Painting Celebrations in a different light

We have some beautiful fine dining establishments in Cape Girardeau, such as Celebrations restaurant which has been in operation for 22 years.

I've been invited to dine at Celebrations several times but have always ended up elsewhere. Many think luxury and elegance when they hear "fine dining." I immediately think stuffy, pretentious, expensive and boring. A friend insisted I delve out of my comfort zone and dine with him at Celebrations. A connoisseur of the finer things, I have no doubt he feels taking me under his wing and refining my palate is a duty to you, the reader. I took a peek at Celebrations' menu and the crispy skin duck breast and pan seared foie gras caught my attention. I can hardly pronounce foie gras but it sounds like something I should try at least once.

I was warming to the idea of exploring this culinary treat when something caught my eye. "Blue Dog." There is a George Rodrigue painting at Celebrations? I texted my friend, "Is it real?" He had no idea what I was talking about. In fact, I believe he may have been taken aback. He was offering me the artfully prepared delicacies of a skilled and talented chef, and I was excited about a dog painting? I was already impressed by the menu; "Blue Dog" just sealed the deal. "Blue Dog" was like a welcome sign beckoning me in and melting away my last bit of trepidation. I just wanted to be in the same room. Was it an original painting or a silk-screen? I could hardly contain myself until the day arrived.

Upon entering Celebrations we were led to the less formal side of the restaurant. Immediately to my left I was thrilled to see "Blue Dog" adorned the wall. A couple seated at the bar enjoyed drinks while the sound of laughter erupted from a group dining at a table in the corner. We were led to a small table near the fireplace. The walls were dark blue, the tables dressed in white linens, music infused a cheerful energy into the room, and I smiled when I noticed two more "Blue Dog" paintings prominently displayed. I had pegged this place all wrong. It was warm. It was intimate. Nothing stuffy or pretentious about it. "Upscale casual" may describe the essence.

We turned our attention to the menu where I handed the reins over to my friend. He ordered the chicken liver pate as our appetizer and decided sharing a couple of small plates might allow for a little adventure. He played it safe with the housemade prime meatballs then added a little excitement by ordering the escargot. That's right, I was going to try the French delicacy also known as snails.

Celebrations House Prime Meatballs Small Plate.Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo

First, we tried the escargot. I had no idea what to expect. Visually it reminded me of an oyster, though that is where the similarity ended. It was served with Brussels sprouts and visible bits of bacon in what I would describe as a rich, beefy sauce. It was so delicious we shamelessly used the toasted slices of bread to soak up the juices from the bottom of the plate.

Next, we shared the housemade prime meatballs. The meatballs were served with Käsespätzle (which I understand is a type of Bavarian egg noodle) and fried kale in a mushroom Marsala pan sauce. I am easily pleased by a well made meatball. I enjoyed the Käsespätzle, but to my friend's chagrin I was most excited about the kale. It is one of the healthiest foods around, but I would hardly say I enjoy the taste. To use the outdated vernacular of my now adult children's youth, the fried kale was "da bomb." I had no idea kale could be prepared in a way that would leave me craving more. That takes skill. My compliments to the chef.

Last, we indulged in the most beautiful and artfully presented slice of banana cream pie I have ever encountered. In fact, my eyes didn't return to "Blue Dog" even once until after we devoured the last scrumptious bite.

In my opinion Celebrations embodies everything "Blue Dog" represented for the late artist George Rodrigue. Heritage. Community. Character. Inspiration. Evolution. Art. They have succeeded in creating what they describe as "an edible portrait of one defining moment an experience of mind, body and geography."

DeWayne Schaaf is a talented artist, and I look forward to enjoying more of his creations.

Celebrations Banana Cream Pie.Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo