Very Vanilla Pudding with Snickerdoodle Bits
4 servings
Snickerdoodle Cookies
3 dozen
The Will
1 serving
4 local low ABV beers to sip now
It wasn’t too long ago when the buzz in craft beer was only about high-gravity styles. Be it a hoppy Imperial IPA or barrel-aged Imperial stout, bigger was always thought of as better. Luckily, the tide has turned, and sessionable beers are gaining a national foothold. Beers like Founders All Day IPA and Tallgrass Halcyon…
By the Book: Jeffrey Weiss’ Chorizo infierno
Jeffrey Weiss’s Charcutería: The Soul of Spain, his hagiographic cookbook devoted to the art of curing meats, makes for heady reading. A full 30 pages are devoted to the science of charcuterie, including the freshman-chemistry precepts of pH, nitrates, salts fermentation and, yes, germ theory – or rather, sidestepping its dangers. On a lazy…
Drink This Weekend Edition: The Will
Every year, I struggle with the same concept: the winter cocktail. There are plenty of drinks that feature egg whites and cream, but they can end up with a thin texture or a chalky mouth feel. And what about that pesky leftover yolk? This decadent tipple delivers creaminess and punch, while also using up…
The Scoop: The U Bar to open in old Sir’s BBQ space in U. City
The space at 6714 Olive Blvd., in University City will see new life next month as The U Bar, opening March 6. The U Bar is a venture by husband and wife team Jason and April Spain. Though the Spains have experience in the nightlife biz (He was the owner of now defunct J.…
Sneak Peek: Público
Nearly one year ago, restaurateur Mike Randolph announced his plans to open South American gastropub Público at 6679 Delmar Blvd., just doors from his Neopolitan pizzeria The Good Pie in The Loop. The wait for the wood-fired cantina is nearly over; Público opens doors for dinner March 3. The menu is divided into crudo…
The Scoop: First area Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken to open in Maplewood
More fried chicken is flying to Missouri this summer. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is set to open a franchise at 7434 Manchester Road in Maplewood. St. Louis will be one of nine places where the Tennessee-based restaurant plans to open this year. Franchise owners Jim and Jane Zimmermann said Gus’s will offer dine-in,…
The Scoop: Retreat Gastropub to open this summer in the CWE
{Retreat Gastropub owner Travis Howard} Retreat Gastropub is coming to 2 N. Sarah St., in the spot previously occupied by 6 North Café. Owner Travis Howard, who signed the lease to the Central West End spot last week, hopes to open the American gastropub in June. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner. Its…
The Scoop: Phat Boys BBQ opens in Florissant
With the cut of a ribbon, Mayor Thomas P. Schneider helped Florissant welcome Phat Boys BBQ to Florissant earlier this month. Though the barbecue concept, located at 300 St. Ferdinand, has served customers since September 2014, the official opening ceremony took place Feb. 12. “This started as a hobby. We had a food trailer…
Baked: Vanilla Bean Pudding with Snickerdoodle Bits
We’re eating snickerdoodles for days here on Baked. Last time I showed you berry potpie with a snickerdoodle crust, and today, I have another way to use up that leftover cookie dough (with instructions on how to make more, in case yours disappeared somehow). This is the simplest from-scratch vanilla pudding in the…
The Scoop: Area distilleries win big at American Craft Spirits Association awards
{Wood Hat Spirits owner Gary Hinegardner} St. Louis and Missouri were well represented this month among the winners of the American Craft Spirits Association awards, held Feb. 15 in Austin. Area distilleries Still 630 and Wood Hat Spirits won a gold medal each for their RallyPoint Maple Sunset Whiskey and Blue Corn Whiskey, respectively.…
Sneak Peek: Taco Circus
Quick-service Mexican restaurant Taco Circus is opening doors at 4258 Schiller Place in Bevo Mill Friday, Feb. 27. As Sauce reported in November, the restaurant is a venture by longtime friends and taco lovers, Mikey Carrasco and Christian Ethridge. Although the entire menu is available all day (Taco Circus will be open daily from 7…
Extra Sauce: A chat with Lidia Bastianich
Celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich has made a career preparing, exploring and educating others through Italian-American cuisine. Now she returns to St. Louis for Falling in Love … In Five Courses, an annual five-course dinner to benefit students at St. Louis Community College. Bastianich will oversee the dinner, which takes place this Saturday, Feb. 28…
The Scoop: Tiny sandwich shop The Little Dipper opens on Cherokee Street
Restaurants come in all shapes and sizes. The latest one to open on Cherokee Street is tiny – as in six-seat tiny. The Little Dipper opened doors Friday, Feb. 20 at 2619½ Cherokee St., in the space formerly occupied by Small’s Tea and Coffee. Working behind the counter of this shotgun space are owners…
The Scoop: The Pig closes doors in Frontenac, The Shack to open second location in its spot
{Fried chicken at The Pig} Michael Del Pietro’s latest concept, the Southern-inspired The Pig (formerly The Salted Pig), served up its last plate of ‘cue last Saturday, Feb. 21. As reported by St. Louis Magazine’s George Mahe, The Pig struggled to stand out during its 10-month run at 731 S. Lindbergh Road amid the…
The Scoop: Butler’s Pantry signs on at The Coronado
{From left, Gregory Ziegenfuss, Richard Nix Jr., Rob Schaefer, Samantha Gillstrom and Maggie Barton} Butler’s Pantry said “I do” to exclusive catering operations at popular wedding and event venue The Coronado Ballroom & Meeting Facility. Butler’s Pantry takes over the lease held since 2000 by Steven Becker Fine Dining. “Our lease was up in…
The Scoop: Bootleggin’ BBQ serves up barbecue downtown at The Pour House
Patrons at The Pour House downtown can now dig into Kansas City-style barbecue while they throw back a pint. Bootleggin’ BBQ has taken over the kitchen at 1933 Washington Ave., under the direction of pit master and co-owner Brenton Brown. Brown, a certified barbecue judge, started Bootleggin’ BBQ in 2006 as a catering venture…
Meatless Monday: Veggie Gyros, Two Ways
A gyro to-go is one of our favorite carryout options on a busy night, but we’ll lighten things up and save a little money this Meatless Monday with Veggie Gyros two ways. For a hearty meat substitute, marinade mushroom caps in a host of spices and garlic, then saute in a hot cast-iron skillet.…
Why you should eat the dumplings at Lona’s Lil’ Eats now
There’s nothing little about the flavor of the hand-made dumplings at Lona’s Lil Eats. Steamed for chew, then pan-fried for crunch, each plump half-moon pocket holds umami-packed bites of minced mushrooms or a mixture of ’shrooms and tender steak. Order both varieties and dip them all in a vibrant house-made chile oil seasoned with garlic,…
By the Book: Diane Kochilas’ Stuffed Lenten Cookies
As a Catholic kid who hated seafood, Lent was not a season I looked forward to. The 40 days of fasting and reflection to prepare for Easter is traditionally observed by abstaining from red meat and poultry on Fridays – not great news for the cod-averse. During these dinners, I subsisted mostly on plates…
Tender Kale Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
3 to 5 servings
Clodagh McKenna’s Authentic Lasagna
6 servings
Sweet Potato Soup with Ham
3 to 5 servings
Snickerdoodle Berry Potpie
1 9-inch pan
The Weekend Project: Confit
Like many century-old homes on our block, there’s a small window-sized wooden box built into the exterior brick wall of our kitchen. Though it’s long since been covered by drywall and cabinets, this larder reminds us of a bygone era when busy cooks made use of the natural refrigeration during St. Louis’ colder months.…
Drink This Weekend Edition: Heavy Riff and Excel Brewing’s Two Frenchmen
Even a brew-savvy city like St. Louis can overlook a beer style every now and then. Heavy Riff Brewing Co. in Dogtown and Illinois-based Excel Brewing set out to change that with their bière de mars Two Frenchmen, debuting Saturday, Feb. 21 at 5 p.m. Bière de mars, or “March beer,” is related to…
The Scoop: Mango to move to former Mosaic spot on Washington Avenue
{The former bar at Mosaic} The team at Mango is packing up and shipping out – one block south. The Peruvian restaurant is moving to 1001 Washington Ave., the former home of Mosaic, as reported by Feast. Manager Jessica Lees said the new location will provide much more space than their current location at…
The Scoop: Change is in the air for several Clayton restaurants
Open, closed or relocating – a handful of Clayton eateries are in the midst of change. Say farewell to the soda shop at Jennifer’s Pharmacy. An old-fashioned soda fountain is not part of owner Jennifer Rich’s future plans when she relocates her pharmacy from 30 N. Central Ave., to The Oxford Building in Clayton at 141…
The Scoop: Schlafly announces James Pendegraft as new CEO
Editor’s note: This article was updated at 3:15 p.m. Feb. 18 to include comments from Dan Kopman. Schlafly Beer has a new chief executive officer. The company announced in a statement yesterday, Feb. 17, that James Pendegraft is joining the brewery as CEO. “After 23 years of continuous growth and establishing Schlafly as a leader…
5 St. Louis-area chefs, Annie Gunn’s wine program named 2015 JBFA semifinalists
The James Beard Foundation has announced its 2015 restaurant and chef award semifinalists. St. Louis is again represented among this year’s nominees for the organization’s annual esteemed culinary awards. In a national category, Anne Gunn’s Smokehouse was nominated for Outstanding Wine Program. “It’s just an honor that someone’s recognizing us on a national level,” said…
The Scoop: City Park Grill to open in Tower Grove this summer
The former home of Tin Can Tavern in Tower Grove is set to see new life as City Park Grill this summer. The space at 3157 Morgan Ford Road is currently under construction, as reported by Feast Magazine. First-time restaurant owners Rob Pennington and Blake Urbani purchased the building more than a year ago…
Just Five: Sweet Potato Soup with Ham
This soup satisfies winter comfort food cravings without resorting to cheesy, heavy fare. Lighten things up with sweet potatoes, which marry well with salty ham and hot sauce. I’m a fan of Pickapeppa Hot Mango Sauce, available at Global Foods and Jay’s International, for its balance of sweet fruit and spicy kick. If you…
Meatless Monday: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Well, we almost made it, St. Louis. Winter just couldn’t let us go without one good snowy kick on the way out. Combat it with a cold weather classic: grilled cheese and tomato soup. Put the plastic-wrapped American slices away; we’ve got a deliciously decadent Grilled Cheese sammie from The Crow’s Nest that…
The Scoop: Cheese-ology in The Loop to close March 7
Cheese-ology, the mac-n-cheese mecca in The Loop, is closing doors for good next month, as reported by St. Louis Magazine. Owner Bill Courtney said due to rising costs, the fast-casual eatery’s last day of service will be March 7. “We had a wonderful five years,” Courtney said. “Business is strong, but following the drought…
By the Book: Clodagh McKenna’s Authentic Lasagna
My mom is an amazing cook. She would say that’s she’s the best –modesty doesn’t exactly run in my bloodline when it comes to skills in the kitchen. Because she’s so good, I always want her recipes. I’ll ask her how to make a dish and she’ll give me her recipe: a confusing jumble of…
Sneak Peek: Lascelles Granite City Tap & Grill
“For so long, there’s been nothing in Granite City,” said Ian Nesbit, barkeep at Lascelles Granite City Tap & Grill, which opens Saturday, Feb. 14 at 1324 Niedringhaus Ave., in Granite City. Under the direction of seasoned chef Eric Brenner, and with the backing of owner Lance Callis, who is silently reinvigorating the workaday Granite…
Drink This Weekend Edition: Sipping sake and Japanese whiskey at Baiku Sushi Lounge
I’ve never particularly enjoyed sake. What some sip prodigiously with their sushi and miso always tasted to me like anemic milk or the dregs of undercooked rice, to put it rather uncharitably. However, after editing Julie Cohen’s Asian spirits article for the February issue, a comprehensive ode to the Far East boozes now finding their way…
Asian spirits migrate to the Midwest
We’ve had a hunch for a while, but when Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2015 declared a Japanese single malt the best in the world, it became clear that Japanese whiskey is having more than just a moment. In St. Louis, Asian alcohols have arrived. One is the top-selling liquor in the world, but you’ve probably…
The Scoop: Local sommelier Andrey Ivanov headed to 2015 Chaine des Rotisseurs’ Young Sommeliers National Competition
Cheers to local sommelier Andrey Ivanov for winning the Young Sommeliers Midwest Regional Competition. The victory sends Ivanov to the final round of the 2015 Chaine des Rotisseurs’ Young Sommeliers Competition, which will take place May 14 and 15 in Santa Barbara, California. This marks Ivanov’s third year winning the Midwest regional round and third…
5 swoon-worthy Valentine’s Day dessert recipes
For some, Valentine’s Day is a day to spend with your sweetheart. For others, it’s a day to spend sprawled on the ground in the fetal position, nursing a half-empty bottle of cheap wine and force-cuddling Tibbles, your neighbor’s cat. Either way, desserts for Feb. 14 are a must. Here, 5 delicious treats and your…
Extra Sauce: Your top 4 Cajun and Creole restaurants
Mardi Gras weekend is upon us, which means we’re diving into po’boys, gumbo, jambalaya and all our favorite NOLA-inspired dishes. Last year, you voted for your favorite Cajun and Creole restaurants during our 2014 Readers Choice Awards. Here, your top 4 spots to let the good times roll:
The Scoop: Hollyberry Catering to open Nourish, a cafe and market
Hollyberry Catering is giving St. Louisians a permanent source for its catered fare with a new retail space and cafe concept. Nourish by Hollyberry is set to open at 10037 Manchester Road in Warson Woods this spring. Hollyberry president Holly Cunningham said the 5,000-square-foot location will house offices, tasting rooms, an event space, a…
Budget Crunch: 10 delicious dishes and sweet deals to try now
It’s time for Budget Crunch, wherein intrepid reporter Byron Kerman offers 10 tips on delicious menu items and sweet deals happening now. Got $10 and some change? Grab a friend and sample, split and stuff yourselves with these steals. 1. The Restaurant at The Cheshire is a classy joint, and the new Five-Under-$10 Lunch…
Meatless Monday: Warm Mushroom Salad
Sometimes we need a meaty, filling salad without any pesky lettuce getting in the way. That’s when we turn to this Warm Mushroom Salad. Simply saute nearly a pound of your favorite mushrooms (we opt for oyster, shiitake and cremini) in a warm garlic oil, then garnish it with walnuts, pecorino cheese and fresh…
The Scoop: Ices Plain & Fancy to take nitro ice on the road
Fans of Ices Plain & Fancy’s made-to-order ice creams will soon see that telltale cloud of liquid nitrogen rising from a bright pink and blue truck. Troika Brodsky confirmed that he and fellow co-owners Matt Deutschmann, Max Crask and Darla Crask have purchased a 1964 Divco milk truck, affectionately dubbed “Agnes.” Brodsky said they…
The Scoop: Matt Daughaday to open Reeds American Table in Maplewood
Chef Matt Daughaday is one step closer to opening his own restaurant. The former executive chef of Taste announced today, Feb. 9, that he plans to open Reeds American Table in Maplewood at 7322 Manchester Road, the space formerly occupied by Home Wine Kitchen. Daughaday said he could open doors as early as June,…
The Scoop: Gerard Craft to open fifth restaurant downtown
One of St. Louis’ preeminent chefs is adding another restaurant to his empire. Porano Pasta + Gelato will be Gerard Craft’s first fast-casual establishment located downtown in the Mercantile Exchange at 634 Washington Ave. Doors are set to open mid- to late summer. Craft, who also owns Niche, Brasserie, Pastaria and Taste, is a…
By the Book: Joumana Accad’s Falafel Loaf with Tarator Sauce
Maybe it’s because I’m such a food grazer that I love a good meze. I salivate just imagining a smorgasbord of Middle Eastern bites like olives, yogurt-, vegetable- and legume-based dips with pita, salads such as fattoush or tabbouleh and finger foods like stuffed grape leaves and meat pies. Some years ago, I presented…
The Scoop: Blues City Deli owner to open Melo’s Pizza
{Blues City Deli owner Vince Valenza} Aporkalypse pizza? Dreams could come true this summer when Blues City Deli owner Vince Valenza opens Melo’s Pizza behind his popular Benton Park sandwich shop at 2438 McNair Ave. Valenza announced the new wood-fired pizzeria yesterday, Feb. 4. “We think it’s just a really great corner and doing…
Drink This Weekend Edition: Get schooled on sherry
Sherry is one of the greatest values in the wine world right now, but there’s still a lot of confusion surrounding these fortified Spanish wines. Here, a crash course on three types of sherry – and why you should drink them: 1. Fino: These sherries are not oxidized, which makes them crisp, clean and…
Wilfrin and Lisa Fernandez-Cruz to leave Winslow’s Home, St. Louis
St. Louis is losing Winslow’s Home married chefs Wilfrin and Lisa Fernandez-Cruz at the end of February. The couple said they and their two children are returning to New York City to be closer to their extended families. “I will miss this place a lot. It’s going to be a heartbreak for me,” said Wil…
The Scoop: Clementine’s Creamery to open brick-and-mortar in Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square is set to welcome a new ice cream shop. Clementine’s Creamery is set to open in mid- to late-February at 1637 S. 18th St., according to owner Tamara Keefe. Clementine’s features alcohol-infused “naughty” flavors like maple-bourbon with salted candied pecans, chocolate-cabernet and banana rum with salted caramel swirl, and nonalcoholic “nice” options,…
What I Do: Sam McCulloch and Rick Kazmer
“We’re very nontraditional,” said Taste general manager Sam McCulloch, referring to her upcoming wedding plans. But then, her relationship with fiance Rick Kazmer has been unconventional since the day they met. “The fact that we both work in the industry is what makes it work,” said Kazmer, chef de cuisine at Cleveland-Heath. This charming restaurant…
Baked: Snickerdoodle Berry Potpie
I recently opened my freezer and found it overflowing with cookie dough. Rather than make yet another batch of cookies, I decided to get creative with a fruity dessert version of a potpie. The result: a simple berry pie filling topped with a giant snickerdoodle. The sweet cookie’s crisp edges give way to a…
The Scoop: Mad Tomato to close after Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day will be bittersweet this year at Mad Tomato. Chef-owner Vito Racanelli Jr. confirmed the Italian eatery in Clayton is closing doors for good after dinner service on Feb. 14. Racanelli said the sluggish economy and continual construction surrounding his restaurant, which is situated between the St. Louis County buildings on Carondelet Avenue,…
Just Five: Tender Kale Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
2014 was The Year of Kale, and everyone is over it – except me. This beautiful dark green leaf is delicious when sauteed, braised, added to soups and stews or blitzed into juices. I never got the whole kale chip phenomenon, but I love that it brought so much attention to this misunderstood vegetable.…
The Scoop: Friendship Brewing to open in Wentzville this summer
Yet another new brewery is on its way to the St. Louis metro area. Friendship Brewing Company is set to open doors in Wentzville in late summer. Owners Brian Nolan and Dan Belcher will take the century-old space at 100 Pitman Ave., which formerly housed an ice factory-turned creamery. “Dan and I have been…
Meatless Monday: Paella
Paella can be as complicated or as simple as you desire. Yes, you can use a traditional paellera and create it over an open flame – or you can take out your trusty cast-iron skillet and try our simpler method. This vegan version bulks up the traditional rice dish with eggplant, bell peppers and…
Short List: Tacos al pastor
After too much cerveza and tequila, there are few things more comforting than juicy, seared meat in the sweet embrace of a corn tortilla. Al pastor, the Turkish doner kebab’s Mexican cousin, is a smoky, spicy tower of meat that’s calling your name. Thin slices of pork shoulder are marinated in a heavenly mixture of vinegar, guajillo, ancho…
Make a rock & rye your way
In eastern Kentucky, the few banjo players still left play an early 20th-century ballad called “Morphine,” an opioid dream which contains a spectacularly strange line: “It’s peach and honey, rye, Rock and Rye / Baby, I’ll tell you my dream.” The ballad’s inventory of American vice – morphine, games of chance – pauses twice on…
The Scoop: Restituo owner to debut panini truck, Totally Toasted Truck
{A panini served at Restituo} Restituo owner Nicole McCormack is taking her sandwich press on the road. She and co-owner Lisa Andris are currently converting a small school bus to become the future home of Totally Toasted Truck, a panini and soup truck. McCormack said she hopes to launch the mobile eatery at the end…
The most luxurious sour ale that’s worth it
When I think of Italy, I think luxury: exquisite wines, sprawling villas and high-end sports cars. Beer doesn’t usually make that list. However, Italian brewery LoverBeer is out to change that. With its lineup of wild ales, fruited sours and Imperial stouts, BeerBrugna is putting Italy on the world beer map. Its brews are expensive…
The perfect rose-colored cocktail for Valentine’s Day
Grenadine is a great way to give your valentine a rose-colored cocktail. Your drinks will taste as lovely as they look when you make your own grenadine instead of purchasing bottles laden with corn syrup and food coloring. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup pomegranate juice with ½ cup sugar. Stir to dissolve…
Why you should be drinking this Napa Valley value red wine right now
Hefty holiday credit card bills are piling up. Deal with bill shock by uncorking an incomparable Napa Valley value red wine. Priced around $10, the 2013 Ca’ Momi Rosso di Napa is a bargain bottle that boasts pedigree and style. Cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, merlot and petit syrah blend together for a deliciously fruity sip that…
St. Lous restaurant recommendations from the servers themselves
Ever wonder what servers order for themselves? Here’s the insider intel on what to eat at St. Louis restaurants right now. – Compiled by Sara Graham “Our American-style rigatoni with house-made noodles, seasonal veggies, blackened cremini mushrooms and Cajun cream is my go-to. And it can’t be matched with anything but Hudson Manhattan rye.” – Jeremy…
Review: Grapeseed in St. Louis
Editor’s note: Grapeseed has closed. Neighborhood restaurants are risky ventures. Without the advantage of a recognizable location, familiar name or easy visibility, their existence hangs on the buzz of adventuresome diners hungry for something off the beaten path. They are true destinations: Think Jax Café, Farmhaus, The Purple Martin, Ernesto’s Wine Bar or The Piccadilly…
Review: Whitebox Eatery in Clayton
Editor’s note: Whitebox Eatery has closed. At Clayton’s upscale Whitebox Eatery, originality and care go into every sandwich, soup and salad – yet the tastefully curated, subdued fare doesn’t always reach truly delicious heights. All about the sandwichWhitebox’s lunch menu is represented by more than a dozen sandwiches. My favorite was the roasted mushroom, starring…
Review: Anthony’s Bar in St. Louis
I’m still kicking myself for not reserving a few tables at Anthony’s Bar for dinner during my bachelor party last spring. Stiff martinis and thick, juicy steaks at one of downtown’s classiest watering holes would certainly have been more memorable than the craft beer and pizza we had. Plus, just imagine the valet’s expression at…
Chocolate Meringue Cups
8 servings
Saffron cauliflower purée
4 servings
Rock candy syrup
1 quart
Root vegetable osso buco
6 to 8 servings
Chicken Confit with Eggplant Sauce
4 servings
Rock and Rye
12 servings
Chicken Confit
4 servings
Chicken Confit Nachos
4 servings
Vegan Osso Buco
Like participle and Benedict Cumberbatch, braise is a term that people often toss around but don’t really understand. Braise is a two-step cooking method, in which you first sear the food in a hot skillet, then cover and bake it with a little liquid. If that sounds like one step too many, remember that ordering…
St. Louis’ new American butchers
Between the pig’s head, the hanging quarter of beef and the trays of hocks, trotters and loins, there was barely enough room to move around in the closet-sized walk-in of Bolyard’s Meat & Provisions, the boutique butcher shop Chris Bolyard and his wife Abbie Bolyard opened late last year in Maplewood. Yes, an honest-to-goodness butcher…
