One Ingredient, 8 ways: Fruitcake
Christmas decorations are slowly being stowed away, but alas, that uneaten fruitcake the neighbors’ gave you is still hanging around. Avoid the urge to throw it out with your tree. Instead, take the requisite slice, then crumble, slice and bake this fruit-and-booze-laden present into these surprisingly tasty (We promise!) delights. 1. Eggnog-soaked French toast Cut…
Make Like Jamie: Champagne your night away
The ever-flamboyant Jamie Kilgore has a flair for the festive. The glitzy bartender at Cielo Restaurant in the Four Seasons really knows how to kick it up during the holidays. In our December issue, we sat down with her to talk about how to doll up any drink and the cocktails that fortify her and…
Paul Manno’s Rack of Lamb
Looking for a little inspiration in the kitchen now that the holidays are winding down? Here, Paul Manno, chef and co-owner of Paul Manno’s in Chesterfield, shares his recipe for Rack of Lamb. Rack of Lamb Courtesy of Paul Manno’s Paul Manno Approximately 1 serving 1 loaf French bread (or store-bought unseasoned breadcrumbs) Juice of…
Drink This Weekend Edition: A guide to drinking during the bowl games
Big days lie ahead. No, we’re not talking New Year’s Eve or even New Year’s Day. We’re talking about non-stop college football. It’s the time of year to plant your butt on a chair and zone out to first and 10, fourth and long, and crazed, shirtless young males wearing body paint. Thus, we bring…
Thursday Giveaway: The clock is ticking!
Love free stuff? We have good news! Today we’re giving away the book To Have and Have Another: A Hemingway Cocktail Companion by cocktail historian Philip Greene. This book, highlighted in last week’s Drink This Weekend Edition, will keep the literary lush in your life quite entertained with liquor-filled stories about Papa Hemingway, his novels and even…
Short List: Hot Chocolate
Since it seems that winter has decidedly arrived, all we want to do now is curl up with a blanket and sip some hot chocolate. But where can we find the best? Sauce’s archives is a great place to start. This short list originally appeared in 2011. If you have any new suggestions, feel free…
Just Five: Kale in Peanut Sauce
There are people who think kale chips are the bomb-diggity. I am not one of these people. I think kale chips are nasty, but maybe I just haven’t found the right recipe (cue 15 recipes landing in my email box). I do, however, really love kale in salads (Olio has a great chopped kale salad.)…
Scenes From My Life: Ben Poremba
When finding a location for his wine bar Olio and restaurant Elaia, it was imperative for Ben Poremba, also co-owner of Salume Beddu, to stay in the city. Now, a run-down historic home and former gas station have been transformed into what is becoming one of the cornerstones of urban renewal for the once-blighted McRee…
Where to drink tonight: Four cocktail recommendations
Now that your gift conundrum is solved, go get a drink. Depending on your stomping grounds, here are four cocktails from four different parts of town that have kept us merry this season: Winter is Coming at Salt: Winter technically arrived last week, but there’s no need to stop that from celebrating its arrival tonight.…
Holiday Drinking: What to drink all week long
The holidays are great, but let’s face it: ‘Tis the season for stress-induced drinking. How best to take the edge off this holiday season? We went to wine experts Lauren Blake of Robust Wine Bar and her fiancé, Daniels Parseliti of Little Country Gentleman, to find out how they drink their way through the most…
By the Book: Bryan and Michael Voltaggio’s Volt Ink
When the opening spread of a cookbook boasts side-by-side forewords from José Andrés and Charlie Palmer, you know it isn’t going to be like other cookbooks. And Volt Ink, the beautiful new book from Michael and Bryan Voltaggio, doesn’t disappoint. Most food fanatics know the Voltaggio brothers from their time on Top Chef. Those who…
Meatless Monday: Rosalita’s Cantina
It’s time to turn your holiday happy hour into a fiesta at Rosalita’s Cantina on Washington Avenue. The menu does not stop short with great drink and appetizer happy hour specials (like $2.50 drafts, $4 margaritas and $3 off appetizers from 3 to 7 p.m., Mondays through Fridays); it actually features some creative meatless Mexican…
Compulsory Gift: So you really waited this long?
You swore you’d start your holiday shopping sooner. But you didn’t. And now you’ve got a knot in your stomach and a whole lot of VIPs who require something more thoughtful than a re-gifted bottle of merlot. Fortunately, we put together this list of gifts you have to have for the folks you have to…
Drink This Weekend Edition: Last-minute gift ideas for the drinker in your life
The clock is ticking on holiday shopping. Time to put down that pint of beer, glass of wine or mug of nog and get the darn list done. Here are 10 last-minute gift ideas to please the drinker in your life. 1. Beer sampler pack. Give the dedicated Budweiser drinker in your life a 12-pack…
Lou Rook’s cookbook recommendations
Last minute shopping? Grab a copy of the new cookbook Rook Cooks by Annie Gunn’s longtime chef Lou Rook. You can find it at The Smokehouse Market, Annie Gunn’s and Kitchen Conservatory. For Rook, cookbooks haven’t influenced his cooking as much as they have inspired it. “As a chef, you use cookbooks when you don’t have time to go out…
And the Winner Is
For the past two months, you’ve shown us what your dream holiday parties would be like in our Holiday Party Pinboard Contest. From the songs you’d play to the decorations you’d use to, of course, the dishes you’d serve, you have put us in the holiday spirit. But only one person can win. And so…
The Scoop: EdgeWild to take space at Busch’s Grove for locale No. 2
EdgeWild Restaurant & Winery is expected to open a second location at the former Busch’s Grove in Ladue. A press release issued yesterday stated that EdgeWild owners Andy and Dee Dee Kohn are working again with restaurateur and EdgeWild proprietor Chris LaRocca to open a second EdgeWild establishment in the Ladue space in early summer…
The Scoop: Veritas Gateway to Food & Wine relocating
Stephanie and David Stitt, owners of Veritas Gateway to Food and Wine, have announced that they are moving their restaurant and wine shop from its Chesterfield location at 1722 Clarkson Road in the Dierbergs Market Place (pictured) to the corner of Clarkson and Clayton Roads in Ellisville, in the space between Life Time Fitness and…
Thursday Giveaway: The clock is ticking!
Love free stuff? Have a wine-lover on your holiday shopping list? (Or an aficionado of the movie Fatal Attraction?) We have good news! Today we’re giving away a Corkcicle Wine Chiller as featured in our holiday guide. It’s just about the easiest way for your wine-loving pal to keep whites chilled and cool down room-temp…
Sneak Peek: Robust downtown
Robust’s new location is opening this weekend. The restaurant, wine bar and gift shop, owned by Stanley and Arlene Browne, is located at 635 Washington Ave. Robust is part of the Mercantile Exchange, a block of property located downtown between 6th and 7th Streets that includes a Pi Pizzeria, MX Movies and will soon house several more restaurants, stores and The…
The Scoop: Last day for Burger Bar
{Chocolate Burger from Burger Bar} Burger Bar, Hubert Keller’s hamburger joint located inside Lumière Place Casino, is closing. As reported today by George Mahe of St. Louis Magazine, Burger Bar – which also has locations in Las Vegas and San Francisco – will shutter permanently after service ends this evening at 11 p.m. “It was very popular; it’s just…
The Scoop: Broadway Oyster Bar and Tortillaria undergoing renovations
Two local establishments are keeping things fresh with renovations. Tortillaria Mexican Kitchen will be closed for a brief period, beginning today, in order to remodel the kitchen and service area. “We took over an old space eight years ago and are finally able to do some much needed repairs and maintenance that will ensure at…
Baked: Gingerbread Guinness Cake with Vanilla Stout Frosting
I’ve never tasted a real Guinness, but I now I’ve baked it into a cake. Although gingerbread isn’t my favorite, I was pleasantly surprised at how wonderfully spiced this cake turned out. Boiling the molasses also brought out the flavor much more than simply adding it into the batter. And don’t be alarmed by how…
The Scoop: A new office, table and sub
The list of new restaurants continues to grow. As reported by The Riverfront Times, The Office has opened. The restaurant and lounge makes it home at 5917 Delmar Blvd., a block east of the Delmar MetroLink station in the space formerly occupied by Binions. Subliminal Grilled Subs, an Illinois-based sub sandwich shop, is expanding its…
The Scoop: Good night, and good luck
We hate goodbyes, but it’s time to bid farewell to a few people and eating establishments that have kept our bellies well fed. The Feed Me banh mi food truck, which has only been in operation for the 2012 season, won’t be tootling around town selling Vietnamese sandwiches in 2013. Earlier this month, the food truck announced…
By the Book: Pierre Hermé’s Pastries
Pierre Hermé was famous for his involvement with Ladurée in Paris, but since his departure from the famous patisserie, he’s grown his business of designer pastries in Tokyo, Paris, Dubai and London. His desserts are the epitome of luxury: beautiful, pristine and decadent. His latest cookbook, Pierre Hermé Pastries, is certainly fit for the most…
The Scoop: Chef Chris Lee to leave In Good Company family of restaurants
Chef Chris Lee is leaving In Good Company, the hospitality group owned by local entrepreneurs Ami Grimes and Dr. Gurpreet Padda. Lee is currently executive chef for In Good Company, charged with overseeing culinary operations for its restaurants, which include Café Ventana, Sanctuaria, Diablitos Cantina and the recently opened Hendricks BBQ in St. Charles. Lee…
Pasta con Melanzane: then, now, always.
One bite and you’ll know why the Pasta con Melanzane at Rich & Charlie’s hasn’t changed in 20 years. As kids, the eggplant perched atop the big bowl of piping hot pasta was an afterthought. We’d throw the purple hunk on Mom’s plate to uncover the shell-shaped doughy nuggets underneath, little beauties bathing in a…
Meatless Monday: Getting cozy with Joe’s chili
On a chilly winter Monday when the coffee is not doing the trick, I need something that’s piping hot to get me going. A meatless standby that’s warm, packed with protein and the perfect antidote for a gloomy day? Vegetarian chili. And if you work downtown, I know exactly where you can find it: Joe’s…
The Scoop: Salt names Bradley Hoffmann executive chef
Salt has a new exec chef. Bradley Hoffmann is now helming the kitchen in the Central West End restaurant, as reported earlier today by George Mahe of St. Louis Magazine. Hoffmann replaces Josh Roland, who took over the back of the house upon the departure of chef Wes Johnson this past May. According to Salt…
What To Buy the Boozehound In Your Life
Still shopping for the holidays? Have one (or a few) beer, wine and spirits lovers on your list? We’ve got gift ideas for every boozehound, whether his tipple of choice comes from grapes or grains. From killer wine accessories to DIY beer and bourbon projects, even a drink-and-doodle read, 2012 just might be the best…
The Scoop: Upscale food court coming to St. Louis
Set to open in March 2013, Central Table Food Hall hopes to offer St. Louis residents a first-of-its-kind culinary destination. Built around a similar idea as Mario Batali’s Eataly (pictured) in New York City, the Central Table Food Hall will offer artisanal goods and seven food and drink options in one centralized location. The seven…
Tune in Today to Hear Michael Renner’s Favorite Dishes of 2012
It’s not just the month of countless holiday parties and endless gift wrapping, it’s also the time when we take a look back at the year we’re leaving behind. Here at Sauce, we believe there’s only one way to measure a good year: in food, of course! And there’s no better person to do all…
Drink This Weekend Edition: Find uncommon drinks, eats and fun at The Fortune Teller Bar
It’s not at every bar where you’ll encounter egg liqueur on the bar shelf, house-made Glühwein warming in a 1970s pea green Mirro-Matic percolator and Old Rasputin Imperial Stout on tap next to Stag. Then again, The Fortune Teller Bar, which opened a month ago at 2635 Cherokee St., isn’t any old bar. The eclectic…
Thursday Giveaway: The clock is ticking!
Love free stuff? Have a boozehound on your holiday shopping list? We have good news! Today we’re giving away the cookbook The New Old Bar: Classic Cocktails and Salty Snacks from The Hearty Boys by Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith. To enter to win, click here and answer the question in the instructions. Entries start NOW and last…
One Week Left to Pin to Win
For the last month and a half, we’ve been watching as you’ve shown us how you plan to spend the most wonderful time of the year for a chance to win a great prize. From your table setting to your stocking-studded mantle, from your favorite holiday cocktails to your go-to latke recipe, you’ve really gotten…
A Better BYOB
With large format beers* becoming rapidly more available, it can be just as fun to bring a great ale or lager to a holiday party as it is wine. Beer, with its diverse ingredients, flavors and styles, is easy to pair with almost any dish. Headed to a cocktail party? Look for styles that are…
The Scoop: Biz at Bissinger’s gets sweeter with acquisition of Bochner Chocolates
St. Louis-based gourmet chocolate and confection company, Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier, has announced the acquisition of Bochner Chocolates of Iowa City, Iowa. The acquisition will significantly expand Bissinger’s operations and the company’s ability to meet increasing demand for its premium, high-quality confections, according to a press release. “With this acquisition, Bissinger’s secures its position in the…
The Scoop: A cave of wonders opens in New Town
Last week, Nichole and Angel DiGiuseppi opened The Organic Cave Paleo Bakery in New Town, St. Charles, at 3323-1 Domain St. For people who have food allergies, this new opening might call for some rejoicing. All of the bakery’s offerings are gluten-free, dairy-free, casein free, grain free and soy free. The DiGiuseppi’s endeavor began in April…
Just Five: Super Simple Gingered Nuts
Well, it’s official. We’re smack dab in the middle of the dreaded holiday season. Parties and gatherings and family and everyone asking you to bring a little something to share. So are you really going to bring a bag of chips and salsa again? Come on now, you can step it up a bit. This…
Foodie Stuff to Do Around Town This Month
Yes, it’s already Dec. 11. Hanukkah is here, and Christmas is fast approaching. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of events happening around town to keep your holiday spirits soaring. Holiday Events at Eckert’s Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, Eckert’s of Belleville, Belleville · 618.233.0513 · eckerts.com They’re pulling out…
By the Book: Ritz Paris Haute Cuisine
Normally for this column, we’d pick a recipe from a cookbook and describe our experience in preparing it. This month, however, we’ve chosen gorgeous, hardbound tomes written by culinary gods. Being that we’re prone to making messes, we’d prefer to give the winners of the cookbook giveaway untainted copies. Also, as you can see from…
Orkeed: A lunch special is the perfect excuse to start a Meatless Monday routine
When strolling down South Grand, don’t let the sidewalk tables with hookah pipes fool you: Orkeed Restaurant doesn’t just tout flavored tobacco, it has an extensive Middle Eastern menu. When I saw Orkeed’s sidewalk sign proudly promoting a $5 lunch menu, I immediately charged past the hookahs, knowing I had to grab myself a steal…
Gifts for the Starter Kitchen
At some point in all home cooks’ lives, they move into their first “adult” kitchen – a magical place where the days of boxed mac and cheese are behind them and the future is filled with freshly cooked meals. Whether you’re shopping for a recent college grad, a newly engaged couple or just someone who…
Sanctuaria bartender Matt Seiter launches cocktail book this week
Area bartenders continue to shake things up. Last Friday, The Scoop announced that Ted Kilgore was opening a cocktail bar in Lafayette Square. This week, the drinker’s delight is the launch of Matt Seiter’s cocktail book, Sanctuaria: The Dive Bar of Cocktail Bars. Seiter is the bar manager for Sanctuaria, a restaurant and bar located in The…
Drink This Weekend Edition: Old but new at The Cheshire
St. Louisans who remember what The Cheshire looked like in its heyday shouldn’t get teary-eyed over the vast renovations that have gone into resurrecting the 1930s structure. Head to The Restaurant, the first of three concepts slated for the 35,000 square-foot building at 7036 Clayton Ave., and you’ll see an exterior that is still as gloriously Tudor…
Butterscotch Brittle
Need a homemade gift fast? You can do better than a Mason jar filled with baking mix. We’re smitten with brittle, especially since our recipe for the festive candy starts with a common soda cracker. Wrapped in parchment paper and tucked into a candy box, brittle is the perfect homemade holiday gift. Can’t part with…
The Scoop: Ted Kilgore leaving Taste to open The Planter’s House
Ted Kilgore, arguably St. Louis’ most well-known bartender, is leaving his post as beverage director at Taste to open a cocktail bar in Lafayette Square called The Planter’s House. Kilgore isn’t going solo in this new venture, which will be located in the building (pictured) at 1000 Mississippi Ave., at the corner of Chouteau and Mississippi…
Thursday Giveaway: The clock is ticking!
Love free stuff? Have a homebrewer (or future homebrewer) on your holiday shopping list? We have good news! Today we’re giving away two bags of Home Brew blends courtesy of Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. Each five pound bag, one bag to make Zwickel and the other for Winged Nut, will yield approximately 2.5 gallons of…
Baked: Raspberry Buttermilk Pie
There’s something I love about a custard-y pie: Crisp, buttery crust meets a creamy, firm pudding. Although I’ve grown up in the South, I’ve never noticed a buttermilk pie on any menus (which is a pity), so I’ve resorted to making it myself. I made my first buttermilk pie a few years back for my…
Happy Prohibition Repeal Day!
After 13 long years without legal alcohol, on Dec. 5, 1933, the 18th Amendment was repealed. In celebration of the repeal, don’t worry about costumes and elaborate props; simply celebrate by treating yourself to a drink! Annie Gunn’s in Chesterfield is commemorating today with a special cocktail menu. Head there to try the Prohibition, Calvados…
By the Book: Heston Blumenthal at Home
To cook with it or not? That is the question when a beautiful cookbook worthy of championing the coffee table gets into our hands. Normally for this column, we’d pick a recipe and describe our experience in preparing it. This month, however, we’ve chosen hefty, hardbound tomes written by culinary gods. Being that we’re prone…
The Scoop: The Cheshire continues to poach The Big Apple
The Cheshire’s gorgeously rehabbed soon-to-open basement restaurant and bar Basso now has an executive chef. Patrick Connolly, a St. Louis native, has returned from New York City to helm the Italian-themed casual counterpart to recently opened The Restaurant, which sits above Basso at 7036 Clayton Ave. Connolly first gained national attention while at the restaurant Radius in…
The Scoop: Chefs on the move
Three area chefs are adding heat to an already hot restaurant scene. Brian Hardesty (pictured, left) co-owner of food truck Guerrilla Street Food, is planning to open a restaurant, as reported by St. Louis Magazine’s George Mahe. Hardesty, who was executive chef for the short-lived Root at Starr’s in Richmond Heights and who previously helmed…
Make This: Pumpkin Mousse Shortbread Bars
Has this crazy warm weather catapulted you back to craving the flavors of fall? Before you fully transition to your eggnog, nutmeg and cinnamon-based winter-time recipes, give these Pumpkin Mousse Shortbread Bars one last hurrah. Pumpkin Mousse Shortbread Bars Makes 9 to 12 bars These bars are so easy to put together and, since they’re…
Meatless Monday: The Royale’s grilled cheese is all grown up
We all have those favorites from when we were little; those mushy, easy-to-make snacks like PB&J and mac-and-cheese. But the best is when our old-school favorites mature with our taste buds that have (hopefully) been evolving over the years. A childhood favorite aged to perfection is exactly what I found at The Royale, a bar…
What to buy the food snob in your life
We all know one – that person who takes great pleasure in distinguishing himself from the rest of us mere food enthusiasts. The girlfriend who thinks only sous vide meats are worthy of her palate. The husband who’d never settle for something as utilitarian as Mr. Coffee. Regardless of who the food snob is in…
