The director’s keen perceptions free ‘Sweet Land’ from stereotypes
It takes a certain amount of audacity on the part of a filmmaker to make a love story wherein the male lead portrays a Norwegian bachelor farmer. Consider the limitations: • The words “torrid” and “passionate” are unlikely to ever be used to describe the film.• The leading man’s emotional range stretches between shy detachment…
A local guitar legend moves away from his hard-rock past
Long regarded as one of the finest rock guitarists in St. Louis, Jimmy Griffin’s made a bold move in recent months, taking his The Incurables project from the basement tapes level into the live arena. And so, on a bone-chilling Monday evening in early December, a musician considered one of the best at his craft…
Out With the Old: Spice racks start the new year fresh
After a disastrous homemade Valentine’s Day dinner in college, Ryan Tyer, a software engineer for St. Louis-based Asynchrony Solutions, was cautious in his use of chili powder. Mustering up the courage years later, Tyer pulled spicier ingredients out of the cabinet and began experimenting with barbecued ribs; the result was encouraging. “Strong spices have now…
Feasts and Family: Europeans celebrate Christmas Eve with food and humility
Every branch on a tree sprouts from the same roots, but not every branch is the same. This idea of same roots, different branches can be applied to three Christmas Eve feasts celebrated in Europe: France’s 13 Desserts, Poland’s Wigilia and Italy’s Feast of Seven Fishes. Although culture, location and time have made the traditions…
Review: Highway 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen in Webster Groves
Back when I was a wee one, my dad brought me to the building that now houses Highway 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen to help sift through the vinyl at Old Orchard Streetside Records for a favorite album that had long ago been reappropriated by one of his younger siblings. In grade school, my friends and…
Review: The Tuxedo Room in St. Louis
Guy’s perspective I was leaning against the bar in a speakeasy on Grand, waiting for Nora to finish her Christmas shopping, when a girl got up from the table where she had been sitting with three other people and came over to me. She was small and blond, and whether you looked at her face…
Turkey-Apple Breakfast Sausage
2½ pounds
Poultry Stock
5 to 6 cups
Apple Chutney
1 quart
’Tis the season to save cash with some insider (chicken) stock tips
It’s hard to believe that homemade chicken stock – the magical elixir purported to cure everything from the common cold to the deepest heartbreak – is one of the most divisive forces in today’s kitchens. While nearly everyone agrees on the comforting properties of stock, there is considerable difference of opinion about whether to make…
Local passion for food goes beyond Craft’s well-researched expectations
Two years ago, Gerard Ford Craft came to St. Louis from Salt Lake City for the express purpose of opening a restaurant with his wife, Susan, and pastry chef Mathew Rice. None had ties to St. Louis, except a stack of research notes that indicated St. Louis had an up-and-coming food scene. As a newcomer,…
Cuisine d’Art serves comfort food with French flair
When you need time to slow down during the frenzied holiday season, why not head to a cozy little French café – in Creve Coeur? Cuisine d’Art (French for “kitchen art”), located in the Plaza Shops at Olive Boulevard and North New Ballas Road, offers a taste of Paris and a refuge to relax and…
The secret to fresh sausages is in the seasoning
‘Tis the season for parties, fancy buffets, simple suppers on busy nights, cozy breakfasts and leisurely brunches. ‘Tis also the season for sausages, a versatile and welcome addition to any of the season’s menus. Think grilled garlic, Cajun and mild Italian sausages served with a variety of mustards for a special appetizer. Imagine the aroma…
Synergy and cinnamon schnapps make the Eggnog Martini work
My first memory involving eggnog dates to when I was 13 and staying overnight at a friend’s house. Her parents give me eggnog to drink. I lay awake all night, wondering if they were trying to poison me. While it might be that I was a paranoid little twit, it might also just be that…
The year’s reflections on a good glass of wine
As the days pass into 2007, I can’t help but reflect on the numerous opportunities for great sipping that found their way into my life over the past year. I met winemakers from around the world and tasted great reds and whites from every continent (well, almost – there is not much wine from Antarctica),…
