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Articles by Dana Dean
Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier to Open Boutique at Macy’s Herald Square on National Chocolate Day, October 28
The boutique is located inside Macy's Herald Square (6th Floor), 151 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001 Historic chocolatier debuts 2,500-square-foot luxury destination on the 6th floor This iconic destination is the perfect fit for our chocolate, which was once served in the Palace of Versailles and as far as we can tell, is the oldest chocolate company in the world.” NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, October 21, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier, the legendary chocolate...
Drive thru pizza joint 'Pizza Champ' serves New York-style pies in Maplewood
MAPLEWOOD, Mo. — The owners of fine dining restaurant Elmwood are behind Pizza Champ, which is one of the hottest pizza joints in town. Chris Kelling, owner, said, "Planned to be a 90-day project, just a fun thing. That's why we called it Pizza Champ, and it kind of took off." Pizza Champ is the little engine that could. It went from pandemic pop-up to its own location on the corner of Lyle and Manchester in Maplewood. It's a drive thru pizza joint with a patio coming soon.
Teddy Bear Christmas Land is celebrating 30 years
Each year, the Trevisano family uses their light display as an opportunity to raise money for the St. Patrick’s Center CRESTWOOD, Mo. — Teddy Bear Christmas Land is a private home in Crestwood decked out with lights and teddy bears, and the public is invited to view it every year. No, the Griswolds don’t own this home. This Christmas light display can be found on Pardee Road and is put on by the Trevisanos.
This Florissant coffee shop is serving up latte flights
The secret ingredient to her success: menu items that you won’t find at Starbucks. FLORISSANT, Mo. — Nyshaun Harvey is the woman behind the menu at Latte Lounge in Florissant. You could say she’s caffeine obsessed. Things have been going so well at the Latte Lounge that she will soon be opening a second location in Downtown St. Louis. The secret ingredient to her success: menu items that you won’t find at Starbucks – like a latte flight, which is a board with five 12 oz. drinks, hot or iced.
Blind runner and running guide train for Chicago Marathon
Josh, who has been an athlete his whole life, was able to run his first marathon last year. ST. LOUIS — Running buddies Josh Sisson and Robert Garr are unstoppable – not just because they are fast, but because of what drives them. “I could see until I was 5 years old. I have a degenerative retina condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa. So, I could see, and then, it just kind of… it was pretty sudden. I don’t remember a day where I just woke up blind, but it happened pretty fast,” said Josh.
No forest, no problem | Check out this mushroom farm in the middle of the city
ST. LOUIS — VL’s Urban Farm on Ivanhoe Avenue grows gourmet mushrooms indoors and puts them on display for all to see. Mike Crabtree, chief mycologist and master farmer, grew up hunting for morel mushrooms in Southern Illinois. While you cannot grow those, he does grow other varieties like Lion’s Mane, Blue Oyster and Pink Oyster. He sold mushrooms at the Soulard Farmers’ Market for three years. Now, he has his own shop and sells mushrooms to the public and to chefs.
This infamous saloon in Grafton, Illinois dates back to the Civil War
When The Bloody Bucket was falling to pieces in recent years, the Allen family saw a bright future. GRAFTON, Ill. — The Bloody Bucket Saloon in Grafton, Illinois is serving up cold drinks and warm smiles. Oh, and there is also rattlesnake skin, cash on the ceiling, and antique paintings staring at you. That is just the start of what makes this dive bar such an interesting stop along Route 100. The Bloody Bucket’s checkered past is part of the charm.
Kolten Wong selling $2M Creve Coeur home
The former Cardinal now plays for the Brewers and is selling his Creve Coeur home. CREVE COEUR, Mo. — Major League Baseball player Kolten Wong called St. Louis home for a decade. Now, you can buy the home he's leaving behind. The former Cardinal now plays for the Brewers and is selling his Creve Coeur home. The home is priced at just under $2 million. "They unfortunately are leaving St Louis and are putting their house on the market," said Lindsay Bosworth, Boutique Realty partner.
“I was in shock.” | Francis Howell Central High School senior offered full ride scholarship during mock interview Original
Little did Amanda Johnson know that her pretend job interview was about to change things for her in real life. ST. LOUIS — Francis Howell Central High School senior Amanda Johnson was the right student in the right place at the right time. Last Saturday, the 18-year-old attended a mock job interview event in front of a small crowd at The Whitfield Foundation for Success in South City. The event gives teens a chance to practice interview skills before stepping into the real world.
'I was in shock' | Francis Howell Central High School senior offered full-ride scholarship during mock interview
Little did Amanda Johnson know that her pretend job interview was about to change things for her in real life ST. LOUIS — Francis Howell Central High School senior Amanda Johnson was the right student in the right place at the right time. Last Saturday, the 18-year-old attended a mock job interview event in front of a small crowd at The Whitfield Foundation for Success in south city. The event gives teens a chance to practice interview skills before stepping into the real world.
Home to viral sensation Martha the miniature horse, Wildwood rescue ranch starts tours again
WILDWOOD, Mo. — Off Wild Horse Creek Road in Wildwood, rescued horses find rest and relaxation on 32 acres at R&R Ranch. Owner Stacy Rolfe said, "They're the heart of it. The reasons people slow down, hang their heads out, take pictures and videos, it's the horses." Not just any horses, but miniature horses. Rolfe said, "If you don't know anything about R&R ranch, you would think those people are crazy, they just have miniature horses.
'Dinoroarus' is back from extinction at the Saint Louis Zoo
You'll find it in the space that was formerly the Children's Zoo with 16 groupings of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs. ST. LOUIS — Dinoroarus opens to the public at the Saint Louis Zoo on Saturday, April 17. Dana Dean is giving you a look at what you can expect at the exhibit. Dinoroarus at the Saint Louis Zoo lives up to its name. After more than a decade, the exhibit is back from extinction, larger, louder, and with a new location.
Moving out: Check out Dexter Fowler’s $2.6M Town and Country home
ST. LOUIS — Dexter Fowler is moving west. In February, he was traded from the Cardinals to the Los Angeles Angels. He recently put his beautiful Town and Country home on the market. It’s located in a private neighborhood off Topping Road. It’s a modern home that any realtor would love to list. Lindsay Bosworth, Boutique Realty, said, "This was a realtor's dream." Buyers came in hot for a home at this price point, $2.6M, and went under contract quickly.
A look inside a $5 million Ladue mansion for sale
This spectacular Ladue home on Log Cabin Court offers 6 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, and something eye-catching from wall to wall, floor to ceiling and around every turn. LADUE, Mo. — A 19,000 square foot Ladue mansion is on the market for a little more than $5 million. The mansion has an indoor pool, which is a rare find in the area. As Dana Dean reports, it's the collections inside the house that make it truly one of a kind.
Annie Malone's legacy: Did Netflix series 'Self Made' get it wrong?
Netflix's "Self Made" puts early 20th century St. Louis in the limelight, focusing on two trailblazing haircare entrepreneurs: Madam C.J. Walker and Annie Malone ST. LOUIS — Two women who became self-made female millionaires started their journeys in St. Louis. Which one became the first millionaire is still being debated today. And the debate now involves the top streaming service in the world. But did Netflix and filmmakers get the story wrong?
Loyal to Local: Laura K. Sawyier's Valentine's Day Gift Guide
This St. Louis Valentine's Day Gift Guide was curated by local Fashion Stylist & Consultant Laura K. Sawyier ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2021 Curated by Laura K. Sawyier, Fashion Stylist & Consultant Valentines from Cheree Berry Paper The traditional Valentine’s holiday is emphasized by writing sweet cards and giving all those you want to share a little love with.
Father, son take 'Then and Now Photo Challenge'
KIRKWOOD, Mo. — On the left, you can see Marlon Whitfield lifting his son Jordan when he was 4 years old. In the middle, you see Marlon lifting Jordan when he was 8 years old. And on the right, they captured the moment again; Jordan is now 12. This time, they had a professional photographer take the stunning image. The dad posted the photos social media as part of the popular Then and Now Photo Challenge. Behind the scenes video of the photo shoot shows it was no easy task lifting his 12-year-old.
St. Louisan Hunter Sansone has starring role in Disney+ film
Hunter Sansone is making Chaminade and St. Louis proud with his starring role in the film 'Safety' on Disney+. ST. LOUIS — Reporter: "First I have to ask the St. Louis question, 'Where did you go to high school?'" Hunter Sansone: "Of course, I went to Chaminade." Hunter Sansone is making Chaminade and St. Louis proud with his starring role in the film Safety on Disney+. Hunter's friend pushed him to go for the role.
Maryland Heights company creates app for popular L.O.L. Surprise! brand
Chances are if you shopped for a kid this holiday season, they may have asked for a L.O.L Surprise doll. MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. — St. Louis is an emerging market for games and Entertainment Technology, and there's some big news for a local video game developer that created a new app based on a popular toy. Chances are if you shopped for a kid this holiday season, they may have asked for a L.O.L Surprise doll.
Local Silent Retreat helps you press pause on a busy life
ST. LOUIS — In order to slow down, some people are staying silent. Silent Retreats are certainly one way to unplug from your busy life. Meet the St. Louis occupational therapist who wants you to give yourself permission to press pause. In a world of noise, Dr. Brittany Conners wants you to be quiet.
Local business provides luxury pop-up picnics in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS — From a get together with your girls to romantic proposals, a St. Louis company is creating pop-up picnics anywhere you desire. It’s called Alpaca Picnic – so, it’s a play on words, “I’ll pack a picnic: Alpaca Picnic.” Julie Ellison, who lived in San Diego and worked in the travel and events industry, came up with the idea when the pandemic hit. She moved back to St. Louis and brought the pop-up picnic idea from the west coast with her back home.
Children’s book “Goodnight 2 St. Louis” features The Wheel and The Aquarium
Goodnight St. Louis written by June Herman and Julie Dubray is a children’s book that became an instant hit when it was released seven years ago. They had no idea it would be so successful when it came out back in 2013. Now, there is a version from the same authors called Goodnight 2 St. Louis. The book just hit store shelves. Updates in the new book include The Wheel and The Aquarium. Parents and children can celebrate the city by reading Goodnight 2 St. Louis.
St. Louis travel journalist pens new book 'Finding the American Dream'
Travel journalist Bill Clevlen got the idea to write his latest book "Finding the American Dream" after visiting the childhood home of Johnny Cash in Dyess, Arkansas. "Here's a guy, Johnny Cash, obviously rose to big time fame, huge star and he came from this tiny little town with nothing but dirt roads everywhere and small little house.
Local third generation Italian American writes book about The Hill
ST. LOUIS — “The Hill” was written by a third generation Italian American, LynnMarie Alexander. She is not only the director and archivist of The Hill Neighborhood Center, but she grew up there. “My grandparents, great grandparents were here. I live in my great grandparents’ home,” she said. And you can’t write a book about The Hill without the food. And there’s lots of it. From restaurants, bakeries and markets, it’s more than enough to rev up your appetite.
19-year-old entrepreneur opens Major Beauty House in Dogtown
ST. LOUIS — How old were you when you decided what you wanted to do? Kaniya Slusher was just 16 and working at McDonalds when she became laser focused on opening her own salon. 3 years later, she did it. Reporter: "19 and you have your own salon?" Kaniya: "Yes, I do. It sounds so crazy when you say it, but yes, I do." Major Beauty House is a lash and brow salon in Dogtown. She has 9 employees.
Sneak peek into the upcoming season of 'This Is Us'
Chrissy Metz shares what's to come on 'This Is Us' ahead of the Season 5 premiere. ST. LOUIS — Get ready for an emotional ride... 'This Is Us' returns for Season 5 on Oct. 27 with a two-hour premiere on NBC. The show was supposed to premiere on Nov. 10, but got moved up. This season, the show touches on the coronavirus pandemic and racial injustice. 5 On Your Side's Dana Dean spoke with Chrissy Mets, who is Kate Pearson in the show, ahead of the premiere.
Sneak peek into the upcoming season of 'This Is Us'
ST. LOUIS — Get ready for an emotional ride... 'This Is Us' returns for Season 5 on Oct. 27 with a two-hour premiere on NBC. The show was supposed to premiere on Nov. 10, but got moved up. This season, the show touches on the coronavirus pandemic and racial injustice. 5 On Your Side's Dana Dean spoke with Chrissy Mets, who is Kate Pearson in the show, ahead of the premiere. “We are taking on the pandemic, the social unrest, the injustice full on. I’m really grateful for that.
Snack. serves up edible cookie dough through pop-ups and online orders
ST. LOUIS — Keegan Nesch and Claire Ford came up with the idea for a business called Snack. during the pandemic. Nesch said, "I work for a catering company in St. Louis, and with COVID, nobody's really having parties. Hours got cut, they were doing what they could but we were still struggling a little bit. So, we decided to do this." Keegan is a chef. Claire works in design and marketing.
New gourmet popcorn shop 'Pop Pop Hurray' coming soon to Ferguson
FERGUSON, Mo. — There’s a new gourmet popcorn shop coming to Ferguson. It’s coming soon, and Show Me St. Louis got a sneak peak of Pop Pop Hurray before it opens to the public. Tony Davis is popping open the doors on this new family-owned business. “It’s an amazing space in downtown Ferguson next to iconic businesses: Cathy’s Kitchen, who has amazing food – she’s flourishing.
$1.5M Kirkwood home for sale was once a train depot
There's a house for sale in Kirkwood with a unique past. Show Me St. Louis Host Dana Dean shows us how this piece of history is still chugging right along. KIRKWOOD, Mo. — It was love at first sight for Don and Maria Kukla when they saw 1030 Barberry Lane in Kirkwood during a fundraising event 14 years ago.
Arch Apparel opens St. Charles location this weekend
With the new store, comes new St. Charles gear. ST CHARLES, Mo. — A local business known for T-shirts and other St. Louis swag is growing. The owner of Arch Apparel, Aaron Park, thought it was time St. Charles had a store of its own. With the new store, comes new St. Charles gear. The new location is a pop-up shop in the Streets of St. Charles, but it could be in St. Charles to stay. Arch Apparel’s grand opening is Saturday, October 3 at 11 a.m. There will be music, giveaways, food and drinks.
The ‘don’t wear white after Labor Day’ rule is long gone according to local stylist
Show Me St. Louis Laura K. Sawyier believes we can wear any color all year round. Author: Dana Dean, Lexi Brown Published: 12:33 PM CDT September 29, 2020 Updated: 12:33 PM CDT September 29, 2020 ST. LOUIS — Fashion stylist and consultant Laura K. Sawyier says the not wearing white after Labor Day rule is long gone. She believes we can wear any color all year. Here are some examples she shared: Check out more fashion tips and inspiration from Sawyier on Instagram.
Frontenac sculptor makes head-turning art using your photos
Show Me St. Louis Katie Bensky is able to turn your photos into fine art. Author: Dana Dean Published: 12:45 PM CDT September 24, 2020 Updated: 12:45 PM CDT September 24, 2020 FRONTENAC, Mo. — It's head-turning art. She said, “I kind of had a calling to do heads, as you can see around me.” Katie Bensky of Frontenac is the brains behind those heads, which are made out of clay. The reporter asked, “Why heads?” She said, “That's what's so weird about it. I don't know.
Come for the birds, stay for the views at World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park
VALLEY PARK, Mo. — World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park provides refuge and rehabilitation to hundreds of our feathered friends every year. It's also the perfect escape for us humans, too. Holly Berthold, Marketing and Development, said, "We're situated on 305 acres of Missouri Hardwood Forest. In the coming week, this place is going to be ablaze with color." When you get here, take in the peaceful surroundings, and go on a walking tour to see where the birds live.
St. Louis mom’s alternative to timeouts turns into multimillion-dollar business
Suzanne Tucker of Richmond Heights has gone global with a product close to her heart. It’s called the Time-In ToolKit. ST. LOUIS — Parenting during a pandemic has its challenges, but there’s something that can help those with younger children thanks to a St. Louis mom. Her solution to timeouts is selling around the globe in more than 200 countries. Suzanne Tucker of Richmond Heights has gone global with a product close to her heart. It’s called the Time-In ToolKit.
MO native and country music star Sara Evans chats new memoir with Show Me St. Louis
The Missouri native is the fifth most played female artist at country radio in nearly the last two decades. ST. LOUIS — Sara Evans' new memoir is called Born to Fly, also the name of her chart topping single, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The reporter asked, "20 years since Born to Fly, can you believe that?” Sara responded, “I can't. Where did the time go?
Local model with Down syndrome is using the spotlight to change the world
Grace Strobel is lighting up the fashion scene and breaking barriers at the same time as a model who has Down syndrome. CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — 24-year-old Grace Strobel from Chesterfield is using the spotlight to change the world. Grace said, “No matter who you are, we want all the same things. To be valued, to be expected, to feel good about ourselves.” Grace is lighting up the fashion scene and breaking barriers at the same time as a model who has Down syndrome.
Your guide to the perfect patios thanks to St. Louis Magazine's George Mahe
It seems like everyone is on the hunt for the perfect patio right now. St. Louis Magazine's Dining Editor George Mahe tells us about some of the best in the area. ST. LOUIS — You don’t have to choose between ambiance and food - there are plenty of patios in St. Louis that offer both. Mahe dedicated an article to that in St. Louis Magazine, based off of a reader’s question. So, here’s his list. But keep in mind, it’s not his whole list.
These drone videos show off St. Louis' beauty
ST. LOUIS — Drone popularity is soaring - pardon the pun. But it's true, and there's just something about that bird's eye view that people can't get enough of. There's a social media account you'll want to follow, if you're not already. As the name implies, you'll get to see your favorite spots in a whole new way. Justin Barr is the aerial photographer behind STL from Above. His videos tend to make you feel like you're the one flying. Barr said, "The stuff I shot for the arch was pretty crazy.
Inside Cured and Cultured: The restaurant, deli, market, and spirit shoppe all in one
ST. LOUIS — A Deli/Market, Spirit Shoppe and Restaurant recently opened in Belleville. Even if you don't live on the Illinois side of the river, we hear the sandwiches so good, it's worth the drive. Why just open a restaurant, when you can open a restaurant, deli, market, and spirit shoppe all in one? That's what Adam Hill decided to do in Belleville. He said, "People are always going to need spirits. People are always going to want wine.
What's the story behind the painted doors throughout St. Louis?
ST. LOUIS — Have you noticed the beautifully painted doors throughout the region? Some are at breweries, delis and there's even one at Busch Stadium. These colorful doors have popped up everywhere from O'Fallon, Missouri to O'Fallon, Illinois. "They really are works of art," said senior director of regional corporate relations for the American Cancer Society Jason McClelland. The art installation is called 42 Doors of Hope. It's a new campaign from the American Cancer Society.
PhD Antiques Appraiser Dr. Lori can tell you how much your thrift store objects and antiques are worth
When in doubt, don’t throw it out – ask Dr. Lori instead. ST. LOUIS — Dr. Lori has appraised everything from Beanie Babies to a Leonardo da Vinci painting. Whatever it is, she loves telling people what it’s worth. “I’m helping them to identify objects at thrift stores and other places, and to identify them properly, know what they’re really worth and flip them,” said PhD Antiques Appraiser Dr. Lori.
Hunting for chanterelle mushrooms with The Mushroom Lady
Dana Dean went mushroom hunting with Maxine Stone A.K.A. The Mushroom Lady. ST. LOUIS — Maxine Stone is known as The Mushroom Lady. She wrote a book and was president of The Missouri Mycological Society for six years, so that’s where the nickname came from. You could say she has chanterelle eyes because whenever conditions are right, she starts looking.
Frisco Train Store reopens, thanks community for support
Owners Tom and Kristin Berry posted on Facebook asking people to shop at their store. VALLEY PARK, Mo. — Frisco Train Store has reopened, but the pandemic nearly closed its doors for good because of the financial hit. So, the owners asked for help, and the community stepped up in a big way. The 140-year-old building next to the railroad tracks in Valley Park was originally built by the Frisco line as a hotel for railroad workers. Today, the name still lives on in the Frisco Train Store.
Olive + Oak opens for patio dining in new location along with brewpub Perennial on Lockwood
WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. — Olive + Oak moved into a new building in Webster Groves. The new space is also the home of the brewpub Perennial on Lockwood. Olive + Oak’s “new old space” is a 94-year-old building that has been renovated. Perennial on Lockwood is behind the restaurant, and then beyond that is an event space. While customers cannot yet dine indoors, the patio is open for both places. Olive + Oak is open for dinner on the patio, and Perennial on Lockwood is open for lunch on the patio.
Cool down on a hot summer day by having Pete’s Pops come to your neighborhood
You can send an email to petespopsstl@gmail.com to request Pete’s Pops visit your neighborhood. ST. LOUIS — On the road, at a cart, or through a window – Pete’s Pops St. Louis is sure to cool you down on a hot summer day. The company started in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Last summer, Pete’s Pops came to St. Louis thanks to Tim Garvey, who is also the owner of Pretzel Boys. “A good friend of mine named Pete Cooney started it out there. We went to high school together here in St. Louis.
Local designer turning face masks into a fashion statement
ST. LOUIS — Local designer Brandin Vaughn grew up designing clothes for his classmates. Now, he has experienced designing for celebrities. Vivica A. Fox is his biggest client. “The exposure that she gave me, it opened me up to a bigger clientele,” says Vaughn. His fashion isn’t just for the famous – it’s for anyone who wants custom clothes. “My shop is a very sophisticated, elegant and edgy place. I like to dress for any occasion. It’s very laid back.
An inspiring thing happened when the Annie Malone parade was canceled
ST. LOUIS — “So, the Annie Malone Parade is probably one of the most anticipated community events. You actually have to be there to feel the energy; just the vibe.” When the parade was canceled because of COVID-19, organizers wondered if a virtual event was even possible. Pat Washington, Vice Presidents of Development and External Affairs, called motivational speaker Koran Bolden for help. “But how do you have a virtual parade? You can't put all those pieces together.
A mother and daughter’s act of kindness in Ferguson leads to life-changing moment for Walmart greeter
FERGUSON, Mo. — Kim Bouldin-Jones woke up on May 31 with a heavy heart. After unrest in Ferguson the night before, the mother of three left her St. Charles home with her daughter Erin to help cleanup. "I want to be a person that does something positive. And, you know, and all the social and racial unrest, being an African American mom of two boys, I mean, this really impacted me.
You can sign your kids up for a virtual summer camp
With many summer activities being canceled due to the pandemic, Nichole Antoine and Debra Bryant decided to launch a virtual camp. ST. LOUIS — The COVID-19 pandemic has canceled many things, including summer camps. With summer starting, many parents are looking for things to do with their kids. But organizations are finding creative alternatives, such as virtual camps. Nichole Antoine from Creve Coeur is helping kids stay busy this summer without leaving their homes.
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