Lake Forest Chocolates storefront to close in March
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Co. is closing its Lake Forest Chocolates storefront at 7801 Clayton Road in Clayton. Co-owner and second-generation chocolatier Dan Abel, Jr. said the tentative closing date will be Saturday, March 11. Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate bought the Lake Forest brand in 2009. At that time, production took up approximately 80 percent of the Clayton…
Recipe: Thai Red Curry Pizza
My husband and I love the red curry pizza at Thai Pizza on The Loop. It’s exactly what it sounds like: Thai curry on pizza crust, held together by lots of cheese. If you think this sounds unappetizing, well, you’re wrong. I decided to attempt my own version of Thai pizza with a simple homemade red…
6 STL coffee beers to drink this weekend
It’s that time of year again: Good Beer Hunting’s annual Uppers & Downers festival, a celebration of all things coffee beers. As I head back to Chicago to partake in this festival of my two favorite things, you should take an adventure down Manchester Avenue from Maplewood to The Mississippi and try the plethora of coffee…
Recipe: Simplest Lamb Ragu
Winter Sunday morning. Slide feet into slippers. Put on coziest sweatshirt. Pour coffee. Sear lamb. Add sauce. Let simmer. Decide what to drink with dinner later. Serve next to a cozy fire. Simplest Lamb Ragu4 servings 1 lb. lamb stew meatKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste2 Tbsp. olive oil2 chopped shallots1 Tbsp.…
Recipe: Sriracha Crackers
Since I usually bake sweet cookies, I wanted to try my hand at savory crackers. The spicy Sriracha kick is nicely balanced with some coarse sugar sprinkled on top. It’s a simple, savory snack that’s great to have around when you’re feeling peckish. Sriracha CrackersAdapted from a recipe at The Fairy Kitchen15 to 20 crackers…
Kevin Nashan to launch new food program at 4 Hands
4 Hands Brewing Co. will debut a new food program at the brewery’s tasting room this Friday, Feb. 24, courtesy of chef Kevin Nashan. The James Beard-nominated chef-owner of Sidney Street Cafe and Peacemaker Lobster & Crab created the menu with Peacemaker chef de cuisine, John Messbarger. Most recently, Fifth Wheel Catering (owned by Baileys’ Restaurants)…
First Look: ‘Zza Pizza & Salad in Skinker Debaliviere
The new fast casual restaurant ‘Zza Pizza & Salad from the folks behind Pi Pizzeria is scheduled to open later this month at 282 N. Skinker Blvd., in the Skinker Debaliviere neighborhood. As The Scoop reported in November 2016, ‘Zza will focus exclusively on pizzas and salads, with an emphasis on quick service and quality ingredients. The…
Local restaurants participate, support A Day Without Immigrants protest
Across the country today, Feb. 16, people stayed home from work and school or did not shop or eat out in support of A Day Without Immigrants, a protest against current U.S. immigration policy. Participants meant to illustrate the importance of immigrants in American society. Chefs around the country donated a portion of their revenues…
Wicked Greenz to launch food truck, open O’Fallon location this spring
Clayton’s Wicked Greenz will soon open a new location in O’Fallon, Missouri and go mobile. Director of operations Matt Ratz said the company has purchased the former Shell’s Coastal Cuisine truck and will be taking its health-focused eating options on the road this spring. Ratz said the plan is to debut the truck at the…
5 St. Louis chefs earn James Beard Foundation semifinalist honors
pastaria executive chef ashley shelton // photos by carmen troesserThe James Beard Foundation announced its 2017 restaurant and chef award semifinalists today, Feb. 15. St. Louis’s recent run of recognition from the foundation continues, as five St. Louis chefs earned nominations for the esteemed culinary awards. Pastaria executive chef Ashley Shelton was named a semifinalist for…
First Look: The Blue Duck in Maplewood
Washington, Missouri favorite The Blue Duck opens doors at its first St. Louis-area location tomorrow, Feb. 14, at 2661 Sutton Ave., in Maplewood. As The Scoop reported in September, the mixed-use development space previously housed Monarch. According to co-owner Chris Rayburn, the eclectic menu celebrates American cuisine’s international influences, with nods to fare from Korea…
Vincent Van Doughnut to open in The Grove
Doughnut lovers rejoice! The new location of Vincent Van Doughnut at 1072 Tower Grove Ave., will be open for business on Valentine’s Day, bright and early at 6 a.m. As The Scoop reported in February, the new store will initially have the same hours as the Clayton location: Tuesday through Friday from 6 a.m. until sold out,…
French patisserie opens in Grand Center
French pastry fans have a new place in Grand Center to satisfy their cravings. Mother and daughter duo Christine and Clemence Pereur, who hail from Conde-Sainte-Libiaire, France, opened Like Home French Café & Pastry on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 3855 Lindell Blvd. The small shop, which seats about 20, has a daily rotating menu of various…
Sym•Bowl to open new locations in St. Charles, Creve Coeur
Sym•Bowl, which specializes in build-your-own bowls, will open its third location at 1456 Bass Pro Shop Drive in St. Charles in late March or early April, according to co-owner Becky Schoening. The new St. Charles location, which was formerly a sushi restaurant, will have approximately 30 seats, feature the same menu as its sister restaurants,…
Good Fortune finds a home in Botanical Heights
Highly anticipated Chinese-American restaurant Good Fortune has finally found a home. Co-owner Corey Smale announced today, Feb. 8, that the restaurant will open this July in the Botanical Heights neighborhood. Smale, former co-owner of Strange Donuts, purchased a building at 1654 Tower Grove Ave., with attorney James P. Sanders and realtor Chris Hulse. The trio…
2 more ways to enjoy the weekend
Whether you love wine, beer or healthy eats, there are plenty of ways to fill up this weekend. Here are two more events for those who’re still peckish: 1. Chefs from the Niche Food Group including Sardella, Pastaria, Brasserie and Taste restaurants have developed special international menu items outside their normal bill of fare available through…
Josh Charles leaves Element, heads to Blood & Sand
Chef Josh Charles has left his post as executive chef at Element to helm the kitchen at Blood & Sand, as reported by St. Louis Magazine. Charles’ former chef de cuisine Tudor Seserman has stepped up to assume the executive chef role. Charles said the passing of the torch was smooth thanks to their close…
Kaldi’s Coffee to open new locations in Citygarden, CWE
The folks at Kaldi’s Coffee are going to have a busy 2017. The company has three new projects in the city: one coming soon to Citygarden, another to the Central West End and one that just opened in Midtown. Co-owner Tricia Zimmer Ferguson said another location of the local coffee shop will open later this spring in…
The Fifth Wheel exits 4 Hands tasting room
The Fifth Wheel Catering at 4 Hands Brewing Co. has closed. Its last day of service was Sunday, Feb. 5. Fifth Wheel is under the umbrella of Baileys’ Restaurants, which includes Rooster, Small Batch, Bridge, Baileys’ Range, Baileys’ Chocolate Bar and Shift: Test Kitchen. The small kitchen at 4 Hands turned out tacos, burritos and…
St. Louis-area breweries clean up at RateBeer Best Awards
Once again, St. Louis-area breweries, taprooms, bars and retailers were well represented at the annual RateBeer Best Awards. Side Project Brewing, Perennial Artisan Ales and Saint Louis Brewery were all named among the Top 100 Best Brewers in the world. This is the third time both Side Project and Perennial have made the Top 100…
Diablitos Cantina to close doors in Midtown
interior of diablitos cantina in midtown // photo by ashley gieseking Midtown’s Diablitos Cantina will shut its doors for good after service on Feb. 14. The closing was announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page on yesterday, Feb. 2, as reported by Feast. The Mexican cantina opened in late 2011. Gurpreet Padda is a principal at…
Recipe: Chocolate Tofu Pudding
The few people I talked to about this recipe visibly recoiled. I get it: Tofu is not the most thrilling ingredient, especially when it comes to dessert. I was in this camp. Heck, I sewed and carried the flag for this camp. My favorite tofu preparation is when it’s taken a nice long oil bath…
Grilled: Smoked Whiskey Wings
Rich wood smoke and serious heat from a homemade dry rub send these chicken wings into another stratosphere – and soaking them in whiskey certainly doesn’t hurt either. An extended bath in a boozy marinade helps keep the wings plump and moist throughout the smoking process. Simple enough to pull off in an afternoon, these…
First Look: Boardwalk Waffles & Ice Cream in Maplewood
The scent of fresh-made waffles will soon waft down Manchester Road in Maplewood when Boardwalk Waffles & Ice Cream opens doors this Saturday, Feb. 4. As The Scoop reported in October 2015, owners Eric and Laurie Moore sought to bring a taste of Eric Moore’s childhood summers on the Jersey shore to Maplewood. The narrow space…
Tiny tea shop Teatopia opens on Cherokee Street
Looking for an alternative to your daily cup of joe? Check out Teatopia, which opened its doors at 2619½ Cherokee St., on Monday, Jan. 30, as reported by the Riverfront Times. Owner Reginald “Reo” Quarles said he looked at more than 20 spots on his quest to open Teatopia, but none seemed quite right. Then…
Review: Mona’s on The Hill
Editor’s note: Mona’s has now closed. When Brendan Marsden opened Modesto on The Hill 15 years ago, the tapas restaurant was a radical move in an area revered for its Italian heritage. Notwithstanding Guido’s Pizzeria and Tapas down the street, Modesto was pretty much the only non-Italian restaurant within the 1.5-square-mile historic neighborhood and one of…
Obsessed: The relentless repetition of St. Louis pizzaioli
Simplicity is complicated. To be a Neapolitan pizzaiolo, or pizza-maker, you have to be willing to do the same thing over and over in a monotonous series of tasks that require active attention every time. The Italian Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana demands a certain kind of dough (made with Italian 00 flour and a long…
The OGs of St. Louis pizza
Loyalty is fierce when it comes to St. Louis pizza institutions. Everyone has a favorite, earned over countless Little League victory feasts, family meals, drunk second dinners and cozy delivery nights. Some hidden gems have served house-made pies since the 1950s, while other local chains have made names for themselves in less than 10 years.…
Balance your palate with pizza and this cocktail
Pizza begs to be paired with something rich and bold that will stand up to the greasy goodness we all crave. A classic Bamboo Cocktail completes any slice with sweet vermouth to balance the pizza sauce, and sherry’s nutty richness to complement the cheese. Stir together 1½ ounces oloroso sherry, 1½ ounces sweet vermouth, 4 dashes orange…
Enjoy your next ‘za with Nero Misto
Pizza is one of the most wine-friendly foods you can put on a table. I enjoy Cal-Ital blends like the lovely 2012 Elyse Winery Nero Misto (or “Mixed Black”) from Napa Valley with my pies. The complex blend of mostly zinfandel with petite sirah, barbera and carignane grapes packs dark fruit notes and a lot of character.…
Summer Internship Opportunity: Special Events Internship
Do you love the STL food scene? Can’t get enough Food Truck Friday? Be a part of bringing it all together as a Sauce Special Events Intern. As a Special Events Intern, you will: -Assist Sauce Events Coordinator in preparing for, setting up, operating and breaking down all Food Truck Friday events beginning May 12-Assist in…
Frankenpizzas: 7 weirdly wonderful pies
We can only assume each of these monstrosities began in the heart of a hungry drunk, and we thank them. 1. The T-Rav Pie at The Sliced PintThe ultimate St. Louis drunk food: This double-decker pie is stuffed with toasted ravioli filling. The second crust is adorned with your choice of toppings to solve the…
Recipe: Tiramisu Pizza
Live la dolce vita with this tiramisu-inspired dessert pizza. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. On a powdered sugar-dusted work surface, roll 1 pound prepared pizza dough into a ½-inch-thick round. Bake on a lightly oiled pizza pan 12 to 15 minutes, until cooked through. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup espresso and 1…
Review: Sauce On The Side in The Grove
Calzones are basically giant Hot Pockets, and who doesn’t want to be able to eat an entire pizza while driving? I will physically fight anyone who tries to tell me they’re not a kind of pizza, or perhaps change their minds with a piping hot calzone from Sauce on the Side. The newest location in…
What I Do: Meredith and Rick Schaper of Dogtown Pizza
Rick and Meredith Schaper had big plans in 2006: open a pizzeria serving St. Louis-style pies. But when the economy started to decline, the Schapers had to try another strategy. Today, more than 300 retailers carry frozen Dogtown Pizza, each handmade and flash-frozen at their warehouse in North City. Here, the Schapers tell how their…
Review: Start Bar in Downtown
Start Bar, St. Louis’ latest and greatest bar/arcade, is unapologetically dorky, which seems to be working for it. If this 21-and-older place was an ’80s high school student, its classmates would call it a righteous dude. Like Ferris Bueller, it’s beloved by all – the jocks, motorheads, geeks, sluts, wasteoids and dweebies. On Saturday nights,…
Eat this fried artichoke salad at Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria
The fried artichoke salad at Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria is a balancing act of temperatures and textures. Blooming in hot oil, the crisp, tender fried artichokes are the stars, supported by roasted asparagus on a bed of dark leafy greens. Studded with dollops of tangy goat cheese, pistachios and a drizzle of syrupy aged…
Sriracha Crackers
15 to 20 crackers
Simplest Lamb Ragu
4 servings
Spicy Shrimp Cocktail
4 to 6 servings
Vegan Chocolate Pudding
6 to 8 servings
Easy homemade (pizza) dough
2 pounds dough
Thai Red Curry Pizza
2 to 4 servings
Made for Each Other
Long gone are the days of loading up mom’s minivan with friends and heading to the local pizza parlor to fight over the jukebox and stuff our bellies full of mediocre pizza and soda. St. Louis has grown up, becoming renowned for great food and craft beer. Here are five go-to places to grab a…
Nothing pairs better than pilsner and pizza
Pizza and a clean, beautifully balanced lager go together like peanut butter and jelly. Look for light malt sweetness up front, notes of grain and yeast on the palate, and a refreshing, lightly bitter finish. If you’re ‘za-ing with me, expect Busch or a North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner. North Coast: $9. Randall’s Katie Herrera is…
Hit List: 7 places you must try this February
1. Hi-Pointe Drive In: 1033 McCausland Ave., St. Louis, 314.349.2720, hipointedrivein.com Hi-Pointe Drive In is the new counter-service burger and sandwich spot from the team behind Sugarfire Smoke House. Nothing beats the classic cheeseburger with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles: the thin smashed patties have a crispy edge but manage to stay a little…
Cajun Pasta
4 servings
