Winter dining in St. Louis is getting a European twist. Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton at 7730 Bonhomme Ave. is bringing the flavors and atmosphere of the Swiss Alps to its third-floor terrace with The Chalet: Reimagined, a seasonal dining experience centered on communal fondue, intimate conservatories and the pleasures of gathering around the table.
Running weekends from Nov. 13 through Jan. 10, the experience gives guests a chance to trade the traditional restaurant setting for an enclosed, winter-inspired dining space designed for lingering over a meal. The updated concept marks a shift for the hotel’s longtime seasonal attraction, placing food and shared dining at the center of the experience.
The redesigned terrace will feature four conservatories – one large and three smaller spaces – along with a shared community table. Each enclosed dining area will feature seasonal décor and atmospheric lighting, creating a cozy setting for private celebrations, date nights and gatherings with friends.
At the heart of the experience is a three-course alpine-inspired dinner built around cheese and chocolate fondue.
The meal begins with a mountain charcuterie board before moving into the main course: melted cheese fondue served with fresh bread, potatoes, vegetables, chicken and sausage. Guests looking to make the meal more indulgent can upgrade their fondue selection with lobster and steak.
Dessert continues the communal theme with chocolate fondue accompanied by marshmallows, brownies, biscotti and fresh fruit. Cheese and chocolate fondue will be shared among guests, with individual portions of accompaniments provided for dipping.
Vegetarian, gluten-free and other dietary accommodations are available with advance notice, and guests can request modifications when making their reservations.
Private conservatories and European-style communal seating
The Chalet: Reimagined offers several seating arrangements depending on the size and style of the gathering. The largest conservatory accommodates up to eight guests, while smaller conservatories are designed for groups of up to six.
Couples can also reserve European-style seating at the shared community table, which accommodates six guests, or three separate couples. Those booking for two should expect to share the table with other diners, adding a communal element to the European-inspired experience.
Each reservation includes a two-hour dining period. Cocktails and additional beverages are available for purchase, with seasonal selections including a hot toddy, mulled wine and cider.
The concept builds on a seasonal tradition at Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton, but the latest iteration puts greater emphasis on dining and the social experience of sharing a meal.
“The Chalet has been part of the hotel for several years, and we’ve loved celebrating the season with St. Louis. This new program grew from our desire to evolve the way we connect at Le Méridien, with every detail designed to bring people together and create lasting memories,” said Danielle Minninger, marketing manager at Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton.
“We’re excited for our dining program to introduce fondue offers in St. Louis, giving guests a wintry escape reminiscent of the Swiss culture that inspired The Chalet in the first place. European culture has long celebrated the pleasure of gathering over a meal, and we wanted to bring that feeling to life in a new way at the hotel.”
Reservations, pricing and hours
The Chalet: Reimagined will operate Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 13 through Jan. 10.
Reservations require a $100 deposit, which will be credited toward the final food and beverage bill. Food and beverage minimums vary by seating arrangement:
- Large conservatory: $400 minimum
- Small conservatory: $300 minimum
- European seating for two: $200 minimum
Reservations are available through Eventbrite.
For additional information and reservation details, visit Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton.
