Hard to imagine, but spring training is approaching quickly. This will be Tony LaRussa’s strongest baseball team as a Cardinal’s manager going into spring training. I always have fun watching Tony and Cardinal’s management as they put the final touches on the team. There are just a couple pieces of the puzzle missing, but we are close to putting the puzzle together. All we need is a backup outfielder, infielder, and another arm in the rotation. Once those positions are filled, we have a real shot at toasting our Michelob Ultra beer glasses at the end of the season and my favorite time to toast, after the playoffs.
LaRussa is better than any manager in spring training and he has several projects, but I’m interested in the performance of David Freese and Joe Mather. David Freese is in top-notch shape and is set to capitalize on the job opening at third base. Joe Mather is mentally ready, physically in incredible shape, and may be one of the missing pieces to the puzzle; he can play outfield, back-up third base, and even first base if Mr. Pujols needs a day’s rest.
I’m also excited to see how big of an influence Big Mac is going to have on the hitters, especially the young ones, who he should really be able to help. With Big Mac’s experience, he will definitely help Joe Mather find his place in the batter’s box. I really think Mather is going to be a great project for Big Mac and will be enjoyable to watch that develop. I look forward to observing the hitting results from LaRussa’s new hitting coach.
I had a great time at the Whitey Herzog Party here at Shannon’s. Whitey gave an interesting speech and it was great to see him and his former players as well. I enjoyed talking and visiting with all the great people who came out for this event. I was thrilled to see a long time customer and friend, Homer Plackmeyer. Homer was shaking hands with and entertaining his guests the whole evening. Homer is 105 years young. We look forward to Whitey’s induction into the Hall of Fame and all the events leading up to the induction.
I would also like to say a heart-felt congratulations to my daughter, Pat Shannon-VanMatre, my co-owner of the restaurant, on a very honorable award. She is being recognized this weekend as the Restaurateur of the Year by the Missouri Restaurant Association. Well deserved, Pat!
I’m as excited as you are for spring training to begin in a just a couple of weeks. Stay tuned for new updates next month; they will be from beautiful Jupiter, Florida.
Upcoming Downtown Events
2/6 Blues vs. Blackhawks
Scottrade Center 2/14 Valentines Day
2/16- 2/21 Mama Mia St. Louis Fox Theatre 2/18 George Strait and Reba Scottrade Center 2/26 - 2/28 P.B.R. is invading St. Louis Scottrade Center
Upcoming & Current Promotions
Purchase a gift card and receive a free bottle of Mike's Cabernet
Happy Hour will be available soon at Mike Shannon's. Stay tuned for more details.
Chef's Corner
Chef Nick is featuring the 12-ounce Filet Oscar topped with jumbo lump crab, citrus chili hollandaise sauce, toped with asparagus tips. This dish pairs well with a bottle of our featured wines of the month that are described below.
Make your reservation today and we look forward to seeing you soon.
From the Vault
Featured wine’s this month.
Raymond Generations 2003 Cabernet- This is a smooth well balanced wine with pronounced flavors of berries, spice, and licorice. The finish is very dry, has fine tannins that are tingly and slightly prolonged.
I.O. Syrah- This bottle has a burst of flavors, including dark plum, brown spice and fresh tobacco greets the palate and is enhanced by a richly textured mouth feel and smooth, gravely tannins.
Try a bottle of our featured wine with our Filet Oscar or any of our wonderful steaks.
Become Friends with Mike
You can now follow Mike Shannons Steaks and Seafood on Facebook and Twitter. Keep up with what is going on at the restaurant, with Mike, and the big names that are stopping by!
Trivia
What high school did Mike Shannon attend?
Come in to Mike Shannon's and give the answer to your server for a free dessert.
