Celebrations - Cape Girardeau, MO

Date of dining experience: February 5, 2016 (my wife's birthday)

Place: Celebrations Restaurant & Bar

Location: 615 Bellevue St. in Cape Girardeau, MO

I took my wife here for her birthday dinner as a surprise (though she did guess where we were going) and we both had an amazing time. I love you, Audry!

Celebrations does have a regular menu and a Prix Fixe menu (four course tasting menu), but we went all out. We ordered the degustation, which is the ultimate dining event they offer. It is a seven course feast and we opted to have it paired with wine. The degustation is the most decadent mean they offer and it is only by request. If this is what you desire, be sure to call ahead to assure the finest experience possible as each menu is a surprise to the guests and are tailor made per table. And let me tell you, the portions of each course were about twice the size as I was expecting!

I do not remember all of the wines paired with our degustation or the specifics of each course, but I will list out the main parts.

After the amuse-bouche (beets and arugula), we had:
Course 1: Sea Scallops - paired with a dry white wine.
Course 2: Rockfish - paired with a dry white wine.
Course 3: Mussels - paired with a dry white wine.
Course 4: Braised Lamb - paired with a dry red wine.
Course 5: Duck Breast - paired with a dry red wine.
Course 6: Cheese - both were fantastic, but I don't recall their names - paired with a nice sherry.
Course 7: Chocolate Torte - flourless chocolate cake - paired with a sweet red wine (not a port).

Celebrations is definitely a hidden gem in Cape Girardeau. This is the second time I've eaten here and my mind was blown both times. When I go back to Celebrations I will be more likely to order the Prix Fixe menu instead of the degustation. Seven courses was a little too much food, but I feel like four would be just right. However, I'm not opposed to trying another degustation somewhere else because the portions in places other than southeast Missouri will probably be more normal (smaller).

As always, kudos to Celebrations for a job well done. The food was exquisite, the service impeccable, and the wine pairings perfect.

If you live in southeast Missouri, trying Celebrations is a must. Make it for a special occasion or for a weekend date night. Either way, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Once you try it, let me know what you think! Enjoy!