By the Book: Carla Kelly’s Strawberry Basil Scones
I used to be an avid baker, but things changed a few years ago after I started a small kitchen fire with an errant kitchen towel. Since that not so holly-jolly Christmas, I’ve taken an extended hiatus from baking, but after spying this recipe for summery strawberry basil scones, I decided my stomach would overpower…
The Scoop: Mi Caribe set to open in Midtown’s Coronado Ballroom
The flavors of the Caribbean will spice up Midtown when Mi Caribe opens at the Coronado Ballroom at 3701 Lindell Blvd., in a few weeks. The restaurant and bar, serving Dominican, Cuban and Puerto Rican fare, is the first owned by Johnny Martinez, a former pitcher and scout for the Cleveland Indians, and Warren…
The Weekend Project: Eggs Benedict
Possibly the most popular brunch dish out there, eggs Benedict is simple to DIY at home – right down to the Canadian bacon. Admittedly, this project takes longer than a weekend, but the prep work is so minimal, it can easily be accomplished in just a few minutes at the start of your week.…
Drink This Weekend Edition: Something for the Fire
Mezcal and sherry are as appropriate a pairing as Missouri float trips and inordinate quantities of alcohol. With that in mind, I present a fantastic campfire cocktail that can be prepared and enjoyed in a Solo cup. (Of course in less rustic circumstances, the drink can be made as shown.) First, make a large…
The Scoop: Taste Budz Take Out hits the road with a food truck
Taste Budz Take Out, a primarily carryout restaurant with a storefront at 280 DeBaliviere Ave., has rolled out a food truck. Taste Budz Express, which made its debut in early April, offers up a lunch menu with popular offerings from the restaurant, including made-to-order burgers, BLTs, fish sandwiches, onion rings, wings, Phillies and more. Taste…
The Scoop: The Good Pie to become Randolfi’s
{The Good Pie owner Mike Randolph} The Good Pie is changing concepts and names. Owners Mike and Liz Randolph announced today, May 28, that their Neopolitan-style pizzeria located at 6665 Delmar Blvd., in The Loop, will soon become Randolfi’s, a trattoria serving up southern Italian fare. The Good Pie will close the end of June…
Baked: Browned Butter-Green Tea Cake
This loaf is simply scrumptious. Browned butter and vibrant matcha powder elevate a humble, classic pound cake to a nutty, more elegant counterpart. This dense loaf tastes better the day after its baked and the flavors have a chance to develop, so try to show restraint. A dish like this works for any time of…
Make This: Peas and Pancetta with Tortellini
Peas and pancetta are a timeless Italian combination. Here, the duo gets a dash of French flavor that’s nothing less than magnifique. Prepare 1 pound cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Set aside. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook ½ cup diced pancetta until crispy, about 4 minutes. Add 1 thinly sliced…
By the Book: Colby and Megan Garrelts’ Blueberry Oat Breakfast Cake
Usually I love a challenging recipe. The kind of recipe that calls for 7,000 ingredients (half of which have to be ordered online), requires more mixing bowls and utensils than I own and takes days to prepare. Love those. But sometimes an avid home cook needs a break. Colby and Megan Garrelts’ Made in…
The Scoop: New American eatery Olive & Oak to open in Webster Groves historic building
Olive & Oak, founded by Annie Gunn’s veteran Mark Hinkle and business partner Greg Ortyl, will soon open in a century-old former boutique at 102 W. Lockwood Ave in Webster Groves. Hinkle, who confirmed the opening tentatively for September 2015, will depart his management role at Annie Gunn’s in Chesterfield in June…
The Scoop: Downtown’s The Precinct closes doors, banquet space to stay open
The Precinct Sports Bar & Grill, which served pub fare with a law enforcement theme at 1900 Locust St. downtown, closed doors for good this week, as reported by St. Louis Magazine’s George Mahe. Co-owner Mark Winfield, who opened the restaurant in October 2013 with former Cardinals outfielder Jim Edmonds, confirmed the closing through public…
Local sommelier takes top honors at national competition
The awards keep coming for local somm phenom Andrey Ivanov, who took home the top prize at the highly regarded Chaine de Rotisseurs Young Sommeliers Competition in Santa Barbara, Calif., on May 15. The two-day competition started with nine regional competitors, but only three, including Ivanov, moved on to the final rounds, which were held…
Meatless Monday: White Asparagus ‘Tagliatelle’
Despite its appearance, this dish couldn’t be simpler. This faux pasta only requires a vegetable peeler and a microwave (yes, a microwave) to get the job done. Simply create thin ribbons of white asparagus (green is fine, too) and steam 30 seconds, then dress with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest and nutty argan oil.…
By the Book: Everyone’s Favorite Birthday Cake from ‘Baked Occasions’
I love New York City bakeshop Baked. Granted, I’ve never actually been there, but I’ve tried plenty of its desserts using recipes from Baked: New Frontiers in Baking and the follow-up, Baked Elements: The Importance of Being Baked in 10 Favorite Ingredients. Co-owners Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito have provided me with many delicious…
Everyone’s Favorite Birthday Cake
2 8-inch pans
Drink This Weekend Edition: Spring Cocktails at Hendrick’s BBQ
{Chrys’ Beaming Flower at Hendricks BBQ} Bulky winter sweaters have been banished to storage and arms and legs across the area are finally seeing the light of day. Spring has also arrived at Hendricks BBQ in St. Charles via its new spring cocktail menu. Bar manager Steve Boulch has collaborated with fellow bar keeps…
Raspberry Fool with Angelic ‘Croutons’
4 servings
The Scoop: Dixon’s Smoke Co. will light the smoker soon in Midtown
Barbecue is in Joe Dixon’s blood. It’s why he’s opening his first restaurant venture, Dixon’s Smoke Co., at 3664 Forest Park Ave., in Midtown, as first reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Dixon said his new barbecue concept was a continuation of his mother’s work; she owned Charlie’s Barbecue in Berkeley, Missouri, until 1999. “Basically…
First Look: Clementine’s Creamery in Lafayette Square
Just in time for summer, Clementine’s Creamery is set to scoop at 1637 S. 18th St. The new Lafayette Square ice cream shop celebrates its grand opening Saturday, May 16 at noon. Owner Tamara Keefe has crafted and peddled her rich ice creams in St. Louis since August 2014, and nearly 20 St. Louis-area restaurants including…
Just Five: Raspberry Fool with Angelic ‘Croutons’
I’m generally not a fan of angel food cake. Its spongy texture leaves something to be desired. But toasted angel food cake? That simple technique converted me, and its the secret ingredient to this classic dessert. Toasted angel food “croutons” add sweet, crunchy, chewy bits of heaven to a beautiful treat. I used raspberries,…
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
12 servings
Baked: Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffins
I know it is way past Valentine’s Day, but red velvet never goes out of style. You are warned: These muffins are so delicious, it will be very hard to eat just one. They are incredibly soft and fluffy with a tangy cream cheese center that melts in your mouth. This is an irresistible recipe,…
Meet Michael Miller of Kitchen Kulture
Last year, 34-year-old Michael Miller left his post as executive chef at Dressel’s Public House to give full-time attention to Kitchen Kulture, the budding mobile food business he co-founded with Christine Meyer. Prepping food all week to sell on Thursdays for pop-up lunches at Sump Coffee and on Saturdays at the Tower Grove Farmers Market…
The Scoop: CJ’s Deli in Maryland Heights to add food truck
Warmer weather brings forth a flock of new food trucks, and CJ’s Gourmet Deli owner John W. Enlow has announced plans to add his mobile eatery to the ranks. Enlow, who opened doors at his Maryland Heights deli in December 2014, hopes to launch the food truck in mid-June. Enlow said he initially conceived…
First Look: Elijah P’s in Alton
Alton is experiencing something of a foodie renaissance of late, with recent openings that include the massive Old Bakery Beer Co., the petite Spoon Baking Co., and the rockin’ bar-music venue Shakers. Now a new restaurant has entered the downtown scene: Elijah P’s quietly opened doors at the end of April, serving up creative burgers,…
Meatless Monday: Strawberry Grilled Cheese
Add a taste of spring to a childhood classic. Sliced strawberries and fresh mint brighten smooth, ultra-creamy Marcoot Quark cheese, and a drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness. Melt it all into gooey submission between two slices of Companion brioche, slice and serve. Get the recipe here. -photo by Dee Ryan
The Scoop: Burlesque restaurant, bar and theater Seven Zero Eight coming to Laclede’s Landing
{Co-owners Elliot Winter (far left) and Katerina VonRocket (far right) with some of Seven Zero Eight’s burlesque performers} It’s out with the steak and in with the burlesque at 708 N. Second St., on Laclede’s Landing. The space formerly occupied by Jake’s Steaks is soon to become Seven Zero Eight, offering food, drinks and…
The Scoop: Italian restaurant Villa Farotto closes doors in Chesterfield
Chesterfield’s Villa Farotto has shuttered. Matt Meyers, who manages sister restaurant Farotto’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, confirmed that yesterday, May 10, was the final day of service at the upscale Italian eatery. Villa Farotto, located at 17417 Chesterfield Airport Road, opened in 2004, offering pasta, pizza, steak, seafood and other northern Italian and Italian-American…
By the Book: Julie Reiner’s Americano Highball
My at-home bartending skills leave a little something to be desired. For example, I have a decent selection of spirits, but I never seem to remember to buy vermouth. My rocks glasses and whiskey stones are lovely, but I don’t own a shaker. I can make a solid Manhattan or Old-Fashioned, but that’s about…
Americano Highball
1 serving
The Scoop: The Boom Boom Room to open off Washington Avenue downtown
The singers, dancers, aerialists and contortionists of the Jumpin’ Jupiter roadshow are ready to settle in – but not settle down – at The Boom Boom Room, a new restaurant and entertainment spot at 500 N. 14th St., formerly home to Lola. The burlesque-inspired show has been performing at venues around town, including…
Drink This Weekend Edition: 3 porch pounders to drink all spring
Everybody likes a porch. Call it what you will: a stoop, a patio, a small deck, it’s a place where we grill, drink some wine and talk the hours away. Not every bottle of wine makes for a perfect porch pounder though. There are rules, people. Rule No. 1: The wine must be…
The Scoop: Johnnie Walker’s San Loo to open in former Livery space on Cherokee
Three friends with experience in the St. Louis bar and music scenes are opening a neighborhood watering hole called Johnnie Walker’s San Loo this month at 3211 Cherokee St. “If I’m going to frequent a bar, I’d rather do it the way I’d like to do it and have fun with it,” said co-owner Jon…
The Scoop: Sauce on the Side announces move to larger downtown location
Sauce on the Side is growing up and moving out of its original downtown home at 903 Pine St. Co-owner Brendon Maciariello announced that he has signed a lease for 411 N. Eighth St., as reported by the St. Louis Business Journal. The move is planned for mid-June. The new location, which has sat vacant since…
First Look: Shakers
From the outside, the building at 554 E. Broadway in Alton doesn’t look like much. But follow your ears – and your nose – inside, where local bands keep Shakers rocking all night long. Married co-owners Paul and Lisa Light quietly opened their new bar on weekends in March, and they are now open…
Gerard Craft wins James Beard award
Rejoice, St. Louis! Gerard Craft has landed his first James Beard Foundation award. Craft was named Best Chef: Midwest today at a gala ceremony in Chicago. This marks the first time a St. Louis chef has landed a James Beard award, the culinary world’s preeminent honor. Craft is the chef-owner of Niche, Pastaria, Taste and…
Meatless Monday: Cold Noodle Salad with Spicy Sesame Sauce
Banish winter’s heavy noodle soups and turn instead to a refreshing, flavorful noodle salad. Pressed tofu is tossed with udon noodles, bright carrot rings and crunchy romaine lettuce. Douse the mixture liberally with a spicy dressing made of sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, Sriracha and minced garlic. Refrigerate to let the flavors marry and chill,…
The Scoop: Pappy’s, Bogart’s owners to bring barbecue to Valley Park with Dalie’s Smokehouse
{Pappy’s owner Mike Emerson} People travel great distances to enjoy pulled pork and beef brisket at Pappy’s Smokehouse and Bogart’s Smokehouse, both of which serve big crowds within St. Louis city limits. Now Mike Emerson and Skip Steele, respective owners of those establishments, are throwing a (rib) bone to their fans out west with…
Gaston Acurio’s Mixed Ceviche
4 servings
10 cool coffee drinks around St. Louis
Warm weather marks the switch from piping hot coffee to cool, caffeinated goodness. Here, 10 trendy drinks to check out this summer. 1. Flash Brew Poured right from the temperature-controlled keg, this flash-brewed (hot-brewed onto ice) coffee is straight-up cold, clean, strong and available to go in a refillable growler. La Cosecha Coffee Roasters, 7360 Manchester…
By the Book: Gastón Acurio’s Mixed Ceviche
When I held up Peru: The Cookbook to a trio of Peruvians at a recent dinner party, I was met with shrieks with delight. “¡Ay, Gastón Acurio!” Acurio is a superstar in his own country, but his culinary influence reaches much farther. He owns nearly four dozen restaurants around the globe, including La Mar…
The best Japanese craft beer
If pressed to name a few Japanese beers, you’d likely list adjunct lagers that you only drink at a sushi bar. It’s time to get acquainted with the best craft beer from the Land of the Rising Sun: Hitachino Nest Beer by Kiuchi Brewery. This microbrewery creates innovative beers like Hitachino Nest White Ale, a…
Why you should be drinking this Kansas City whiskey
We love the art and science of mixing ingredients to make a delicious cocktail. Rieger’s Kansas City Whiskey does the same balancing act on a larger scale with whiskey. It’s a blend of malt, corn and straight rye whiskeys with a touch of 15-year-old oloroso sherry to lend subtle sweetness and nuttiness. Rieger’s was released…
This $20 rosé has a high IQ
I am a longtime fan of wines by Josh Jensen’s Calera Wine Company, yet I only recently had my first taste of one of its pink wines. The 2014 Calera Vin Gris of Pinot Noir Central Coast sports a stunning neon pink color, but it carries the weight and length of a red wine. Most…
John ‘Mo’ Mozeliak’s Kitchen Essentials
Now in his 20th year with the St. Louis Cardinals and his eighth season as the club’s general manager, John “Mo” Mozeliak has his eating and drinking game plan down. Here’s how this baseball exec stays in top form. Click the slideshow below to read about his must-haves.
Review: Seoul Q in University City
Editor’s note: Seoul Q has closed. In December, owner David Choi relocated his wildly successful Seoul Taco restaurant – the brick-and-mortar version of his equally successful food truck – from a small spot on a side street in The Loop to the massive space on the main drag that once housed Ginger Bistro. There, he…
Review: Gobble Stop Smokehouse in Creve Coeur
A family barbecue joint run by Seventh-day Adventists does things differently than most St. Louis ‘cue spots. It’s not open on Saturdays, and there is no pork, which the religion abjures. Yet seven members of the Howard family have reconfigured smoked turkey into a series of clever dishes that will bring you back for more.…
Review: Backbar at Scape in St. Louis
Editor’s note: Scape has closed. A quiet stretch of alley space tucked between The Chase Park Plaza and Maryland Avenue, steps away from the epicenter of the Central West End’s thriving entertainment scene, is home to Backbar at Scape, a swanky and secluded open-air patio. Peddled toward the well-heeled crowd, this outdoor urban retreat is…
Whiskey Sour Slush
8 servings
Hollandaise Sauce
2 cups
Spiced Lentil Dip
4 servings
Canadian or Peameal Bacon
6 to 8 pounds
Eggs Benedict
4 servings
Toasted Black Bean and Quinoa Burritos
4 servings
Mushroom Tarts
12 servings
Mushroom Tarts
12 servings
Blueberry Pie in a Jar
4 servings
Asian Pork Lettuce Wraps
4 servings
Brown Butter-Green Tea Cake
1 8½-by-4½-inch pan
Lamb Lollipops with Herb Dipping Sauce
4 servings
Tortellini with peas and pancetta
4 servings
Roasted Carrot Salad
4 servings
Pink Citrus Bars
9 servings
Blueberry Oat Breakfast Cake
1 8-by-8-inch pan
25 Ways to Upgrade your Picnic
Picnics evoke romantic notions of leisurely afternoons on a blanket in the grass. A spread of cheese and charcuterie is laid out, ready to be paired with crusty bread and maybe a squeeze of Dijon. A chilled bottle of wine rests nearby, just waiting to be uncorked. Of course, in reality you slap together a…
Treat Yo Self
As the fine folks from “Parks and Recreation” preached, at least one day a year, you need to treat yourself. Feel like ordering a sky-high triple-stack pie? Treat yo self. Crave a waffle drowning in banana butter sauce and ice cream? Treat yo self. Got a hankering for a porterhouse steak the size of your…
Make this vegan pound cake
As a child, I picked strawberries in my mother’s expansive garden. I gathered bowls of sweet, sun-warmed berries that Mom then mashed, smothered with white sugar and poured over a butter-filled pound cake. This was the ’70s after all, when my favorite fruit came from a can of Libby’s Fruit Cocktail. Now that I’m older…
The Scoop: Beer bottle shop to open on Cherokee Street
There’s no shortage of places on Cherokee Street to kick back with a beer or cocktail, but stopping to pick up a six-pack of craft brews on the way home is a bit of a challenge. Co-owners Justin Harris and Ryan Griffin aim to change that when they open Saint Louis Hop Shop…
Eat This: Gooey Butter Cake
Editor’s note: Spoon Baking Co. has closed. St. Louis knows a thing or two about GOOEY BUTTER CAKE, so we do not make the following statement lightly: SPOON BAKING CO. has raised the bar for our city’s classic dessert. A cookie-like crust is sturdy enough to stand up to a fork, yet meltingly tender on…
Hit List: May 2015
EdgeWild Restaurant & Winery EdgeWild Restaurant & Winery is bringing casual American cuisine (and beer) to sister restaurant EdgeWild Bistro & Tap. Unique twists to typical bar fare begin with snacks like togarashi-inspired popcorn tossed with kale chips and appetizers such as avocado-crab salad with house-made Indian fry bread. Sandwiches also sport creativity. Try the…
