Anyone who has ever met Laurie Ray from Cape Girardeau will tell you she is a dynamo. Owner of Annie Laurie’s, an eclectic emporium of everything you never knew you needed, Laurie keeps her shop on Broadway loaded with cool stuff like vintage vinyl, unique furniture, plants, on trend clothing, and all types of one of a kind treasures.
Now, Laurie has teamed up with her husband, Rob, to create a rocking new Soirée.
Laurie and Rob Ray.
soi·rée
/swäˈrā/
noun
an evening party or gathering, typically in a private house, for conversation or music.
A knack for interior styling, Laurie was looking for a new challenge, and she stepped right up to the plate with her new digs, Soiree by Annie Laurie’s—a Tapas-Style restaurant cocktail joint in Downton Cape on the riverfront. Open Thursday through Saturday, 5-10 PM, this eclectic and fresh new atmosphere provides customers with a brand-new environment not yet seen before in the Cape area. Walking through the glass doors stamped with their widely known name, Annie Laurie, guests are transported to another place in time where the music is energetic, the interior is vibrant, and the staff is more than happy to serve great drinks and hot food!
“The space started as a concrete slab. I wanted it to feel warm and cozy—but also eclectic in the design. I wanted people to feel like they had stepped into a small place in Europe or stumbled across a hidden treasure when they walked in. Just like the food, the design is a mix of cultures from equipale chairs to Middle Eastern screens and a funky mix of art and décor.”
Tapas-style dining—a Spanish culinary tradition of serving small portions of food meant to be shared among a friends.
It’s the lively and warm-cozy feel that this restaurant puts your mind at ease and ready to engage in Tapas-style dining—a Spanish culinary tradition of serving small portions of food meant to be shared among a group. From the dishes to drinks, many are designed to be shared.
Laurie and her husband Chef Rob, strive to create a space dedicated to new and fresh experiences each time you visit. With an ever-changing menu, guests cannot possibly grow tired of the mouth-watering food cooked fresh in the back and brought out hot and ready for you and your friends. While visiting, I had the chance to try an assortment of the foods available and let me say; I definitely did not leave hungry or unhappy with any of their dishes.
The homemade bread is on a totally next level and perfectly designed for a Tapas experience.
Starting off with the house-made labneh. The creamy yet tangy flavor fits perfectly with the pears while dressed lightly with balsamic glaze and a hint of heat. The homemade bread is on a totally next level and perfectly designed for a Tapas experience. Deliciously soft and perfectly flakey bread is made in-house by Chef Rob himself. Thinking of soaking in all of the flavors of the labneh with the fresh loaf of bread still leaves my mouth watering.
Tasty stuffed meatballs are filled with savory cheddar cheese and paired with a burger sauce.
Laurie and Chef, along with their wonderful staff, encourage their guests to try a few of the dishes when visiting. So go ahead and order a few for the table and share with your friends and family! Try the meatballs “animal style” for only $14. A brilliant blend of sweet and salty with a touch of dill pickle shavings. These tasty stuffed meatballs are filled with savory cheddar cheese and paired with a burger sauce you just cannot forget! Or maybe the beef Wellington is more your style. A soft and juicy tender beef inside of a warm pastry served atop a fresh medley of vegetables. The smell alone will make you antsy to dig in.
Beef Wellington—A soft and juicy tender beef inside of a warm pastry.
Not only do they have you covered at Soirée by Annie Laurie’s with their delicious food, but the drinks are sure to make it a good time! Many specialty cocktails to choose from that fit the eclectic feel. The Nostromo is a tangy tequila drink you will have to be sure to try on your next stop in. Or maybe The Volcano is what you’re looking for. Share this sizable tropical tiki drink with your friends. Set on fire before arriving at your table. This cocktail is explosive with a sweet and sour taste.
Specialty cocktail that fit the eclectic feel.
Garret Richardson is a skilled mixologist.
Although they have you covered with a variety of cocktails when dining in, Soireée by Annie Lauire’s also has you covered on mocktails as well. Not wanting something strong and still wanting to have a good time with friends, the Parch Desert Margarita is a perfect substitute for the real thing.
Stop in for a nice night out and great conversation surrounded by savory foods and refreshing drinks. Make sure to end the night with one of their Pot De Crème before you go! A similar mix of pudding and crème du la Chef Rob and his crew have made their own creation that is sure to make you ask for the recipe. With flavors that change throughout the weeks, there is always something new to try for this perfectly sweet dessert. On my visit, the flavor of the week was butterscotch. Sweet and smooth with a hint of caramel and whipped cream, I did not leave anything in the dish!
...end the night with one of their (butterscotch) Pot De Crème...
The loving couple is anxious to greet new faces and catch up with old ones. From out of the area? Look into staying at their cozy Airbnb, decorated with a gothic-style Victorian house, The Indie House. It’s a rehabbed Gothic Victorian House (across the street from Annie Laurie’s). It is home to all female-owned, independent businesses. On the property is the original carriage house- which is now an Airbnb guesthouse. The Guesthouse blends modern amenities with historic charm in a cozy, compact space. The antique claw foot tub/shower combo offers a charming yet snug spot for a relaxing soak—true to its historical roots. Visit Annie Laurie (annielauries.com) for a little bit of early Christmas shopping. Check into the guesthouse and then head on over to Soirée for an all-around soirée.
So there you have it. If one person can do something, another can. It’s time you crawl out of that sunken sofa and get your tail in gear—time’s a wasting and watching your phone all day doesn’t get you what you need—experience life in real time. Start a business. Open a restaurant. Write a book. Take your kids on a long trip. Do something. Do anything. GET OUT THERE!
Words by Lakyn Douglas.
Pics & video by the Supreme Leader of 573 Magazine.
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