First Look: A2 The GFCF Cafe & Restaurant in downtown St. Louis

Editor's Note: A2 has closed.

Audra Angelique and Audrey Faulstich are on a mission to provide downtown St. Louis healthy alternatives for those with food allergies and intolerances. Their experiences with specialty diets inspired them to launch A² The GFCF Cafe and Restaurant, which opened doors on April 11 at 1330 Washington Ave.

As Sauce reported in September 2015, co-owners Angelique, who serves as head chef, and Faulstich, a registered nurse, wanted to provide healthy food and to educate others about the potential health benefits of removing foods containing gluten and casein (a protein found in mammal milk).

At first glance, the 35-seat dining room feels like a coffee shop, complete with an espresso bar and bakery case, but the restaurant has a gluten-free lunch and dinner menu featuring sandwiches, salads and pizzas with casein-free options.

A² worked with Wildwood-based Think.Eat.Live. to develop a variety of breads and the pizza crust made with the company’s sunflower seed-based flour blend. They also brew Mississippi Mud coffee and offer tea from London Tea Room. A² also strives to use recyclable and compostable carryout boxes, utensils, cups and straws.

A² is open Tuesdays though Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with plans to add a weekend brunch service. Here’s a first look at what to expect at downtown’s newest eatery.