Have you ever wanted to be in a place where you can buy a plant and eat an omelet within five minutes of each other? In my mind, there’s no better combination. And I finally found the place.
When I enter Cafe Osage and Bowood Farms, I'm always filled with joy. The first time I came, it was a cold November day, yet the sunlight illuminated the warehouse windows and whitewashed walls brilliantly, creating a bright pick-me-up for any day, let alone a cold winter one. I have been back several times since then, and this cafe has become my go-to for out-of-town guests, talking with dearest friends, finding that perfect gift or small something that adds delight to a beautiful corner in my little apartment.
I went back just this week and got to enjoy the sun streaming in the windows once again.
Let's head inside.
A staple in the Central West End since 2005, the interior of the beautifully refinished Cafe Osage + Bowood Farms warehouse is expansive, airy, and bright. Tall, white-painted warehouse ceilings distract your eyes from the giftware, plants, and useful household goods that greet you right when you walk in those thrown-open front doors.
Let's start where I always start- food.
EAT
If I can get myself to take my eyes long enough off of the beauty of the place to focus on the menu, I quickly find another reason for joy- a simple, yet thoughtful menu that is filled with not only the highest quality, fresh ingredients, but ingredients that are grown right across the street from the cafe (or on the roof).
The menu features classics with creativity and quality. The Brioche French Toast is made complete with maple syrup and sunshine. The ever-changing house-made fruit compote adds a Cafe Osage twist to Mixed Grain Pancakes. And a House-Made Soda Inspired by the Rooftop Garden offers a creative way to sweeten up and add interest to any breakfast- with six creative flavor options that you won't regret. (The rosemary one pictured below was definitely a winner in my book and might just be something I make on my own at home soon!)
Although I'd like to say that I'm adventurous with my food choices, I have ended up getting the same thing almost every time I've been, because I've found my go-to meal that I love: Two Eggs Your Way with two over-easy eggs, Nueske bacon, and a hash of vegetables that are all organic and from local sources. The Greens, Eggs, and Ham with prosciutto, arugula, and poached eggs is definitely worth trying if you'd like to branch out! (Also, if you're like me and are dealing with food allergies, this place is very accommodating and kind. I always skip the toast, ask for extra vegetables, request dairy-free, and they don't bat an eye.)
If you'd like more detail or to know how the menu has changed with the season, you can always check out their full menu here!
With your food expect an extra dose of charm, being surrounded by bustling, vibrant community, and your check to arrive in an antique book where customers have been writing tales, tidbits, and thank-yous in the pages for years.
Next stop, plants.
PLANT
As you exit the cafe you enter once again into a lush indoor array of garden and gifts. We'll focus on the plants first.
Although I have yet to go to Bowood Farms in the spring and summer when their perennial supply is in full-swing, their indoor offerings for greenery are still impressive, and the staff is always extremely ready to help me find the plant that I'm the least likely to kill and set me up for success in that area.
Last time I was there, I found these pots that have become the perfect accent for my living room window sill, and when spring comes I'll commit to filling them with more than dried eucalyptus stems.
In addition to small indoor-able perennials, they have a wide selection of succulents and air-plants for those who are especially talented at killing plants. (Succulents and air plants have recently swung into style, comparable to having a fish instead of a dog.)
I'll definitely be back to the garden section soon- when the sun is closer and it's time to plant. For more info on their annual, perennial, and edible plant offerings and services, the Bowood Farms site is a great resource.
SHOP
Last but not least, I have to mention the adorable array of meaningful gifts that you'll find scattered between the greenery. Whether you're looking for a gift that's suited for a gardener, someone who's passionate about St. Louis, or a homemaker or homebody, you're sure to find something quirky, thoughtful, or useful.
My ever-growing list of items from Bowood that I'd like to add to my daily life includes a flower/greenery pressing kit (complete with instructions!), miniature 2" cards shaped like flamingos, watermelons, and various animals, candles that would make my apartment smell like a forest and a field of wildflowers at the same time (Why choose?), and a soap dish that features a drawing of a rabbit that was etched by hand.
(BIG HINT: Be sure to check out the sale section toward the back right of the store. I found this watermelon necklace, and the sale table made it mine.)
Four things I know when it comes to gifts at Bowood Farms:
1 - I will see something and get excited.
2 - I will immediately smile with a small bit of joy about how much more adorable a tiny fraction of my life or someone else's life is about to be.
3 - That adorable thing probably will end up at my house or in the hands of a friend.
4 - I won't regret it for one millisecond. (I'm wearing my watermelon necklace right now. And smiling.)
I've learned to start bee-lining it for the cafe and averting my eyes from the glory of the gift area. Luckily, this cat that is always perched by the workshop sign is a welcome distraction and draws me toward the door.
Cafe Osage + Bowood Farms
4605 Olive Street
Saint Louis, MO 63108
(314) 454-6868