2011

Bill's Birthday Celebration

federhofersbakery.com
cravingsgourmetdesserts.info
Bill is a very extraordinarily, wonderful husband, father, and man.  A few days ago it was his birthday.  And we who love him wanted to have an extraordinarily, wonderful party for him.  The party was last night and, because of the presence of so many people who make our journey on earth a bright one, it was one of those magical times we want never to end.

With such wonderful family and friends the party would have been great no matter what; but it was the dynamic of small businesses that made it exceptional, I think!

I spent much of the day going to four of St. Louis' finest bakeries.  Can you think of a sweeter exploration?!
From each one I chose a cake of a different flavor.  So you want to hear what we came up with?
  Here is the story.

First stop was Federhofer's Bakery on Gravois in Affton.  This resilient little bakery has been serving the area since 1966 when Bill Federhofer opened the shop to offer high quality baked goods in a wide variety.  And 44 years later they are still using many of the same recipes their customers have loved for all this time.


I think it is worth the drive to Federhofer's just to see their sign which is a nostalgic example of
 vibrant neon art.

The chosen cake at this first stop was German Chocolate.  It was delectable


Next stop: Cravings in Webster Groves on Big Bend.  Cravings has been in operation for 25 years and Tim Brennan has won many awards for his outstanding desserts.

Cravings

Isn't that a classy logo?


This carrot cake was amazing in every way, though a sudden stop on the drive over caused an unfortunate shift on the plate.

Third stop: McArthur's Bakery in Kirkwood.  With three locations McArthur's is not really small but it is local and a fine example of  hard work and good management bringing success.

McArthur's Bakery - Kirkwood Junction.

With a serious chocolate and a substantial carrot cake, we needed something light and summery to balance the offerings, so at McArthurs the chosen cake was lemon.



Fourth stop: Clayton Bakery on Manchester in DesPeres.  This bakery is named after its owner and had been Schmeimeir's bakery for many years until Mr. Clayton assumed ownership 10 years ago.





For a little more lightness I chose this angel food with strawberry filling


and a delicious 5 layer red velvet cake to complete our variety of cakes for the party.

And what is cake without ice cream?
So one more stop, for some Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in South St. Louis.

ChippewaNew.jpg

Now, where to go with our yummy assortment of St. Louis treats?


Well, the Hi-Pointe of course!

Home

Mr. Ross, the clever, long-suffering, and generous manager of St. Louis' finest theater has recently added tables, chairs and  umbrellas in front of the theater....which created the perfect place to meet with friends



before going to see a great movie.



As I conclude this post I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all the folks who joined us to celebrate Bill, they truly brighten our lives.
And I'm also thankful to all of those hardworking bakers and ice cream makers and a very kind theatre manager for making it all possible and so much fun!


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