First Look: Grace Chicken + Fish in The Grove
Night owls in The Grove have a new spot to curb their hunger after hours. Grace Chicken + Fish, the new late-night takeout spot from Rick and Elisa Lewis of Grace Meat + Three (4270 Manchester Ave.), opened oh-so-quietly Friday, Sept. 27, a week ahead of schedule. Though it’s a separate concept, Grace Chicken +…
C and C Food For Your Soul opens in Belleville
Chef-owner Christi Robertson has brought her take on comfort food to Belleville. C and C Food For Your Soul opened Friday, Sept. 13 at 1926 W. Main St. Robertson, who is originally from East St. Louis, has worked in the catering industry for years, and this is her first foray into restaurant ownership. She said wanted to bring…
This stunning Bordeaux is a steal for less than $20
Bordeaux reds are the gold standard, but finding high-quality blends at reasonable prices is challenging. The dark plum 2016 Chateau Argadens Bordeaux Supérieur is a stunning achievement in both. With seductive fruit flavors, red berry aromas and lush, round tannins, this blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc tastes amazing now and will be…
Café Coeur will close “for awhile” on Sept. 29
Six months after opening, the owners of Café Coeur announced yesterday, Sept. 26, that they will close the restaurant indefinitely starting Sunday, Sept. 29. The post did not give a specific reason for the closure nor a timeline for reopening. Co-owner Moshe Plotnik did not return request for comment. Café Coeur, which opened in April…
8 products we’re fixated on right now
From heavenly olive oil to unique macarons, here’s what at the top of our shopping list right now.
First Look: Soda Fountain at St. Louis Union Station
Renovations are nearing completion at St. Louis Union Station, and in addition to a massive new Ferris wheel boasting views of downtown and the new St. Louis Aquarium, three new restaurant concepts will open inside the historic building. The first, a ’50s-style eatery called Soda Fountain, will open Sept. 30 in the former Hard Rock…
A Charlie Chaplin cocktail is a perfect transitional cocktail
The Charlie Chaplin cocktail was a favorite at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York prior to 1920. Sipping this pre-Prohibition libation reveals layers of tart, ripe apricot, spiced plum and orchard fruit flavors, perfect for enjoying as summer gives way to fall. In a shaker, combine 1 ounce Hayman’s sloe gin, 1 ounce Rothman…
5 new St. Louis-area distilleries to try now
St. Louis has firmly established itself as a top craft beer city, but craft distilling has recently gained more than just a foothold in the beverage scene. Here are some of the area’s newest spirits producers. 1. Truly Floral Spirits St. Louis, trulyfloral.com Truly Floral stepped onto the local spirits stage this year with its Truly…
4204 Main Street Brewing Co.’s Rather Large American is a balanced, slightly sweet IPA
Smooth and balanced with a hint of sweetness, Rather Large American from 4204 Main Street Brewing Co. in Belleville showcases a blend of Citra, Amarillo, Simcoe and Cascade hops matched beautifully with a malt backbone. With pungent, earthy aromas and a hint of citrus, this 9% American double IPA offers a clean finish and lingers…
808 Maison has closed doors in Soulard
808 Maison, the French restaurant that opened at 808 Geyer Ave., has closed after nine months, according to a post on Facebook Sept. 24. This restaurant was the most recent venture from Molly’s in Soulard co-owners Luke Reynolds and John Rogers, who brought in executive chef Jon Dreja (Vin De Set, Eleven…
Review: Brennan’s Work & Leisure in Midtown
Brennan’s Work & Leisure at 3015 Locust St., in Midtown is the latest coworking space in St. Louis, but you don’t have to be a member to enjoy the hip surroundings and expertly crafted cocktails and snacks served at the bar during evening hours. Fans of Brennan’s in the Central West End will be happy…
5 St. Louis drinking trends we’re watching now
1. Seasonal GinLocal and national distillers are releasing seasonal gins that highlight the floral, botanical and herbal notes of spring, summer or fall. Earlier this year, Hendrick’s created Midsummer Solstice with notes of lemon zest, orange and flowers, while Leopold Bros.’ seasonal features notes of blood orange and lemon myrtle. Locally, 1220 Spirits released a spring…
4 local experts talk natural wine in St. Louis
Characterized by organic growth and low intervention, natural wine is a trend gripping many local institutions and consumers. “Natural wine is a category that isn’t for everyone; it’s a wild animal,” said Brian Hobbs, owner of Chateau Maplewood. “But you know it’s made with as little manipulation as possible.” Here’s what a few local experts…
First Look: Mac’s Local Eats and Bluewood Brewing on Cherokee Street
Burger fans, the wait is over. Mac’s Local Eats is now slinging its famous smash burgers at 1821 Cherokee St. in Benton Park, sharing the space with the city’s latest brewery, Bluewood Brewing. Doors opened on Wednesday, Sept. 18. The historic building began as the stables for the Lemp Brewery and, over the years, has…
Vegan, gluten-free bake shop, Prioritized Pastries, will open in early October
Vegan food fans rejoice. Pastry chef Alex Feick will open an exclusively vegan, gluten-free baked goods shop, Prioritized Pastries, on Oct. 5 at 4904 Devonshire Ave. in the Southhampton neighborhood. Feick, who has worked at Niche, The Mud House and more, said it was important she make pastries that can be enjoyed by all. As…
What I Do: Aaron Martinez of Cinder House
Aaron Martinez has made the rounds of the fine dining world, working in the kitchens of esteemed California establishments like Quince in San Francisco, Commis in Oakland and Addison in San Diego, as well as In de Wulf in Belgium before settling in St. Louis last year. In July, after a stint helming the kitchen…
Narwhal’s plans to open nacho-centric food concept, Loaded, next year
Forget everything you think you know about nachos. Narwhal’s will open a nacho-centric brick-and-mortar, Loaded, in mid-2020 at an undisclosed location. Co-founder Brandon Holzhueter said the new eatery will offer nachos with an unexpected twist. He and co-founder Brad Merten worked with executive chef Ryan Buettner to create the menu. Select menu items will be…
First Look: Nudo House on The Loop
The second location of Nudo House is now open for business at 6105 Delmar Blvd., offering denizens of The Loop easy access to its menu of pho, ramen and sandwiches. Chefs and co-owners Qui Tran and Marie-Anne Velasco announced the second location of their popular noodle shop back in July 2018, but a series of…
Review: Morning Glory Diner on Cherokee Street
The Morning Glory Diner at 2609 Cherokee St., is the kind of back-to-basics, hash-slinging joint reminiscent of a time before upscale comfort food became an overhyped, overpriced commodity. The straightforward menu board, which hangs over the open kitchen and long wooden luncheonette counter of the former Vista Ramen, touts classic lunch items that are as…
First Look: Taco Circus on The Hill
When Taco Circus opened in Bevo Mill in 2015, it became a staple for Mexican food fanatics from all over South City. But with very limited seating and no bar program, any growth had to happen in a much larger space. With the soft opening of Taco Circus’ new space at 4940 Southwest Ave., Sept.…
O’Connell’s Pub is a St. Louis staple in Southwest Garden
High-quality meat. Fazio’s bun. Pickle. Onion. Countless awards. O’Connell’s recipe for success isn’t complicated, but it’s never needed to be. The short and sweet menu, which almost never changes, features dishes labeled “Hamburger,” “Frank,” and “Roast Beef” with no further descriptions. “It’s just an American flair,” said general manager Fred Parker. Parker took over management…
Sponsored
Vote for your favorite square at the St. Louis Square Off Pizza Festival Sept. 22
Sample St. Louis-style pizza from eight of the best pizzerias in the area and cast your vote at the third annual St. Louis Square Off from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, in Berra Park. Competing for bragging rights and the title of Best St. Louis-style pizza include returning champ Cusanelli’s, along with…
Confluence Kombucha closes restaurant, will continue kombucha, business
Confluence Kombucha marked its third anniversary Sept. 13 with the announcement of a new business model. In a Facebook post, owner and head brewer William Pauley said he will suspend food service. The storefront at 4507 Manchester Ave., in The Grove will continue to offer kombucha and other fermented provisions. “When we got into business…
Distiller Demetrius Cain’s quest for unadulterated island rum in Missouri
When Demetrius Cain became enamored with rum about 10 years ago, there wasn’t much to love. “Back then, you couldn’t find funky Jamaican rums or anything. Pretty much, it was Captain Morgan, Kraken and Bacardi,” Cain said. “There wasn’t much of a variety. Appleton [from Jamaica] was about as good as it got.” So, naturally,…
Sponsored
Chef Thu Rein Oo reigns victorious at Taste of St. Louis Chef Battle Royale
The Crossing executive chef Thu Rein Oo has once again won the Chef Battle Royale at Taste of St. Louis on Sunday, Sept. 15 in downtown St. Louis. This is Rein’s second consecutive win at the annual culinary competition. “I’m so happy and can’t believe I won again,” Oo said. “I feel so lucky, you…
Beyond Sweet will reconcept, reopen in 2020
Local milkshake wonderland Beyond Sweet is coming back in January 2020, and owner Dallas Holland has some upgrades for what she calls “Beyond Sweet on steroids.” As reported by the Riverfront Times, her new Beyond Sweet Bar & Grill will feature wings, burgers, pizza, fries, as well as new alcoholic options for its signature milkshakes.…
Sandwich shop Nomad will open inside Tamm Avenue Bar
A veteran area chef is about to take over a well-loved spot and make it his own. Tommy Andrew is in the process of reimagining the space inside Tamm Avenue Bar at 1227 Tamm Ave., that used to house Mac’s Local Eats. He’ll debut a new sandwich-centric spot there, dubbed Nomad, later this fall. Andrew, a…
These are the best recipes for end-of-summer produce
There’s nothing better than wandering farmers markets and catching the best of the season. Garden-fresh produce needs little encouragement to let loose with amazing flavor. That last glimpse of summer makes it a great time to be a cook. Zucchini Flatbread Feel free to substitute any fresh herbs in the ricotta – thyme and tarragon are…
Why St. Louis career servers make the hospitality industry a home
Ken Bollwerk, a 68-year-old man with a twinkle in his eye, has made a living laying napkins on the laps of the rich and famous, plating fettuccine with duck confit from a tableside cart and pampering guests. He’s worked for 44 years at Tony’s, the iconic St. Louis restaurant just a few hundred yards from…
BaiKu Sushi Lounge closes in Midtown
BaiKu Sushi Lounge in Grand Center has shuttered for good as of today, Sept. 12, as reported by the Post-Dispatch. BaiKu owner Brad Beracha made the announcement via the restaurant’s Facebook page. The restaurant opened in September 2014 at 3407 Olive St., inside Hotel Ignacio. Sauce reviewed it in April 2015. “I’ve worked with chef Elliot [Harris] for…
First Look: C. Oliver Coffee & Flower Bar in Maplewood
Maplewood’s newest cafe, C. Oliver Coffee & Flower Bar, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 14, in a historic building at 7401 Hazel Ave., the former home of Orbit Pinball Lounge. As Sauce reported in March, co-owners and longtime friends Olivia Medina and Alyssa Schuler decided to combine their respective passions – coffee…
St. Louis breweries, restaurants partner for custom local beer
Sometimes you just want a beer to go smoothly with what you’re about to eat, whether it’s a cheeseburger, a green salad or a complex seafood dish. Fortunately, some St. Louis breweries have made the ordering process easier by working directly with local restaurants to create beers that beautifully complement the food they’re served alongside.…
No glass required: The easiest summer cocktail recipes
It’s been a long summer, and we need a drink, preferably one that doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, a recipe – or a glass. Join us on this journey with a Can Radler. Just sip on your favorite lager for a bit, finish maybe 25% of the can, then pour in a little lemonade.…
Bon Appétit nominates Balkan Treat Box, Savage for Best New Restaurants list
Editor’s Note: This article was updated at 12:55 p.m. Sept. 10 with comments from Loryn Nalic. A cutting-edge fine dining destination and a fast-casual favorite have received national recognition. Savage Restaurant and Balkan Treat Box both made Bon Appétit’s annual list of 50 nominees for Best New Restaurants. “It was definitely a surprise,” said Savage chef-owner Logan…
Mission Taco Joint to open restaurant, arcade in Kirkwood early next year
Mission Taco Joint co-owners Adam and Jason Tilford are preparing a new chapter for the West Coast-inspired taco chain. In early 2020, they’ll be opening a 12,000-square foot restaurant and arcade at 105 E. Jefferson Ave. in Kirkwood, the space previously occupied by Kirkwood Station Brewing. The new Mission Taco Joint, designed by Space Architecture…
American winemakers embrace Old World grapes
It’s time to switch off your wine-shopping autopilot, skip the chardonnay, and set your sights on a new cluster of European grapes that have put down roots in the United States. Four lesser-known white varietals from Spain, Austria and France are flourishing in the vineyards of the Northwest and New York’s Finger Lakes region, offering…
Steve’s Hot Dogs will close on The Hill, expand hours in Tower Grove East
Steve’s Hot Dogs owner Steve Ewing is changing things up at his hot dog and mac n cheese eateries. He will close the flagship Steve’s Hot Dogs location at 2131 Marconi Ave., on The Hill, on Sept. 30. Starting in October, the Tower Grove East space at 3457 Magnolia Ave., will add lunch and Sunday…
Why we crave Byrd & Barrel’s J.I.T.B. tacos any time of day
Some things taste so good at the end of the night. Then the cold, harsh light of day proves that, without the soft glow of alcohol, what was so satisfying is merely meh during office hours. Byrd & Barrel knows this and has transformed a fast-food favorite into something eminently delicious at any hour. The…
First Look: Charred Crust in Clayton
Co-owners James Flemming and Andrew Simon have opened Clayton’s newest lunch spot, Charred Crust, at 105 S. Meramec Ave., in the former home of Uptown Cafe. Charred Crust’s sourdough-based pizza is one of the centerpieces of the new eatery, which officially opened Aug. 21, but Flemming said they offer far more. “We don’t want to…
Review: The Midwestern in downtown St. Louis
If you’re in St. Louis, you’re never far from great barbecue, and with the recent addition of The Midwestern, the boom shows no sign of subsiding. Located a fast pitch away from Busch Stadium in the former Flying Saucer Draught Emporium space, the 6-month-old restaurant is the brainchild of Stephen Savage, Nick Del Gaiso and…
Highballs are making a high-end comeback
Basically just spirits and soda, highballs are a bartender’s best friend during a busy shift. But these refreshing concoctions are not only simple – when made with care and attention, they can also be surprisingly sublime. Classic cocktail tomes The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks by David A. Embury and The Savoy Cocktail Book take…
Elote Salad
6 to 8 servings
Cherry and Brie Panini
1 serving
Roasted Strawberry and Buttermilk Gelato
4 to 5 quarts
