Sneak Peek: Nathalie's

Nathalie’s is set to open Friday, Dec. 13. The restaurant, located at 4356 Lindell Blvd., in the Central West End, is the newest project by Nathalie Pettus, proprietor of Overlook Farm in Clarksville, Mo. Pettus has transformed the space that previously housed Salt into one that reflects her family’s St. Louis roots, and she will serve up the bounty of the harvest from Overlook Farm.  

{Jimmy Voss, Nathalie Pettus}

  “Local-global” is how Nathalie’s executive chef Jimmy Voss described the menu. “It’s the flavors of the world. My [cooking] has always been global,” Voss said, who was a longtime face in the kitchen at now defunct Duff’s before helming culinary operations at Overlook Farm. “But we’re using our local stuff,” Pettus added. The menu, which is divided into starters, chef’s specials, entrees, desserts and a late-night bar menu, will feature numerous ingredients raised and grown at Overlook – from produce to pigs – and from other local sources.  

{Pretzel-crusted pork chop with German potato salad, braised red cabbage and herb mustard}

Former Duff’s patrons will recognize some signature dishes from that beloved restaurant on the menu at Nathalie’s, such as French onion soup, steak salad, vegetarian winter roulade and desserts like peppermint pie and white chocolate cheesecake.  

{A gluten-free Ibarra cake, a flourless chocolate cake with orange glaze and chocolate ganache}

Nathalie’s also will offer numerous vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Working alongside Voss will be chef de cuisine Chris Ayala, who was the event chef for Catering St. Louis prior to coming aboard Nathalie’s.     Pettus has put her personal touch on the ornate space, beginning with the exterior, which now features an awning that runs from the sidewalk to the front door. Her influence also extends from the wine room in the cellar to the dining area and event space on the second floor.  

 {The wine room in the cellar}

Paintings by Pettus’ grandfather hang on dining room walls, while Veiled Prophet memorabilia that pays homage to Pettus’ grandmother, crowned VP queen in 1906, frame soft lounge seating in the bar area. “This celebrates me, my family, St. Louis,” said Pettus, as she passed by family portraits that hang in a stairwell leading to the second floor dining room and an event space. That area will be used for entertainment such as film screenings, plays and live musical performances (Erin Bode is slated to play at Nathalie’s on Saturday, Dec. 14.), as well as private parties. Nathalie’s initial hours of operation will be 4 p.m. to midnight every day except Tuesdays. Weekend brunch, weekday lunch and weekday breakfast service will be added later. For an even more in-depth look at what’s in store at Nathalies’s, go to our Facebook page.

-photos by Michelle Volansky