With it being a high of 18 degrees on this February Thursday, I can't help but reminisce back to a few weekends ago when it was
68 and sunny. Being unquestionably unreal temperatures for any February day in St. Louis, it couldn't have happened on a better day. One of my favorite events of the year is the
Mardi Gras Beggin' Pet Parade, which takes place in Soulard annually. Basically, you grab your furry friend, dress them up (if they're willing enough), and head down to the streets of Soulard to watch or walk in the parade, socialize, and watch wiener dog races. Even if you don't have a furry friend to bring along, attending on it's own makes for a pretty amazing Sunday Funday.
Located in a little, eclectic part of town, known as Cherokee, we started the day with brunch at a restaurant called
Yaquis. Having been informed about the bottomless mimosa special on Sundays, a few friends that frequent this wine bar/ pizza place were gungho for pizza and crepes. With the weather being pleasantly sunny (and having a furry friend in tow), we situated ourselves at a sidewalk patio table.
Immediately happy to see a little four-legged creature, a server brought out a large bowl of water and Zoey enjoyed unlimited pets, while we enjoyed our unlimited mimosas. Multiple times, our waiter brought out the bottles of champagne and orange juice to refill our glasses, so it was clear they weren't being stingy with the champagne. Pineapple was an optional topping on the menu, which I was ecstatic about since not all places have such offerings. Deciding on pepperoni, pineapple, and jalapeno with eggs sunny side up style, the wood-fired pizza did not disappoint.
After having to park a mile or so away, seeing as we weren't the only ones planning to go to the pet parade on such an enjoyable day, we made our way to Soulard. Zoey, being the party animal she is, was on a mission to fight the crowds and cut up front to take part in the fun.
After the Soulard excitement, we headed back to Cherokee to a dog-friendly bar, where Zoey and Thin Mint became playful friends. Every time I leave the house to go to work, the gym, social events, and so on, I receive the puppy-eye guilt trip. I feel more bars in the Midwest should allow furry friends...After all, drinking with dogs in a bar is better than drinking with the majority of people in a bar.
So needless to say, after a party-filled Doggy Gras of secretly lapping up spilt beer, walking miles, and making new friends, it took a few days for Zoey to overcome her doggy hangover.
