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A subcompact SUV allows for more cargo space and passengers than sedans but still can easily fit in narrow driveways and parking spaces. Mazda introduces a new model, the CX-30, to appeal to drivers interested in a smaller SUV. With superb performance and exciting up-to-date technology features, the 2020 CX-30 looks to make an immediate impact on the market.  Learn more about its features to decide if it's the ideal car for you. Performance The CX-30 carries a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L DOHC four-cylinder engine, which produces 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. With the engine's ample power, the Mazda can go over rough terrain and up inclines with ease. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission so that you can easily shift gears to accelerate or slow down on highways. You'll notice firm handling and steering when driving the CX-30. While front-wheel drive is standard, you can opt for the i-Activ all-wheel-drive system for better traction with your tires. The g-vectoring control plus feature also distributes power to your tires and helps you maintain control of your car, especially in inclement weather. more Interior and Cargo Space The Mazda can seat a maximum of five passengers with comfortable standard cloth-upholstered seats. For a more luxurious feel, you can upgrade to leather seats. Both rows offer sufficient legroom with 36.3 inches in the second row. Tall people will appreciate the high roof with 38.1 inches of headroom in the front row and 38.3 inches of headroom in the back. The CX-30 delivers plenty of cargo space, with a maximum of 20.2 cubic feet behind the second row. You will definitely have enough room for your vacation luggage or several bags of groceries. The wide hatchback door and low cargo floor with the lift gate make it simple to load heavy objects. Technology and Safety Feature The CX-30 comes with state-of-the-art technology features to keep you entertained and informed on your trip. The Mazda connect infotainment system distinguishes itself with an 8.8-inch screen that uses voice control commands and a center knob to control its functions. The system is easy to learn and also has optional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Other features include Bluetooth with hands-free phone compatibility, an eight-speaker audio system, and HD radio. Mazda prides itself on providing important safety features to protect its drivers, and this model continues the trend. Standard features include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection. You can buy a package with additional outstanding items such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a tire pressure monitoring system. If an accident were to happen, the mobile 911 alert system will use your linked device to automatically call 911 for assistance. The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is a new model, and it already stacks up well with the established subcompact SUVs due to its dependable performance and stunning safety features. Come visit us at Bommarito Mazda West County and explore our inventory. Image via Mazda.

St. Louis, Missouri, offers visitors a thriving, diverse local music scene and a long history of cultivating world-class musicians including Scott Joplin, Miles Davis, and Chuck Berry. Whether you're in the city for business or a weekend of fun, there are endless opportunities to hear everything from rock, jazz, and blues to rap, classical, swing, and punk. Here are the four best live music venues in town. Blueberry Hill Blueberry Hill is the place to go for rock, R&B, and Rockabilly. With a welcoming vibe, the owners are all about music, pop culture memorabilia, great beer, and great food. Head down the stairs and treat yourself to some fantastic music from past and present greats, such as Hembree. These up and coming artists are scheduled to perform songs from their debut album "House On Fire" at this venue on March 6, 2020. Doors open for this all-ages show at 7:00 p.m. and advanced tickets are $12. Located in the Loop neighborhood at 6504 Delmar. The Fabulous Fox When you're on the lookout for a concert featuring some of the best national touring acts, head to the Grand Center neighborhood and The Fabulous Fox. This stunningly restored 1929 grand theater at 527 N. Grand Blvd. makes for an exceedingly classy evening, hosting primarily Broadway shows and world-class touring dance troupes, complete with luxury box seating. more On stage, Feb. 25 through March 8, 2020, is "The Band's Visit." This Tony-Award winning Broadway musical tells a joyously offbeat story about a band of musicians that brings the unsuspecting citizens of an off-beaten town to life. Performers open the show most nights at 7:30 p.m. with plenty of afternoon matinees on the calendar. Tickets will set you back between $29 and $99. Kirkwood Station Brewing Co. Kirkwood station is a local Kirkwood taproom that touts a beautiful stage that many tribute cover bands call home. With live music almost every Friday and Saturday night until 1:00 a.m., it's the ideal place to wander in. You never know what might be playing, from country to hip-hop and rock-and-roll. Cover charges range from $5 to $10, and this brewing company is located at 110 W. Argonne Dr. in nearby Frontenac. The National Blues Museum If you're an aficionado of classic blues, there's only one place in St. Louis for you. The National Blues Museum is located downtown at 615 Washington Ave. It offers some of the best live music in the state. The concerts are free with admission to the museum or pay just $15 a show, and seating is first-come, first-served. Come in every Thursday night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for "Sittin' on the Porch Open Jam" or get tickets to the Howlin' Friday series, featuring Silky Sol. They're performing live at the museum on March 6, 2020. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts promptly at 7. The city of St. Louis is a prime destination for music lovers. With a venue hosting every genre on stage, there's something for everyone to tap their toe to here in Missouri. Image via Pixabay.

The 2020 Mazda6 is the next step in the evolution of the sedan class. It's pure turbocharged elegance and full of features to get excited about. Here are a few of the most notable features of the 2020 Mazda6: Engine Upgrade The 2020 Mazda6 can be outfitted with Mazda's 2.5-liter Dynamic Pressure Turbo Skyactiv-G engine that gives you up to 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque to tackle the road with. For those looking to upgrade their rides to an exciting level, this available engine is a must-have. But even without the optional engine upgrade, the Mazda6 comes standard with 187 horsepower — enough to excite any commute. Driver-Assist Systems A modern car should have the latest and greatest in modern tech. The 2020 Mazda6 has access to a few of the most advanced driver-assist systems that improve your response time to and awareness of potential dangers on the road. Automatic high beams, rear cross-traffic alert, a lane departure warning system, blind-spot monitoring, a lane-keep system, and more — the 2020 Mazda6 is what sedans of the future will be like. more Smart Tech The Mazda6 gives you access to Mazda's 8-inch infotainment screen that makes your sedan another smart device at your disposal. Use the Commander dial below the shifter to tell your system to create the perfect soundtrack for your travels, connect to your phone, look up directions, and more. Quiet Cabin You can relax in your Mazda6's cabin, thanks to Mazda's expertly designed sound-proofed cabin. To bring you one of the most relaxing rides on the market, Mazda equipped the new Mazda6 with sound-insulating glass and acoustic insulation to seal you off from the busy world outside. Along with a specially-tuned suspension system, the Mazda6's driving experience is practically therapeutic. Cameras and Sensors Life in the city can get a little tight in your car. With features such as the available 360-degree monitor, you can squeeze through the tightest situations with ease. This monitor uses four cameras on the outside of your vehicle to give you a bird's-eye view of how close your sedan is to obstacles. In addition to eight parking sensors, the Mazda6 gives you everything you need to expertly maneuver your way through the city. Interior Allure As you move up trim levels, you'll get more features in your Mazda6 to get excited about. For those who want to treat themselves to a thoughtfully crafted sedan, the Signature trim level brings the most elegance to your vehicle. The seats are covered in Nappa leather to create a comfortable, yet stylish interior. The Japanese Sen wood accents create an unparalleled atmosphere. On the doors and dashboard, you'll find Ultrasuede trimming that completes the experience. After all your hard work, you deserve a 2020 Mazda6. When you're ready to start exploring the world in a Mazda6 sedan, come see our team at Bommarito Mazda West County. Once you take a ride in the new Mazda6, no other sedan will do. Image via MazdaUsa.com.

Life in the city has its perks. But the noise, busyness, and crowdedness of city life can accumulate in city-dwellers' minds, creating stress and fatigue. Sometimes, you need to reconnect with nature to restart and refresh your body and mind. If you're in the Ellisville, Missouri, area, you're in luck. Here are a few of our favorite places to connect with nature in the area: Roger Klamberg Woods Next to Bluebird Park in Ellisville, you'll find the Roger Klamberg Woods Conservation Area. This 67.4-acre expanse of protected Missouri woodland is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without having to make a day trip out of it. Take on the two main trails for a good hike. One of those trails also serves as a biking trail if you want to get a relaxing ride in. Once you've taken your hike, stop in Bluebird Park to take advantage of the facilities and picnic areas you can find there. Castlewood State Park Castlewood State Park is a nearby natural destination that lets people get away from the noise of the city. The Meramec River runs through it, as do many trails of varying difficulties. No matter your skill and fitness level, there's a trail in this park that will keep you engaged. Castlewood is also a great destination for bicyclists, horseback riders, anglers, and bird-watchers. Try something new outside or just breathe in the fresh air the park has to offer. more Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Less than 10 miles east of Ellisville, you'll find the Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park. If you're looking for a more developed natural area where you can spend the day with family, you'll love what this park has to offer. Pitch a tent at the campground to make it a full weekend of exploring the hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with plentiful trails in the park to enjoy all three activities. The picnic areas are a comfortable way to enjoy a few hours with family away from the distractions of the city. This park is 2,441 acres and has 17.4 acres of trails to explore. Don Robinson State Park On the opposite end of the spectrum, Don Robinson State Park is a great destination for those who want as little sign of human life as possible. The picturesque scene the park holds is a great opportunity for those who want to get back to nature. The state park protects LaBarque Creek's upper watershed, as well as sandstone box canyons, forests, shelter caves, and more. It's the perfect destination for amateur biologists and geologists to find interesting natural sights. You'll find 6.8 miles of trails in the Don Robinson State Park's 818.18 acres and only two man-made structures. Finding the perfect place to reconnect with nature is easy, thanks to these and the many other destinations near Ellisville, Missouri. Whether you're looking for a strenuous trek to get the blood pumping or a peaceful day outdoors, you're sure to find what you're looking for at these spots. Image via Pixabay.

If you're in the Ellisville, Missouri, area, your options are plentiful. Here are a few of our favorite coffee shops and cafes we think you should check out in the Ellisville area: Donut Palace If you're looking for a classic coffee and donut shop, head to the Donut Palace. Their fresh-made donuts and quality coffees are one of the best ways to start the day in Ellisville. They have a wide variety of donut styles to choose from, so you're sure to find something that fits your palate. Whether you want to be royalty at the office or slip away solo for a refresher, Donut Palace has your back. The Wolf Cafe The Wolf Cafe is a crowd-favorite that's worth visiting multiple times to try everything they have to offer. Its chic atmosphere and focus on real, thoughtfully made food pair well with their coffee selection. They have all the espresso-based drinks you'd expect from a well-established coffee shop, but it's their brews that we keep coming back for. They offer bottomless cups of drip coffee, cold brews, nitro cold brews, and Vietnamese coffee. If you're at The Wolf Cafe for lunch, make sure you also try one of their fantastic sandwiches to stay fueled for the day. more 6 North Cafe Need a hand-crafted latte to warm you up? Try Ballwin's 6 North Cafe. They have a coffee menu that covers all your coffee shop staples, as well as great breakfast and lunch options to complete your experience. They've been bringing some of the best coffee to the area since 2005, and they show no signs of slowing. Grab a breakfast sandwich or wrap to start your day off, or choose one of their soups, salads, or crisp sandwiches for lunch. The Miller Haus Head over to Wildwood, less than 10 miles east of Ellisville, for the Miller Haus, a coffee shop that you could easily spend hours in. This MIller Haus is a beautiful space that lends itself well to the tasty coffee its baristas brew. This coffee shop prides itself on being a community space where people can lounge, meet with coworkers and friends, and even bring their dogs (in the outside area). More Than Coffee If you're looking to make a difference in your community just by buying a cup of coffee, head to More Than Coffee in Ballwin. This coffee shop is owned by the Extreme St. Louis Charitable Foundation, and a portion of the profits go to helping special needs youth. So, you can feel good in two ways: by warming up with a good cup of coffee and by giving to those in need. Nothing warms the soul quite as well as a good cup of coffee. Whether you're a black coffee aficionado or a sweet espresso drink seeker, you'll find what you need at these top-notch coffee shops in and around Ellisville, Missouri. Image via Pixabay.

The amount of expert engineering that Mazda has put into their Mazda3 sedan and hatchback makes them two of our top picks for the new model year. Enjoy the quiet ride that these four-door models have to offer to. Here are a few of our favorite features: Flexibility You can get your 2020 Mazda3 in two body styles: the sedan or the hatchback. Each offers a quality driving experience, so you can choose the one that best fits your style without missing out on anything. If you need maximum space for what you're traveling with, the hatchback has good cargo space behind the rear row, which can also be folded down to create even more room. Alternatively, the sedan models breathe new life into the class with their sculpted bodies and eye-catching style. more All-Road Confidence If you want to enhance your confidence on slippery roads and in inclement weather, opt for a Mazda3 equipped with the available i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system. This system monitors road conditions, providing power to the wheels where most needed. It factors in everything from outside temperatures and windshield wiper activity to driver behavior, to provide you with the best levels of traction. High Tech Tech-heads will also love what the 2020 Mazda3 has to offer. This four-door's access to some of the latest and greatest technologies keep you entertained and connected more than ever before. Equip your Mazda3 with the available 12-speaker Bose audio system to give your sedan a studio-quality listening experience. The floating 8.8-inch center screen lets you perform an impressive number of tasks, from creating a hands-free phone experience to looking up directions to your next destination. The Commander Control dial puts everything within reach. Driver-Assist Systems Many new car shoppers are looking for the driver-assist systems that will keep them sharper and safer on the road. The 2020 Mazda3 can be equipped with a blind-spot monitoring system that watches your blind spots to let you know when it's safe to change lanes. The rear-cross traffic alert system lets you know when it's safe to back out of a tight parking spot. Radar cruise control, smart brake support, automatic high beams, a lane departure warning system — the list of ways Mazda keeps you and your passengers safe in modern ways continues. Unbeatable Style Though the 2020 Mazda3 brings to its drivers a great range of exciting features, it's all for naught if it doesn't look good when you're in it — and it does. Mazda's "Kodo" design philosophy features an aerodynamic, minimalist design that captures attention wherever it goes. From its available sharp LED headlights and black mesh hood to the elegant body lines that stretch away from it, the 2020 Mazda3 four-door is a story on wheels. When you're ready to try the 2020 Mazda3 sedan or hatchback on the road, visit our team at Bommarito Mazda West County in Ellisville, Missouri. Let us show you why the new Mazda3 is the perfect home away from home. Image via MazdaUsa.com.

Afternoon tea is a popular British tradition and it often involves sandwiches, scones, and delicious desserts. It's an excellent way to socialize with friends and relax at any time of day. Here are some of the best places for tea near Ellisville, Missouri. Mary Ann's Tea Room At Mary Ann's Tea Room in St. Louis, you can enjoy a British tea experience with a modern touch. Teas include Earl Grey, Bombay Chai, Black Currant, Orchid Vanilla, Green Mango Peach, Jasmine Green, Cherry Marzipan, Lemon Sorbetti, Cucumber Mint, and White Ginger Pear. You can also try caffeine-free Blueberry Merlot, Chamomile Citron, Raspberry Nectar, or Swiss Apple herbal teas. Sunday brunch has quiche, Belgian waffles, smoked salmon, eggs benedict, and more. For dessert, you can indulge in chocolate mousse, carrot cake, cheesecake, or the chef's dessert of the day. This place is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. more Teatopia At Teatopia, you can try White Pomegranate, Cherry Hibiscus, or High Mountain Oolong tea. Several Fruitea Smoothies are also available. The Green Dream has mango, pineapple, black tea, and spinach and the Blueberry Coconut Crème blends blueberries with coconut crème black tea. You can have a salad, a veggie burger with homemade vegan buffalo sauce, or nachos with cashew cheese as well. You can visit Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The London Tea Room Like Mary Ann's Tea Room, the London Tea Room has a distinct British feel. More than 80 varieties of tea are available, and it's served on beautiful Laura Ashley china. The types of teas this tea room serves change often, so you can easily find something new. Afternoon tea includes a selection of cakes, pastries, petit fours, and scones. There's also a variety of tea sandwiches. The London Tea Room is an ideal place for parties, and you can take classes to learn how to make delicious scones and a perfect cup of tea. Classes on the history of tea, blending additional flavors with tea, the chemistry of tea, and how tea can improve your health are available as well. You can visit every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. La Patisseria Chouquette La Patisseria Chouquette is a French bakery that's known for its wedding cakes, amazing desserts, and awesome afternoon teas. You can sample spiced Chai tea, Earl Grey, or mulled Christmas tea. There are also raspberry white chocolate scones, glittered sugar plums, Christmas rum cakes, and gingerbread Madeline. More savory options include Yorkshire pudding puffs with horseradish cream, rosemary turkey with cranberry relish on wheat bread, cucumber sandwiches, and Ricotta tartlets. You can also take home a dozen rum balls, a Yule log, or a cranberry orange Christmas loaf. La Patisseria Chouquette is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At these excellent places, you can taste a variety of teas, snacks, sandwiches, and desserts. Having tea is also a great way for you to work on your etiquette and have fun with older kids. Image via Pixabay.com.

Winter weather in Missouri brings the potential for ice and snowstorms, and driving conditions can quickly deteriorate. Defensive driving is essential year-round but is especially so through the winter months. You can prepare for this winter in Missouri by learning all you can about staying safe during the worst driving conditions. Here are four tips for winter driving in Missouri. Avoid Non-Essential Trips If you find yourself in the middle of a winter weather advisory, only drive when necessary. Places you may deem as essential trips during hazardous road conditions can include the grocery store, the hospital, work, etc. Otherwise, it is best to stay off the road if at all possible and wait for road and weather conditions to improve before venturing out. Create a Winter Car Survival Kit Having what you need in an emergency isn't always possible, but when it comes to winter driving, you can assemble the items you may need into a survival kit. Things to include in this kit are a small broom, hats, socks, gloves or mittens, a fluorescent distress flag, a spare radio with batteries, water, flares and matches, a windshield scraper, a flashlight, jumper cables, snacks or emergency type food, a shovel, shingles or sand for emergency traction, and a first aid kit. Any or all of these items could save your life during a winter driving emergency. more Change How You Drive Winter road conditions in Missouri may require you to change how you drive. During inclement weather, you can benefit from taking specific steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Allow yourself more driving time so you can drive slower, take the time to clear snow and ice from your vehicle for increased visibility, and drive with your headlights on regardless of the time of day. By taking these few precautions to heart, you will help maintain safer road conditions through the winter months. Monitor Weather and Road Conditions Stay apprised of the road and weather by watching your local news stations. Keeping track of these conditions will let you know when it is safest to travel in your area. If you must travel, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) offers a traveler information map that can be accessed via an app from your mobile device, providing you with the most current road conditions. You can also call the MoDOT customer service center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The toll-free customer service number is 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636). Winters in Missouri can create some of the most hazardous driving conditions. If you find that you must drive during such situations, be prepared, and take extra precautions. Being safe on the road during inclement weather takes more than just driving slower. You would need to have a plan that includes staying informed of weather and road conditions, giving yourself the necessary time to reach your destination and to get back home safely, and having a survival plan if you were to become stranded. Image via Pixabay.com.

The community of Ellisville comprises a great combination of ethnicities that are worth celebrating. Who loves Asian food? Here at Bommarito Mazda West County, we want our customers to be aware of the best that Ellisville has to offer. Here are six great places to get Asian food in Ellisville, Missouri. P.F. Chang's P.F Chang's is known for its authentic take on Asian cuisine. Start with an appetizer consisting of lettuce wraps — you won't be disappointed. There are many different items on the menu to choose from, appealing to the most eclectic tastes. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet If you are in search of a buffet or just starving, Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet is what you are looking for. This restaurant offers a large selection of the best Hibachi dishes, and you can eat until you are satisfied. Seafood makes up a portion of the menu, as well, giving you a well-rounded selection. more Asian Corner With dishes such as drunken noodles, crab rangoon, and pad thai, you are sure to find an Asian recipe that suits your tastes at Asian Corner. Delivery is also an option for up to a 5-mile radius, making this the perfect lunch for hard-working employees. They boast an open kitchen and family inspired meals that are sure to please. Tony's K-Food Tony's K-Food is Korean food done right. The hole-in-the-wall places always seem to be the best, and this place is a gem. Located in the back of a Korean market, this restaurant offers authentic Korean dishes that are sure to impress. Perfect Taste Perfect Taste provides you with an array of different dishes consisting of ma po tofu with pork, stir-fried lamb with cumin, sweet and sour spare ribs, and Mongolian beef, to name a few. Sizable portions of perfectly cooked food fill each plate and will have you coming back for more. There is plenty of seating for even the largest groups. Golden Wok If you are a fan of Vietnamese and Thai food, Golden Wok is the place for you. The spring rolls are just the tip of the iceberg for all of the great food that can be found at Golden Wok. If you are looking to dine in at a welcoming and clean restaurant, Golden Wok will not disappoint. The staff is always willing to help in any way they can and greet you with a smile. Ellisville has a rich Asian culture that is presented through many different Asian food restaurants. Choosing which one is best is up to you and your family, but it never hurts to try different restaurants when looking for that perfect Asian dish. Next time you are in the mood for Asian food, try one of the restaurants mentioned above and then stop by Bommarito Mazda West County and let us know where we can eat the best Asian food around. Thank you for supporting local businesses and restaurants in and around the Ellisville, Missouri, area. Image via Pixabay.com.

If you take care of your Mazda, it will take care of you by getting you where you need to go in style. Mazda provides you with unparalleled quality and convenience, but you have to maintain your Mazda to get the most out of it. Let's look at five ways to do so. Fluids Maintaining the fluids in your Mazda is imperative for it to perform efficiently. Changing the oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid at specified maintenance intervals will help keep your Mazda in tip-top shape. The type of fuel you use also affects your Mazda's performance and will need to be taken into consideration. Fuel additives and fuel-system cleaners are also available to keep your Mazda's engine running smoothly. Washing Your Mazda Believe it or not, washing your Mazda is a necessary part of maintaining it and keeping it running for years to come. Dirt, road grime, salt, sand, tar, and paint are just a few of the contaminants your Mazda can be exposed to during everyday driving. These contaminants can wreak havoc on the appearance of your Mazda, but they can also cause deterioration of many critical elements of your car. Keeping your Mazda clean can extend its overall lifespan. more Soft Convertible Tops Special care is required to maintain the soft convertible top that can be found on the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Miata's soft top should always be washed by hand. When rinsing the Miata's soft top, never spray water directly where the soft top meets the body of the Miata. The best method of cleaning the soft top of your Miata is to use a soft brush and a synthetic neutral soap. After washing and rinsing the soft top thoroughly, wipe up as much water as you can with a towel, and then allow the top to air dry completely before driving with the top down. Keep a Check on Your Exhaust System Your Mazda's exhaust system is its lifeline. A vehicle's exhaust is what ensures the dissipation of the heat, fumes, and pressure created by its combustion engine. When working correctly, your Mazda's exhaust system keeps it purring like a kitten. The exhaust system of any vehicle starts with the exhaust manifolds that are connected to the engine and then consists of pipes, catalytic converters, joints, mufflers, and oxygen sensors. Maintaining all of these exhaust components is essential to keep your Mazda running smoothly and efficiently. Brakes, Suspension, and Tires Your Mazda's brakes, suspension, and tires play vital roles in keeping your Mazda safe and comfortable. Your brakes bring your vehicle to a stop and consist of brake pads, rotors, and calipers. All of these brake components need to be maintained to stay in proper working order. The suspension of your Mazda is responsible for ride quality and control or handling. Suspension components can become worn and in need of repair or replacement over time. Your Mazda's tires also help with providing a safe and comfortable ride and will need to be monitored and replaced when necessary. Owning a Mazda is fun and exciting, but keeping your Mazda in excellent condition is a responsibility that can't be overlooked. A well-maintained vehicle will provide you with years of service. Take good care of your Mazda. Image via MazdaUsa.com.

St. Louis, once a key port on the Mississippi River and the U.S.'s fourth-largest city, is a melting pot of cuisines and cultures. Owing to the city's amazingly diverse population, you can find an exquisite fine-dining establishment, an Israeli restaurant, a Mexican brunch spot, and much more. Whatever you need, you'll find it in this city. This is especially true if you love your chicken and waffles. Here is a guide for the best places to eat and drink in St. Louis. Southern Southern opened its doors in 2015 as a partnership between the Pappy's Smokehouse proprietor, Mike Emerson, and the James Beard nominee chef Rick Lewis. The establishment has since won multiple accolades, including the best-fried chicken and the best new restaurant. Southern serves some of the best southern dishes. If you love super spicy fried chicken, Southern has you covered. If you want a spicy chicken sandwich, at Southern, you'll get the best. But their stand out dish is their General Tso's chicken. It's sweet and spicy like a General Tso's dish, but much better. more Juniper Juniper is a St.Louis staple and an excellent place to enjoy your chicken, waffles, and cocktails. It has an approachable and playful menu that takes delicious Southern-influenced food and turns it into exceedingly delicious dishes. And, if you crave handcrafted cocktails, they have you covered. Juniper's excellent drink program makes it a perfect spot for happy hour beverages and snacks (small plates plus sides). The Shack Everything about The Shack is excellent – great ambiance, creative dishes, and fun staff. It offers a family environment that's comfortable, laid back, and fun. They have brilliant little jokes and sayings posted throughout the place. The witty sayings on the walls give this already vibrant establishment a surprisingly homey vibe. The food is excellent – it's served in generous portions, the dishes have great names, and everything on the menu is delicious. Make sure you stop by for breakfast and brunch, their specialties. The Shaved Duck The Shaved Duck is one of the most beloved restaurants in St. Louis, and it's for a good reason. They have live music, it's hip, it's intimate, it's comfortable, and the food is delicious. Also, the staff is excellent – everyone is eager to help. For six days a week, talented artists bring soul and folk into The Shaved Duck. And, their décor is fun; there are lots of photos of artists. Although The Shaved Duck is off the beaten path, you will be happy to have made the detour. You, however, should keep in mind that this spot is very popular and quaint. So if you're in a party of more than 5, you should go early. Also, they do not take reservations. Make sure you try their award-winning barbecue, not matter how big your group is. These four restaurants will make you fall in love with St. Louis. If you need a place to devour delicious chicken and waffles, you better make it there. Image via Pixabay.com.

If you're in the market for a midsize, three-row SUV, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 offers a spacious, stylish, and refined option. But as well as looking at its practicality and versatility, you also want to know that your family is safe on the road. The CX-9 was previously a Top Safety Pick, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given it an improved safety rating of Top Safety Pick + making it one of the safest vehicles in its class. Here we take a look at the tests and the CX-9's safety features. IIHS Testing The IIHS test assesses all areas of a vehicle's safety and assigns ratings of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor or, for some tests, superior, advanced, or basic. All of the 2019 CX-9 models achieved the highest rating of “good” for all aspects of crash testing including side and roof strength and the dynamics of the seats and head restraints. Improvements to the headlights earned a “good” rating for the Grand Touring and Signature trim levels which feature curve adaptive LED projector headlights with high beam assist. The available frontal collision prevention system also received the top rating of “superior.” more Passive Safety Features For passenger safety, the CX-9 has driver and front passenger air bags, front side air bags, and side head curtain air bags. All seats have three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and height adjustment. Front and rear crumple zones absorb the energy of an impact, while the door beams protect the cabin from a side impact. Children are protected by the child safety locks which prevent the risk of your kids opening the doors accidentally and potentially falling out of the car. The lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system enables the secure and safe installation of child seats. Driver Assistance Features For confident handling, the CX-9 has a vehicle stability control system and traction control, while hill launch assist prevents the car rolling backwards when pulling away on an incline. Assured stopping is aided by the four-wheel anti-lock braking system with front and rear disc brakes, electronic brake assistance, and smart city brake support. Also standard are forward obstruction warning, a blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic warning, a tire inflation monitor, and a rear-view camera. In the event of an accident, the infotainment system features E911 automatic emergency notification to ensure that help is on the way. Touring trim adds automatic headlights with auto high beams, rain-sensing wipers, radar cruise control with stop and go, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, advanced automatic emergency brake support with pedestrian detection, and an automatic dimming rear-view mirror. Grand Touring models offer LED front fog lights, traffic sign recognition, a 360-degree surround view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and a windshield wiper de-icer. Buying a 2019 Mazda CX-9 will give you the confidence that you will be driving one of the safest SUVs on the road. It offers the features to prevent accidents but, if the worst happens, your family will have the best protection. Contact Bommarito Mazda West County to arrange a test drive today. Image via MazdaUsa.com.