The Scoop: Gulf Shores restaurant to open location in Edwardsville
{Gulf Shores owner Harry Parker} Harry Parker is taking his Gulf Coast dining concept to the east side of the Mississippi River. The owner of Gulf Shores Restaurant and Grill, which opened in Creve Coeur nearly eight years ago, is adding a second location in Edwardsville. The newest Gulf Shores will be located at…
Meatless Monday: Joanie’s Pizzeria’s Favorite Veggie
A veggie pizza might sound like a humdrum solution for a Meatless Monday, but not when it’s Joanie’s Pizzeria’s Favorite Veggie. This specialty pie from the Soulard pizza joint bursts with the bright flavors of colorful, fresh produce. Summer squash, spinach, mushrooms, yellow onions and roasted garlic all claim space on this pie, and…
The Scoop: Four local coffee businesses buzzing with news
{The new counter at Kaldi’s at Farrell, opening July 1 at Washington University’s School of Medicine} It’s a good time to be a caffeine addict. Coffee’s third wave has increased options for the coffee-savvy. But the wave isn’t receding, as four local coffee businesses are keeping the scene buzzing. Art House Coffees in Maplewood…
Faith Durand’s Blueberry Angel Food Trifle
8 servings
By the Book: Faith Durand’s Blueberry Angel Food Trifle
When summer hits St. Louis, we stay cool by any means necessary – and that includes avoiding the oven. Who wants to add extra degrees to an already hot kitchen? Faith Durand, executive editor of The Kitchn and author of the new cookbook, Bakeless Sweets, couldn’t agree more. The recipes in this book disavow the…
Drink This Weekend Edition: 8-Bit Pale Ale
Great beer label design is its own art form today, meant to intrigue and entice you from shelves filled with dozens, sometimes hundreds, of brews. Some you just can’t ignore, like the pixelated, video game-style graphics on a bright orange can of 8-Bit Pale Ale from Kansas’ Tallgrass Brewing – and you shouldn’t ignore…
The Scoop: Lemmons in South City to close
Tonight is your last night to grab a slice of pizza at Lemmons. The South City bar and music joint located at 5800 Gravois Ave., is closing doors, according to an annoucement yesterday, June 26, on Facebook. The post added that the restaurant’s last day depends on how long it takes for the food…
The Weekend Project: Banh Mi
When summer hits St. Louis, we imagine it feels like the streets of Saigon: humidity so heavy it purges every pore as you walk through what feels like the inside of a fishbowl. It makes sense then, that during these steamy months, we get a hankering the cool, refreshing flavors of Vietnamese street food.…
The Scoop: The Nest to close doors by Aug. 1
Family-focused The Nest announced via Facebook today, June 25, that it will be closing its doors. Owner Christina McHugh said the final day is still pending, but the business will close by Aug. 1, and the spot will reopen under new ownership as an event space. The restaurant/family community center, located at 10440 German…
Baked: Naughty Vicar Shortbread
The London Tea Room makes a signature black currant-vanilla tea called The Naughty Vicar, which has light floral notes and a lovely aroma. When I made small cups for my visiting family, I had no idea the monsters I’d create. They now consume this tea several times a day, and I’m frequently asked to…
Grilled Endive Salad with Cannellini Beans
Serves 4 to 6
Just Five: Grilled Endive Salad with Cannellini Beans
Endive makes me feel like a “fancy” grown-up. First, there’s the pronunciation. I love that you can say AHN’-deev or EN’-dyve – I do enjoy ingredients that put on airs. Also it’ rather bitter, but once grilled, a bit of natural sweetness comes out. And only the fanciest grown-ups have developed a taste for…
Sauce contributor Stacy Schultz wins prestigious M.F.K. Fisher Award for culinary writing
Congratulations are in order for Sauce writer Stacy Schultz, who recently received an award from Les Dames d’Escoffier, an international society of women leaders in the culinary field. Schultz won the M.F.K. Fisher Award for excellence and creativity in culinary writing for her story “Lox of Love,” published in the September 2013 issue of…
By the Book: Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar’s Mozzarella, Tomato and Farro Salad
Almost a year ago to date, I cut the cord and ditched my cable company. I already had Netflix, Hulu Plus and a Google Chromecast; why was I forking over so much money every month for basic cable? So I bit the bullet, and with the exception of a few missed Cardinals games, it…
Best of brunch bottomless drinking
You survived Saturday night. Still up for a few more? If you find yourself with a hollow leg come Sunday, we recommend the bottomless cocktails here for taste and price. Vin de SetHead upstairs to slake your mimosa yen, and since you’re there, try the Kir Royale, a sophisticated pour of Champagne and crème de…
Drink This Weekend Edition: Emilia Spritz at Bar Italia
St. Louis is in the heady grip of World Cup fever, but if you can unglue yourself from the tube for a spell, sneak a midafternoon, European-style repose on the patio at Bar Italia in the Central West End. Bar Italia beverage director Brandon Kerne has a sound read on the fluctuating trends in the drinking…
The Scoop: Tim Hortons headed for St. Louis
Hope you’re ready for a dose of doughnuts and a cup of coffee, St. Louis. Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop is coming to town, thanks to local developer Show Me Hospitality. The Chesterfield-based developer announced plans today to open 40 Tim Hortons in the greater St. Louis area in the next five years, starting…
What I Do: Jacqui Segura
No cocktail connoisseur is more dedicated to promoting the culture of the artisan beverage than Jacqui Segura, aka The Cocktail Ambassador. She took a breather from her frenzied schedule – holding down a day job in e-commerce and raising four kids – to talk about her favorite cocktail, hosting events for imbibers and what she…
The Scoop: Stur Restaurant and Lounge opens in Edwardsville
Editor’s Note: Stur Restaurant and Lounge has closed. Stur, a new restaurant and cocktail lounge, has opened quietly at 4 Club Centre Court, Ste. A in Edwardsville. The new nightspot is owned by Angie and John Schmitt and is their first restaurant venture. Angie Schmitt said during her 20 years working in the auto dealership…
Baked: Black Forest Trifle
Despite its German roots, Black Forest cake is one of the most popular cakes in India. I grew up with it, despite not having much affinity for pairing cherries and chocolate. But when my fiance and I recently traveled to India on his first trip there, I was excited for him to try it.…
Budget Crunch: 10 delicious dishes and sweet deals to try right now
Welcome to Budget Crunch, wherein intrepid reporter Byron Kerman offers 10 tips on delicious menu items and sweet deals happening now. Got $10? Grab a friend and sample, split and stuff yourselves with these steals. 1. The mad scientists at 5 Star Burgers give you The Potsticker ($9.50), a melding of Vietnamese and…
First Look: Bocci Wine Bar
Former Italian restaurant Bocci at 16 N. Central Ave., in Clayton recently underwent a space and menu renovation to become Bocci Wine Bar. As The Scoop reported in April, Bocci Wine Bar’s new focus is wine and small plate, wine-friendly fare. Among the changes at the reinvented spot, Bocci Wine Bar is now one of…
The Scoop: Lola is latest restaurant to announce its closure
{Waffles at Lola} Last week brought news of the closure of three area restaurants: Harvest, Tripel and Brazikat. Add downtown nightlife spot Lola to the list. Today, the restaurant announced on its Facebook page that the downtown nightspot will have its final day of service Sunday, June 22. Lola opened in January 2010 under…
Meatless Monday: Cauliflower two ways at Lulu’s Local Eatery
Anything on the menu at Lulu’s Local Eatery, the newly opened brick-and-mortar of the beloved food truck at 3201 South Grand, is fair game for Meatless Monday. After all, it’s not just vegetarian; it’s vegan. Check out the Spring Roll Bowl with crispy cauliflower atop greens, shredded carrot, green onions and cilantro dressed in…
By the Book: Elizabeth Sims and Brian Sonoskus’ Gumbo Bell Peppers with Corn, Peas, Spinach and Okra
The story goes like this: a Jersey chef with a Johnson and Wales pedigree decides to relocate South and winds up running the kitchen at Tupelo Honey Cafe in Asheville, North Carolina – that melting pot of melting pots where folk revivalists, coffee pundits, mountain romantics and outdoorsy types rule the roost. Chef Brian…
Make this: Berry custard cups
Farmers markets and produce aisles are spilling over with berries of red, blue and purple so vibrant, they’ll send your white clothes into an anxiety attack. Berry season is brief and magical. Don’t miss a moment of it. To make berry custard cups: Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Mix 2 cups fresh assorted berries…
The Scoop: Harvest Restaurant to close
Harvest, a pioneer among local farm-to-table restaurants in St. Louis, is closing. The fine dining establishment, which opened in 1996, will shutter for good after dinner service this Sunday, June 15. Chef Nick Miller has owned Harvest for four years, having purchased it in 2010 from restaurateur Steve Gontram, who departed to open Five Star…
The Scoop: Tripel and Brazikat closing doors
{Tripel co-owner Terry Oliver} On the heels of the announcement that Harvest will close its doors this Sunday, June 15, comes the news that two more restaurants are also going out of business. Tripel at 1801 Park Ave., in Lafayette Square is closing doors tomorrow, June 14. Manager Ty Schlabach confirmed that the Belgian…
Drink This Weekend Edition: 3 World Cup beers from St. Louis breweries
{2nd Shift Brewing’s iBallz} The 2014 FIFA World Cup kicked off yesterday, June 12, giving soccer-loving St. Louisans and even casual fans reason to celebrate. Our city’s passion for The Beautiful Game and our love of beer collide more than ever before this year; three local breweries have created beers specifically for the tournament. Whether…
The Scoop: Two new food trucks get ready to roll this summer
Two new food trucks, Finger Foodies and Graze, will soon join St. Louis’ fast-growing mobile restaurant industry. Esther Kim is set to open Finger Foodies Monday, June 16, while Amelia Timms has moved her Memphis-based food truck Graze to her native St. Louis. Finger Foodies will specialize in fried Korean dumplings and other Asian fare,…
9 Foodie Gifts for Father’s Day
Celebrate the foodie fathers in your life with these unique gifts sure to make him feel like the next Iron Chef, Grill King or Master Bartender – whatever his persuasion. Don’t forget that his special day is this Sunday, June 15, so read on, and don’t forget that Father’s Day card! -Mwanzi photo by…
The Scoop: Fit Fuel 365 relaunches in Des Peres under new ownership
{Alumni St. Louis chef Eric Brenner} Fit Fuel 365, a grab-and-go restaurant specializing in healthy prepared meals, quietly opened doors May 29 at 11742 Manchester Road in Des Peres. As reported by the St. Louis Business Journal, this is actually a resurgence of the Fit Fuel 365 brand; Ben Stratton opened an earlier iteration opened…
The Scoop: The Crossing at New Town opens in New Town St. Charles
The Crossing at New Town, a bistro-style restaurant opens today, June 11 in at 3331 Rue Royale in New Town St. Charles. The venture is co-owned by president Kari Johnson. Originally built as a replica of a train station, the interior boasts 16-foot ceilings, wood floors and crystal chandeliers. Outside, a wine and beer…
Wheatless Wednesday: Asian Mung Bean Noodles with Sunflower Seed Sauce
Die-hard gluten-free foodies know the frustration that comes when dining at Asian restaurants. The menus look so innocently gluten-free – until the words “soy sauce” appear. Soy sauce is the main gluten culprit in many Asian dishes because it is traditionally brewed with wheat. While soy sauce may not affect those with mild gluten…
10 Places to Watch the World Cup
The Gateway City’s first love may be baseball, but we have a serious passion for soccer, too. No matter where you are tomorrow in St. Louis, there’s a place for you to settle in with some tasty brews, get rowdy with fellow soccer fans, and cheer on your favorite team. The World Cup kicks off…
The Dee Special (Kale and Eggs)
1 serving
The Scoop: Farmhaus’ chef de cuisine heads to Truffles’ new butcher shop
Andrew Jennrich might be feeling a bit out of place today. That’s because the former chef de cuisine at Farmhaus is beginning his first day breaking down animals in a different kitchen. Jennrich recently left his post at the South City restaurant to take butchery to new heights at soon-to-open butcher shop, Butchery, located…
Just Five: The Dee Special (Kale and Eggs)
Sometimes, I help out at LHC in Tower Grove; I think I bring a certain gravitas to the joint – mostly because I’m twice as old as most of the employees. I truly enjoy bouncing ideas off cook Tom Valli. Case in point: Here’s a recent tête-à-tête about what has become my go-to meal after…
Meatless Monday: Spinach Walnut Pesto
Gardens are brimming with fresh leafy spinach right now, and we love its nutritious versatility in everything from salads to sides. Tonight, blitz it with fresh herbs, walnuts and Parmesan cheese for a vibrant, earthy pesto. Cook a pot of your favorite pasta or gnocchi until al dente, then coat it liberally in the sauce…
The Scoop: Pittsburgh-based Walnut Grill to open in Ellisville
Walnut Grill, an upscale casual restaurant with three locations in its native Pittsburgh, is making the 600-mile trek along Intestate 70 to fill the space in Ellisville at 1386 Clarkson Clayton Center Drive, the former home of a Chevys Fresh Mex. As first reported by the St. Louis Business Journal, Walnut Grill is expected…
First Look: Death in the Afternoon
Editor’s Note: Death in the Afternoon has closed. Like the expat loungers of Hemingway’s Pamplona, the midday clientele at Death in the Afternoon, located at the corner of Citygarden at 808 Chestnut St., might well start losing themselves in carefree lunch rendezvous. Co-owners Adam Frager and TJ Vytlacil, who also own members-only downtown spot Blood…
Daniel Patterson’s Popcorn Grits
4 servings
By the Book: Daniel Patterson’s Popcorn Grits
“This is not a cookbook. This is the story of Coi, written through the food,” writes chef Daniel Patterson in the introduction to his new book named for his restaurant in San Francisco. When I first picked up “Coi,” I was struck by color photos of artistically plated dishes interspersed with shots of the…
Drink This Weekend Edition: Fox Run Riesling
{Fox Run Vineyards in New York’s Finger Lakes region} As more people come around to the wonder that is riesling, their gazes fall not just on Germany and Austria for drinking options, but also on the U.S. And though upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region might not first strike one as America’s Middle Mosel,…
The Scoop: Sump Coffee takes high honors at Coffee Fest
{From left, Zach Althaus, Scott Carey, Dylan Connell, Matthew Piva} An adrenaline rush jolted the crew at Sump Coffee recently when it won top honors in the America’s Best Espresso competition at Coffee Fest. The thrice-yearly event showcasing everything to do with coffee took place at the end of May at America’s Center downtown. Coffee…
5 Readers’ Choice Favorite Wineries to explore next
The arithmetic seems simple: grow the grapes, press them, ferment and bottle the result. Set up a few patio tables. Print some brochures. Whip up snacks. Build it, and they will come. But the vintner’s task list doesn’t end at making world-class wine. Crafting the experience – that artful combination of rustic tranquility and urbane…
Chat with Olio? bar manager John Fausz
John Fausz, bar manager at Olio, mixes drinks with a cultural and historical ken, returning to the classic components of a respectable cocktail: gin, bitters and vermouth. Over the marble bartop at Olio, where Fausz coaches journeyman cocktail enthusiasts, he’ll drop little A-grade bits of spirit wisdom on you: Rye is better for mixing, bourbon…
9 of our favorite Strange Donuts
The guys at Strange Donuts do two things very well: make weird, wonderful doughnuts in oddball combinations (Pig liver? Crab meat? Why not?), and herald the arrival of these limited-edition “dones” online. Local chefs have created signature “Strangers,” and the shop’s own “Creations” have wowed Strange Donuts’ rabid followers on Instagram – all 5,300 and…
The Scoop: Chef Josh Roland to take over for Nick Zotos at Mike Shannon’s
{Josh Roland will take the helm at Mike Shannon’s June 16.} Mike Shannon’s Steaks and Seafood will soon see a change in its top toque. Nick Zotos is leaving his post as executive chef, overseeing the restaurant downtown, its sister restaurants in Edwardsville and at Lambert St. Louis International Airport and culinary operations at…
The Scoop: Lucky’s Market to open in Ellisville July 30
The Ellisville community will welcome Lucky’s Market, a full service supermarket opening July 30 at 15830 Fountain Plaza Drive. The Ellisville location is the seventh Lucky’s Market nationwide, and the second Missouri location. Owners Bo and Trish Sharon opened the first Lucky’s Market in Boulder, Colorado in 2003. Lucky’s Market also has locations in…
The Scoop: Kevin Nashan announces second restaurant in Benton Park
Kevin Nashan, chef-owner of Sidney Street Cafe, aims to bring the coastal flavors of Acadian cuisine to Benton Park in early August when he opens The Peacemaker. Nashan first hinted to Sauce that he had plans for the former Niche space at 1831 Sidney St., in March, and announced his concept today. Nashan, who…
Baked: Gluten-free Cornbread
Despite my Southern roots, I’ve never made cornbread before, though I’ve enjoyed plenty of it. But after trying the sinfully indulgent, bacon fat-fried cornbread soaked in honey at Taste, I decided the time had come to make my own version of this Southern staple. This version of cornbread is more cake-like, perfect for soaking…
The Scoop: Di Olivas owner to open soda shop in St. Charles
On the heels of Rocket Fizz soda shop opening in The Loop comes word that St. Charles is getting a carbonated beverage shop of its own. Robert Palleja, owner of Di Olivas Oil & Vinegar, has announced he is opening a soda shop in historic St. Charles called Main Street Root Beer & Soda.…
The Scoop: O’Fallon Brewery, Pinckney Bend Distillery export to Italy
Within days of each other, O’Fallon Brewery and Pinckney Bend Distillery announced new contracts with importers in Italy and have sent their first shipments overseas. In a recent press release, O’Fallon Brewery President and CEO Jim Gorczyca said the demand for craft beer goes far beyond the United States. “Distributors around the world are…
The Scoop: Brad Watts takes the chef’s toque (again) at The Crossing
Brad Watts has worn the white toque in several places during his 12 years in Jim Fiala’s constellation of restaurants, including Clayton’s The Crossing and the now-defunct Liluma in the Central West End. On May 31, Watts resumed his erstwhile role of executive chef at The Crossing, located at 7823 Forsyth Road, replacing Mike…
Meatless Monday: Who Needs Meat? at MoKaBe’s
My first encounter with alfalfa sprouts occurred in high school when I became a die-hard fan of Jimmy John’s Turkey Tom, a plain-Jane turkey sandwich stuffed with sprouts. Alas, sprouts disappeared from that sandwich in 2012, and since then, a turkey-tomato-mayo sandwich just isn’t the same – and neither is my palate. Luckily…
A Pancake Walk Through the CWE
Editor’s note: Cucina Pazzo had closed. Three brunch spots near the intersection of Euclid and McPherson avenues in the Central West End are turning out unusual, stellar pancakes. While they’re all steps away from each other, they are miles apart in flavor. Here, the quickest route to first-rate flapjacks in the Central West End. Start…
The Scoop: Sandwich shops open doors in The Loop, Midtown
{Sandwiches and Zapp’s chips from Snarf’s} Hungry for crusty bread filled with whatever meat, cheese or veggie you crave? Get your fix at one of two sandwich shops, Snarf’s and Which Wich, which have both recently expanded in St. Louis. Snarf’s opened its third location today, June 2, at 374A S. Grand Blvd., near Saint…
The Scoop: Plank Road Pizza adds to growing Cottleville restaurant scene
Credit Carl and Nancy McConnell of Stone Soup Cottage for putting the town of Cottleville on the fine dining radar. VB Chocolate Bar upped the ante with its artisanal chocolates and hand-brewed coffee. And Exit 6 Brewery got us excited about our beer options way west. Need more reasons to head to burgeoning Cottleville?…
3 beers that will convince you adjuncts make better brews
Adjuncts have been a debated topic in the beer world lately. Adjuncts are usually supplements to the main mash ingredients used to brew beer. Examples include flaked corn, oats, rye, unmalted wheat, rice or various sugars. Adjuncts have been criticized as inferior – and sometimes cost-cutting – sources of extract, yet most craft breweries make…
Try this lush, pear-forward Sauvignon Blanc
I’ve been a fan of Dry Creek Vineyard wines since David Stare founded the Sonoma winery in 1972. His flagship white has always been the lovely fumé blanc, the synonym for sauvignon blanc, which is why I was surprised recently when I saw a label bearing 2013 Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. I asked Dry…
Make this: a classic Negroni
The origin of the Negroni is as captivating as the iconic drink itself. It’s the early 20th-century tale of Camillo Negroni, a hard-drinking Italian gambler, cowboy and count. Not happy with the drink in vogue, the Americano (sweet vermouth, Campari, club soda), Count Negroni requested his be made with gin instead of soda. Soon, people…
Review: Joy Luck Buffet in Maplewood
BLAH-FFETJoy Luck’s buffet is ho-hum. The feedbag of choices includes the standard lo mein, sesame chicken, hot and sour soup, almond cookies and more than 100 other usual suspects. There is a stir-fry station where you select the meat and veggies and an employee cooks them in a capacious wok. The sushi looks forlorn, and…
Review: Nathalie’s in St. Louis
Editor’s note: Nathalie’s has closed. If you’ve been inside the stately mansion at 4356 Lindell Blvd., you know it exudes elegance, grace and even a splash of eccentricity. For much of the 20th century and into the 21st, it was the Mayer Funeral Home. More recently, it was home to two short-lived restaurants, Savor and Salt.…
Review: Los Punk in St. Louis
Editor’s note: Los Punk has closed. “There’s no cocktail menu. We’re going the other way,” said the bartender at Los Punk as he tilted back a generous pour of whiskey into my first drink of the night, a Jameson and ginger ale, and slid it across the bar. A little sweet but stiff as hell,…
Spicy Aioli
1 pint
Vegan Corn Dogs
8 servings
Berry Custard Cups
4 servings
Char Siu Roast Pork
4 to 6 servings
French Bread
4 baguettes
Canned Corn
4 pints
Pâté de Campagne
1 to 4 lb. terrine
Crushing on cans
As more craft breweries embrace the practicality of canned beer, it’s easier to find the perfect brew, no matter the occasion. While there’s no doubt cans offer protection against light and oxygen that harm the quality of the beer, the most basic benefit to consumers is convenience. Heading on a float trip or a picnic…
Short List: Jalapeno Poppers
Editor’s note: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, Milagro Modern Mexican, and Southtown Pub have closed. Cream cheese or cheddar cheese, bacon or chorizo – they’re all better inside a jalapeno. Often overlooked on the appetizer menu, these oozy hors d’oeuvres deserve their place in the junk food pantheon next to titans like onion rings and mozzarella…
Eat This: Corn Madeleines at Herbie’s Vintage 72
Madeleine, je t’aime, especially when butter and radishes are involved. The CORN MADELEINES at HERBIE’S VINTAGE ’72 hold this classic French combination – with a touch of Asian and Midwestern flair. Smear those petite, slightly sweet cakes with a swath of butter that’s whipped into waves of briny ocean goodness, thanks to the addition of…
The Best of Brunch 2014
We love everything about brunch. But don’t let our unabashed affection make you think we’re talking about any cobbled-together breakfast or lunch menu masquerading as something special. We don’t mess with basic brunches. And while we dig an epic buffet complete with waffle iron, omelet station and tiers upon tiers of desserts, that’s not what…
Make this: Vegan corn dogs
Summer’s finally here, and with it my favorite seasonal bounty: carnival food. Sure, I appreciate a good garden veggie. But in a contest between a funnel cake and organic kale, deep-fried batter wins every time. My unhealthy obsession with fried fabulousness is responsible for my corn dog cravings, too. All it takes is a whiff…
The culture of culturing
I stare at the blob of sediment that has settled to the bottom of the glass bottle. It bears a passing resemblance to a ball of dryer lint suspended in watery green Kool-Aid, if dryer lint had tentacles. I can’t believe anyone drinks kombucha, but they do – in quantities so large that Sauce wants…
Orange is the new white
Unless you are really into wine, you haven’t heard of orange wine. Despite the name, it’s not made from oranges. Rather, it’s made from white wine grapes, the juice of which is allowed to macerate with the grape skins for an extended period of time. This maceration can be as short as a few days…
