John Brase
@johnbrase.bsky.social
St. Louis booster.
Glutton and wine fiend.
Friends Board Member, St. Louis Public Radio.
Human Rights Campaign Federal Club Council.
Glutton and wine fiend.
Friends Board Member, St. Louis Public Radio.
Human Rights Campaign Federal Club Council.
Red sky on BlueSky:
An autumn evening —at Christmas— in St. Louis.
An autumn evening —at Christmas— in St. Louis.
December 26, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Red sky on BlueSky:
An autumn evening —at Christmas— in St. Louis.
An autumn evening —at Christmas— in St. Louis.
It kinda looks like, oh, I dunno, a ballroom.
December 25, 2025 at 8:11 PM
It kinda looks like, oh, I dunno, a ballroom.
Quiet romantic Christmas Eve for two, courtesy of @russanddaughters.bsky.social and @veuveclicquot4ever.bsky.social
December 25, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Quiet romantic Christmas Eve for two, courtesy of @russanddaughters.bsky.social and @veuveclicquot4ever.bsky.social
Ed spent Christmas week making
Tagliatelle with ragù alla bolognese (the extra ragù is for the traditional Christmas lasagna);
Coquilles St Jacques;
Chinese-American stir-fry;
Chicken stew with biscuits; and
Spinach and cheese soufflé.
He’s a machine.
Tagliatelle with ragù alla bolognese (the extra ragù is for the traditional Christmas lasagna);
Coquilles St Jacques;
Chinese-American stir-fry;
Chicken stew with biscuits; and
Spinach and cheese soufflé.
He’s a machine.
December 24, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Ed spent Christmas week making
Tagliatelle with ragù alla bolognese (the extra ragù is for the traditional Christmas lasagna);
Coquilles St Jacques;
Chinese-American stir-fry;
Chicken stew with biscuits; and
Spinach and cheese soufflé.
He’s a machine.
Tagliatelle with ragù alla bolognese (the extra ragù is for the traditional Christmas lasagna);
Coquilles St Jacques;
Chinese-American stir-fry;
Chicken stew with biscuits; and
Spinach and cheese soufflé.
He’s a machine.
SO excited that amazing St. Louis homegirl Brittany Packnett Cunningham @mspackyetti.bsky.social is on our Nine PBS teevee this week! Be sure to tune in
www.pbs.org/video/britta...
www.pbs.org/video/britta...
Finding Your Roots | Brittany Packnett Cunningham Meets Her Great-Grandparents | Season 8 | Episode 2
Brittany Packnett Cunningham learns the identity of her great-grandparents.
www.pbs.org
November 1, 2025 at 4:09 PM
SO excited that amazing St. Louis homegirl Brittany Packnett Cunningham @mspackyetti.bsky.social is on our Nine PBS teevee this week! Be sure to tune in
www.pbs.org/video/britta...
www.pbs.org/video/britta...
Final meal in Bologna, and since it was cold and rainy, Ed took me back to his favorite neighborhood spot for tortellini in brodo, the bolognese version of a healing chicken soup.
October 31, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Final meal in Bologna, and since it was cold and rainy, Ed took me back to his favorite neighborhood spot for tortellini in brodo, the bolognese version of a healing chicken soup.
Our last date night in Bologna was at a cozy table at Angolo degli Orefice, where we shared more local specialties: a perfect bolognese lasagna, passatelli con crema di parmigiano e funghi porcini (which is NOT pasta per se) and regional meats and cheeses. All quite wonderful.
October 31, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Our last date night in Bologna was at a cozy table at Angolo degli Orefice, where we shared more local specialties: a perfect bolognese lasagna, passatelli con crema di parmigiano e funghi porcini (which is NOT pasta per se) and regional meats and cheeses. All quite wonderful.
Al Sangiovese is a cozy restaurant with traditional Bolognese dishes and charming staff.
Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, though: gramigna with sausage cream sauce, the local lasagna that includes bechamel and the mandatory green pasta, polpette with stuffed zucchini, and beef carpaccio.
Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, though: gramigna with sausage cream sauce, the local lasagna that includes bechamel and the mandatory green pasta, polpette with stuffed zucchini, and beef carpaccio.
October 29, 2025 at 5:18 AM
Al Sangiovese is a cozy restaurant with traditional Bolognese dishes and charming staff.
Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, though: gramigna with sausage cream sauce, the local lasagna that includes bechamel and the mandatory green pasta, polpette with stuffed zucchini, and beef carpaccio.
Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, though: gramigna with sausage cream sauce, the local lasagna that includes bechamel and the mandatory green pasta, polpette with stuffed zucchini, and beef carpaccio.
Ristorante da Cesari is a cozy place with a charming host and a hearty traditional Bolognese menu.
After a shared starter of porky mortadella, a wonderfully chewy gramignone verde al ragù di salsiccia, and the Scaloppina alla Petroniana con Tartufo Bianco (because: white truffles!).
After a shared starter of porky mortadella, a wonderfully chewy gramignone verde al ragù di salsiccia, and the Scaloppina alla Petroniana con Tartufo Bianco (because: white truffles!).
October 28, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Ristorante da Cesari is a cozy place with a charming host and a hearty traditional Bolognese menu.
After a shared starter of porky mortadella, a wonderfully chewy gramignone verde al ragù di salsiccia, and the Scaloppina alla Petroniana con Tartufo Bianco (because: white truffles!).
After a shared starter of porky mortadella, a wonderfully chewy gramignone verde al ragù di salsiccia, and the Scaloppina alla Petroniana con Tartufo Bianco (because: white truffles!).
Excellent lunch at Corte De’Galuzzi featuring a couple traditional Bolognese favorites. First, a salad of mâche (lambs lettuce), bresaola, tomatoes, avocado, and walnuts. Then, my tortellini in brodo and Ed’s tagliatelle verdi. Then, time for a nap!
October 27, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Excellent lunch at Corte De’Galuzzi featuring a couple traditional Bolognese favorites. First, a salad of mâche (lambs lettuce), bresaola, tomatoes, avocado, and walnuts. Then, my tortellini in brodo and Ed’s tagliatelle verdi. Then, time for a nap!
Ed took me to lunch at one of our favorite destinations in Bologna, the always excellent Drogheria della Rosa, where host Emanuele Addone makes sure we feel special and cared-for. Today’s traditional treat: tagliatella al ragù. Perfection.
October 27, 2025 at 4:35 AM
Ed took me to lunch at one of our favorite destinations in Bologna, the always excellent Drogheria della Rosa, where host Emanuele Addone makes sure we feel special and cared-for. Today’s traditional treat: tagliatella al ragù. Perfection.
A morning stroll off the Piazza Maggiore in Bologna took us past all the wonderful vendors of local prosciutto, mortadella, parmigiano, tortellini, and gorgeous vegetables.
October 26, 2025 at 10:38 AM
A morning stroll off the Piazza Maggiore in Bologna took us past all the wonderful vendors of local prosciutto, mortadella, parmigiano, tortellini, and gorgeous vegetables.
Nothing like good pasta to make you forget a tough travel day. Ed took me to Trattoria Trebbi near his Bologna apartment: mortadella with mortadella mousse to start, then his tagliolini and my tortellini, both with that rare autumn treat, white Alba truffles.
October 26, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Nothing like good pasta to make you forget a tough travel day. Ed took me to Trattoria Trebbi near his Bologna apartment: mortadella with mortadella mousse to start, then his tagliolini and my tortellini, both with that rare autumn treat, white Alba truffles.
It might have been wise to add a hyphen between the second and third words, but as is, I have questions: Are some ass toys bad? How would I know? And where should I drive them?
October 23, 2025 at 8:07 PM
It might have been wise to add a hyphen between the second and third words, but as is, I have questions: Are some ass toys bad? How would I know? And where should I drive them?
I swore off pasta until I join Ed in Bologna this weekend BUT I could NOT turn down the gnochetti (with Spanish octopus and ‘Nduja) at Vicia. Thanks to my buddy Alex Levine Clardy for being my Ed-free date (although she didn’t get near my duck-liver mousse with apricot and sweet-corn madeleines).
October 22, 2025 at 10:35 PM
I swore off pasta until I join Ed in Bologna this weekend BUT I could NOT turn down the gnochetti (with Spanish octopus and ‘Nduja) at Vicia. Thanks to my buddy Alex Levine Clardy for being my Ed-free date (although she didn’t get near my duck-liver mousse with apricot and sweet-corn madeleines).
The autumnal butternut squash tortelloni at Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria (in deep brown butter with crispy sage) is a wonderful treat, made more so by dining with my amazing long-time friend David Toben. A perfect lunch experience.
October 21, 2025 at 8:59 PM
The autumnal butternut squash tortelloni at Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria (in deep brown butter with crispy sage) is a wonderful treat, made more so by dining with my amazing long-time friend David Toben. A perfect lunch experience.
My niece is staying with me this weekend while she attends and vends at SLICE (the St. Louis Independent Comics Expo), which means I need to look my best.
October 17, 2025 at 7:45 PM
My niece is staying with me this weekend while she attends and vends at SLICE (the St. Louis Independent Comics Expo), which means I need to look my best.
Another Ed-free date on The Hill:
I had to have Anthonino’s Taverna’s t-ravs because (prove me wrong) they have the most flavorful marinara in town.
Their traditional pizza (a little wet in the center “come i napoletani)” is mostly a take-home treat today.
I had to have Anthonino’s Taverna’s t-ravs because (prove me wrong) they have the most flavorful marinara in town.
Their traditional pizza (a little wet in the center “come i napoletani)” is mostly a take-home treat today.
October 16, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Another Ed-free date on The Hill:
I had to have Anthonino’s Taverna’s t-ravs because (prove me wrong) they have the most flavorful marinara in town.
Their traditional pizza (a little wet in the center “come i napoletani)” is mostly a take-home treat today.
I had to have Anthonino’s Taverna’s t-ravs because (prove me wrong) they have the most flavorful marinara in town.
Their traditional pizza (a little wet in the center “come i napoletani)” is mostly a take-home treat today.
I tried the new Bites Revolving Bar in Cape Girardeau, and it’s a hoot. Dishes wander past your table like an Automat on an airport people mover, and you grab what looks good. (I ordered the bibimbap off-menu.) It’s hypnotic: even when you’re chatting or not hungry, you can’t not watch.
October 16, 2025 at 3:59 PM
I tried the new Bites Revolving Bar in Cape Girardeau, and it’s a hoot. Dishes wander past your table like an Automat on an airport people mover, and you grab what looks good. (I ordered the bibimbap off-menu.) It’s hypnotic: even when you’re chatting or not hungry, you can’t not watch.
Another Ed-free date night, another dinner on The Hill.
Last evening’s treat was on the side patio of Lorenzos Trattoria: a gloriously messy pile of bright fresh bruschette followed by an Italian-American classic, tortellini with peas and prosciutto. A cocktail might have been involved.
Last evening’s treat was on the side patio of Lorenzos Trattoria: a gloriously messy pile of bright fresh bruschette followed by an Italian-American classic, tortellini with peas and prosciutto. A cocktail might have been involved.
October 15, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Another Ed-free date night, another dinner on The Hill.
Last evening’s treat was on the side patio of Lorenzos Trattoria: a gloriously messy pile of bright fresh bruschette followed by an Italian-American classic, tortellini with peas and prosciutto. A cocktail might have been involved.
Last evening’s treat was on the side patio of Lorenzos Trattoria: a gloriously messy pile of bright fresh bruschette followed by an Italian-American classic, tortellini with peas and prosciutto. A cocktail might have been involved.
This one is for my girlfriends. You know who you are.
(And I repeat: Brenda Starr was a goddess.)
(And I repeat: Brenda Starr was a goddess.)
October 14, 2025 at 10:45 PM
This one is for my girlfriends. You know who you are.
(And I repeat: Brenda Starr was a goddess.)
(And I repeat: Brenda Starr was a goddess.)
Another Ed-free week of dinner dates, and the first of three on The Hill.
Charlie Gitto's has, for my money, the best t-ravs in town (they claim the title of OG): filled to bursting w/ meat and w/ all sharp edges trimmed off. Add their Fiore Boghese (in a pink cognac sauce) and it’s a great dinner.
Charlie Gitto's has, for my money, the best t-ravs in town (they claim the title of OG): filled to bursting w/ meat and w/ all sharp edges trimmed off. Add their Fiore Boghese (in a pink cognac sauce) and it’s a great dinner.
October 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Another Ed-free week of dinner dates, and the first of three on The Hill.
Charlie Gitto's has, for my money, the best t-ravs in town (they claim the title of OG): filled to bursting w/ meat and w/ all sharp edges trimmed off. Add their Fiore Boghese (in a pink cognac sauce) and it’s a great dinner.
Charlie Gitto's has, for my money, the best t-ravs in town (they claim the title of OG): filled to bursting w/ meat and w/ all sharp edges trimmed off. Add their Fiore Boghese (in a pink cognac sauce) and it’s a great dinner.
I have an event (not a date) tonight, and that always poses an important question.
(Side note: Brenda Starr was a goddess.)
(Side note: Brenda Starr was a goddess.)
October 11, 2025 at 4:29 PM
I have an event (not a date) tonight, and that always poses an important question.
(Side note: Brenda Starr was a goddess.)
(Side note: Brenda Starr was a goddess.)
I didn’t have a date for tonight, so I’ll just offer this appropriate bit of food humor.
October 10, 2025 at 10:37 PM
I didn’t have a date for tonight, so I’ll just offer this appropriate bit of food humor.
I THOUGHT I recognized our BBQ-joint destination (remember The Bungalow?).
The Stellar Hog has retained that excellent South City hoosier vibe.
More important, they deliver stellar pork, as advertised.
I snagged a whole rack + creamy mac’n’cheese + THE best pork’n’beans I’ve had since I was little.
The Stellar Hog has retained that excellent South City hoosier vibe.
More important, they deliver stellar pork, as advertised.
I snagged a whole rack + creamy mac’n’cheese + THE best pork’n’beans I’ve had since I was little.
October 10, 2025 at 5:49 PM
I THOUGHT I recognized our BBQ-joint destination (remember The Bungalow?).
The Stellar Hog has retained that excellent South City hoosier vibe.
More important, they deliver stellar pork, as advertised.
I snagged a whole rack + creamy mac’n’cheese + THE best pork’n’beans I’ve had since I was little.
The Stellar Hog has retained that excellent South City hoosier vibe.
More important, they deliver stellar pork, as advertised.
I snagged a whole rack + creamy mac’n’cheese + THE best pork’n’beans I’ve had since I was little.