Dudes Dining & Destinations

I’ll be honest—this brunch was our very first dining event of 2024, and it was a hit! But truthfully, it feels like the kind of experience that really shines in the summertime.

Join us for a return to Brasilia Bar & Restaurant, where Dudes Dining & Dives kicked off the year. For $31.95, enjoy a one-of-a-kind brunch that blends the familiar—eggs, bacon, and more—with Brazilian-inspired soups, salads, and sides. And yes, they’ll carve Picanha (Brazilian steak) and grilled pineapple tableside.
Craving a Mimosa or Bloody Mary? Their full bar has you covered.

Important: I’ll need an accurate headcount for this one. I’m putting down a credit card to secure the reservation, so please make sure your RSVP is correct. Accuracy really matters here—thanks!

🚂🍽️ This is a Destination & Dining Event Day Trip!
Labor Day Weekend Adventure — Saturday, August 30
If you’re not doing anything for the holiday, pack up your car with friends from the group—or just friends—and come along for an unforgettable day of trains, food, fun, and laughter.
The more the merrier—so invite a buddy and make a day of it!

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### 🛤️ PART 1: The Destination – Iron Mountain Railway & Cafe

We’re starting the day with a blast from the past!
Climb aboard a vintage railcar over 100 years old for a 2-hour scenic train excursion, featuring:

• A 5-mile ride down the track
• An entertaining reenactment of a Jesse James train robbery (no Oscar-winning performances here, fellas—but it’s all in good fun!)
• Lively narration, old-timey mischief, and photo ops galore

It’s like stepping into your own Western movie—fun, playful, and full of surprises. By the end, you’ll be laughing, snapping photos, and more than ready for a good meal!

> 🚨 IMPORTANT: We must arrive at Iron Mountain Railway by 12:15 PM to ensure you get a ticket for the 1:00 PM train ride. DON’T BE LATE!

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### 🍞 PART 2: The Dining – Lambert’s Cafe, Sikeston

After the train ride, we’ll head 34 miles south to Lambert’s Cafe, the legendary Home of the Throwed Rolls—where the bread flies and the portions are huge!
But it’s not just about the rolls…
They serve damn good homestyle meals too—think:

• Country fried chicken
• Tender steaks
• Meatloaf
• Crispy catfish
• Pork steak
• Chicken pot pies

…and of course, all the classic sides and pass-arounds you can handle.
And let’s be clear:
We’ve already talked with Lambert’s staff and management. The environment is LGBTQ-friendly—in fact, the hostess told us that some of the waiters are LGBTQ themselves, and she joked, “Some of those guys do their nails better than I do!” 💅🤣
We’re a large group, but the expected wait time is only about 30 minutes, and sometimes even faster.

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### 📌 Important Details:

1. 💵 The train ride costs $20 and lasts 2 hours.
2. 🚂 No prepayment required—you’ll pay when we arrive at Iron Mountain.
3. 🕘 It’s an all-day Saturday affair, but totally worth the trip.
4. 🎯 RSVP now so we can plan accordingly—it’s Labor Day weekend!

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Let’s see if this generates enough interest to make it happen—because it’s the perfect way to wrap up your summer!
You won’t be sorry. RSVP today! 🎉

🍽️ A Mediterranean Evening at Spiro’s – Chesterfield, MO
📅 Saturday September 13 – 4:00 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening of Mediterranean charm at Spiro’s Restaurant in Chesterfield – a St. Louis original since 1975! Enjoy classic Greek/European ambience, warm hospitality, and a diverse menu that strikes the perfect balance between casual elegance and homestyle flavor.
This Greek diner leans more laid-back and comfortable, which makes it a welcome change from some of the louder Greek restaurants we’ve hit in the past. Expect great food, good conversation, and no need to shout over the bouzouki.
📢 Spiro’s doesn’t usually take big groups on weekends, but they’re making an exception for us at 4:00 PM! So let’s show our appreciation with a great turnout!

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### 🍷 Standout Menu Highlights:

• Saganaki – Flaming Greek kasseri cheese, flambéed table-side for extra flair
• Avgolemono Soup – A creamy lemon chicken and rice soup that’s pure comfort in a bowl
• Spiro’s Pasta Angelo – Chicken with spinach, artichokes & feta tossed in olive oil broth
• Grecian Chicken Oreganato – Zesty lemon-oregano chicken, simple and savory
• Shrimp Grecian Style – Jumbo shrimp in a white wine mushroom cream sauce
• Baklava or Galaktoboureko – Sweet endings, honey-soaked perfection

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### 👥 Why Should You RSVP?

• ✅ Special seating just for us – They’re not usually this flexible, so let’s take advantage!
• ✅ It's quiet enough to actually have a conversation — no shouting over plates of hummus
• ✅ A great spot to welcome new members or reconnect with the regulars
• ✅ You’ll try something different that still hits the comfort zone
• ✅ Support a local St. Louis favorite that’s been serving the community for nearly 50 years
• ✅ And of course... because Greek food + gay men = a fabulous time

So… let’s raise a glass of ouzo (or iced tea, your call) and enjoy an evening that’s flavorful, friendly, and full of laughs.
🎟️ RSVP now to save your seat at the table!

🌈 Fairies on Ferry – You Don’t Know What You’re Missing!
Here it is — not only is this our BIGGEST event of the year, it's also the moment of truth for anyone who accidentally joined a gay/bi men's dining group without reading the fine print.
Every year, as soon as we post Fairies on Ferry, we get the same messages:
“Wait… I didn’t realize this was a gay/bi men’s group…”
Really? 🤣
Well... now you know. And you're welcome to stay — just bring cash and a good attitude.

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Over 10 years ago, the Saint Louis Gay Men’s Social Group—now disbanded—wanted a fun group outing about an hour outside the city. So they dreamed up a road trip down The Great River Road: wine at Grafton, a ferry ride across the Illinois River, and a classic family-style meal at the Wittmond Hotel.
And just like that, with a wink and a nod to “Dykes on Bikes,” Fairies on Ferry was born. A playful name, an unforgettable tradition.
Today, Dudes Dining & Destinations proudly carries it on—and for many members, it’s a can’t-miss annual favorite.

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### 🚗 Your Great River Road Adventure Includes:

🍷 Noon – Grafton Winery & Brewhaus
Our first stop! Enjoy wine, charcuterie boards, and that perfect river view from their patio or indoor seating.
⛴️ 1:30–2:00 PM – Brussels Ferry
We board the free ferry and glide across the Illinois River toward dinner... and maybe a few selfies.
🍽️ 2:30 PM-ish – Wittmond Hotel
Brussels, Illinois rolls out the homestyle hospitality. It’s an all-you-can-eat spread with:

• Fried chicken, sausage, roast beef
• Mashed potatoes, gravy, dumplings, corn, green beans
• Fresh rolls and a signature relish tray
• (Sunday bonus: those famous cinnamon rolls!)

💵 Just $23 per person – cash or check only (no cards accepted)
🛣️ After dinner, you’ve got options:

• Hop back on the Brussels Ferry (still free)
• Or take the scenic route through Calhoun County and ride the Golden Eagle Ferry into St. Charles County — that one's $8 one way, cash only

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🎟️ LIMITED TO 45 SPOTS!
This event fills fast—RSVP soon to lock in your seat.

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🎶 Yes, we’re taking a ferry…
but this isn’t “Ferry Cross the Mersey”, and you won’t hear “Don’t Pay the Ferryman”—because the Brussels Ferry is free.
The Golden Eagle, on the other hand? That’ll cost you eight bucks.
And let’s talk about the other fairy...
The one who left you money under your pillow?
Tsk tsk. What’s up with that??
Our fairies bring you wine, food, a ferry ride, and a damn good time...
The kind you don’t have to fly to Disney for. 🎉 Ba-dum-tss!