The Wheelhouse in Clayton to close July 1
After nearly three-and-a-half years, The Wheelhouse in Clayton will close its doors tomorrow, July 1. As reported by St. Louis Magazine, The Wheelhouse location in downtown St. Louis will remain open, and co-owner Stephen Savage’s next project, Start Bar, is still slated to open this summer. “The biggest reason we’re closing the Clayton location is to…
Ownership changes at Thurman Grill, Winfield’s Gathering Place and Melt say farewell
For 10 years, Thurman Grill & Provisions has served the Shaw neighborhood, but tomorrow, June 30, the pilot lights will go out – at least for a time. Thurman Grill owner Larry Weinles is selling the business to Doug Fowler, who is keeping tight-lipped about his plans for the restaurant. Fowler said he hopes to…
Twisted Tree to open in Sunset Hills
There will once again be a dining option at the corner of Lindbergh Boulevard and Watson Road when Twisted Tree Steakhouse opens July 14 in Sunset Hills. As reported by Feast, Twisted Tree will be located at 10701 Watson Road, the space was most recently home to Mile 277 Tap and Grill. The Syberg family,…
The Wandering Sidecar Bar offers mobile beverage service
A chic, new way to host an open bar at your next event has hit the pavement. The Wandering Sidecar Bar, brainchild of co-owners Tiffany and Dave Unger, is a souped-up camper customers can rent for beverage service at private event. Tiffany Unger said she discovered the concept last November in a magazine and wasted no…
Pastaria’s Ashley Shelton wins Eater Young Guns competition
Ashley Shelton of Pastaria took the top prize in Eater’s Young Guns competition, becoming the first St. Louis chef to win. The winners were announced on June 28, 2016. “It’s inspiring,” said Shelton. “It’s great to be noticed and it’s humbling because it takes a whole team to do what we do every day. I…
By the Book: Onion Carbonara from Food 52: Genius Recipes
Pasta carbonara is the ultimate indulgence. Who doesn’t love long spaghetti noodles coated in cream, egg, cheese and bacon? As the internet can attest, the rich sauce goes well on just about anything from squash to steak, but when I came across this recipe for onion carbonara I was skeptical. Did I really want to…
Recipe: Chicken Biryani
Biryani is a spiced rice dish with roots in countries across the Middle East and South Asia. It is essentially a layered baked dish that alternates spiced rice and marinated meat. My sister came up with this recipe and after she shared it with me, I wanted to share it with you. Though biryani can…
Gezellig Tap House & Bottleshop to replace The Demo in The Grove
Hop heads will have a new hangout when Gezellig Taphouse & Bottleshop opens its doors in late September or early October at 4191 Manchester Road in The Grove. Currently the home of The Demo, co-owner Brandon Cavanagh plans to shutter the music venue on July 9 and renovate the space with a beer selection partially inspired…
Chicken Biryani
4 to 6
Fort Taco to open another location in St. Charles
St. Charles will have a new fast and easy taco joint this summer. Fort Taco, slated to open July 1 will be located at 3788 Elm St., in the old Daylight Donuts space. Co-owner Elizabeth Sedlock said there was high demand for the Mexican-American eatery. “We got tons of requests to open a location in St.…
Recipe: Farro Salad with Roasted Mushrooms
One pot and one sheet pan is all that’s required for this filling vegetarian meal. Roast cremini mushrooms, grape tomatoes and shallots, while a pot of farro bubbles away on the stove. Drain the grain, then combine in a large serving bowl with the roasted veg and bright parsley. Serve atop a bed of peppery…
Seoul Taco rolls out second truck
Seoul Taco is on a roll this year. Owner David Choi opened the fourth Seoul Taco location in Chicago just three weeks ago, and announced today that a second food truck will hit the streets in STL this Monday, June 27. The popularity of the original truck at private events, food truck events and lunch…
The Sweet Tooth opens a brick-and-mortar in Belleville
If you’re hankering for a dose of sweets, The Sweet Tooth opened its first brick-and-mortar location on Saturday, June 18 at 4004 W. Main St. in Belleville. The Sweet Tooth began as a candy van, then a food truck doling out chocolate-covered strawberries and funnel cakes. Owner Jeff Green was ready to expand. “In a food…
Recipe: Tara O’Brady’s Mushrooms and Greens with Toast
To be honest, I wasn’t thrilled for the blogger book series. I’m into a number of food blogs, but some of the book options felt like a bunch of boring filler recipes. I flipped through Seven Spoons with a bad attitude: roasted chicken – boring; roasted chicken with couscous – boring; baked salmon – come…
Nourish by Hollyberry to launch meal delivery service
Nourish Market is launching a meal subscription service this fall. The Kirkwood cafe, owned by Hollyberry Catering, will offer weekly pickup and delivery options. “I wanted to create a program that was flexible and catered to different lifestyles,” said owner Holly Cunningham. “We’ll also provide vegetarian and gluten-free options.” Cunningham said there will be three…
Mathew’s Kitchen in Southampton to close
After nearly five years behind the line at Mathew’s Kitchen, chef-owner Mathew Unger will hang up his apron and switch off the burners after a final service on Sunday, June 26 as his building lease comes to an end. “We had a five-year contract,” Unger said. “We couldn’t negotiate another lease or find another building.”…
The Weekend Project: Gnocchi
Several weeks ago, we had the pleasure of attending Pastaria Nashville chef Josh Poletti’s Dorm Room Dinner at 33 Wine Bar. The meal was spectacular, but a gnocchi dish served in a clarified pork stock with shaved country ham reminded us how much we loved the simple, elegant French gnocchi. French gnocchi are actually far…
Recipe: Roasted Broccoli
Hat-tip to my long-suffering husband for this recipe. He is a teacher, which means at some point in June, he steps up his cooking game. Recently after a particularly long day, I came home to this roasted broccoli dish, and it is an A-plus, head-of-the-class hit. We love broccoli in our house, but we usually…
StackHouse Pub & Grill to open in former Miller’s Crossing space
Chesterfield residents started the new year without their neighborhood joint when Miller’s Crossing at Hog Hollow closed on December 31, 2015. Now, the space at 14156 Olive Blvd., will see new life at the end of June when it reopens as StackHouse Pub & Grill. Pitmaster Matt Thornton said he and executive chef Christopher Leith…
2 picks from Firestone Walker
The Side Project Cellar team just returned from Paso Robles, California after attending the fantastic Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest. What a weekend! (A quick humblebrag for our team and the St. Louis beer scene: Side Project Brewing won the People’s Choice Award for best in show!) California is crawling with amazing beer up and…
Recipe: Katie Quinn Davies’s Crab, Lemon and Chile Spaghetti
I’ve been following Katie Quinn Davies’s blog, What Katie Ate, for years. In fact, her travel photos of Positano, Italy are the reason I made a trip to the Amalfi Coast a couple years ago (Let’s just say I’m highly influenced by pretty pictures.). In the last year, Davies blogged less and focused on creating…
4 more food-filled events this weekend
Sip spirits in Washington or suds in Belleville this weekend. But if you’re still looking for ways to satisfy your hunger, check out these tasty events. 1. Family Night Swim & Canned Food DriveGrab canned goods to donate and head to St. Louis County for a Family Night Swim & Canned Food Drive at The…
First Look: Kalbi Taco Shack on Cherokee Street
Korean barbecue goes south of the border when Kalbi Taco Shack opens at 2301 Cherokee St., on Saturday, June 18. Mother-daughter duo Sue and Olivia Shackelford helm the kitchen and serve flavorful, Korean-inspired proteins with a Latin flare. Guests can choose to dine in or carryout any of the tacos, burritos, quesadillas, rice bowls or…
Vincent Van Doughnut to open second brick-and-mortar in The Grove
The Grove is about to get a little tastier. With a year under its belt in Clayton, owner Vincent Marsden plans to open a second brick-and-mortar Vincent Van Doughnut at 1072 Tower Grove Ave., in mid-October. “We looked in The Grove before we opened the Clayton location,” said Marsden, who launched Vincent Van Doughnut as a food…
Queen’s Cuisine to open tea room in Edwardsville
Anyone for a spot of tea? This Friday, June 17, Queen’s Cuisine opens its first brick-and-mortar location, Queen’s Cuisine Tea Room, at 120 S. Main St., on the corner of East Park and South Main streets in Edwardsville. Owner Jane Muscroft launched Queen’s Cuisine in 2007, serving afternoon tea in people’s homes. Since then, Muscroft has…
The Sliced Pint to open in downtown St. Louis
The newest place to get a slice and a pint is coming to downtown St. Louis when The Sliced Pint opens at 1511 Washington Ave., later this summer. As reported by the St. Louis Business Journal, owners Amy and Amrit Gill are developers who own Restoration St. Louis, as well as O’Shays Pub in The…
Gallinas to open Vicia in The Cortex
Husband-and-wife team Michael and Tara Gallina announced today, June 14, that they will open Vicia (vee-CEE-yuh), at 4260 Forest Park Ave., in The Cortex. The Gallinas are looking at a fall opening. As Sacue reported in October 2015, the Gallinas relocated to The Lou in last year after working in top positions at the esteemed Blue…
What I Do: Reine Bayoc of SweetArt
Step inside SweetArt during a bustling Saturday afternoon, and you’ll find it hard to believe co-owners Reine and Cbabi Bayoc had never worked in a restaurant when they opened in 2008. Cheerful staff pipe frosting onto mini cupcakes and prep vegetables behind the counter while they chat with regulars. Others dine at a community table,…
First Look: Scapegoat in the Central West End
Editor’s Note: Scapegoat has closed. Trading breakfast for cocktails and light eats, Koplar Properties has opened Scapegoat Tavern & Courtyard at 52 Maryland Plaza. As Sauce reported in April, the owners of sister restaurant Scape American Bistro closed former breakfast spot Crepes, Etc. and announced a new tavern concept for space. The 40-seat space offers seven…
Tropical Liqueurs to move to The Grove
Tropical Liqueurs has found a new home for its grown-up boozy slushies at 4104 Manchester Ave., in The Grove, and the owners hope to have the lease signed shortly. “We’re still working under a Letter of Intent,” said co-owner Billy Thompson. “We fully except to be finalized soon with the lease.” Coming off a tense…
Foundry Public House to open in Edwardsville
The newest entrant in the Edwardsville food scene has taken up residence at 126 N. Main St. Foundry Public House opens Tuesday, June 14, in the former Robust Wine Bar space. Co-owners Greg Elmore, Jason Armbruster and Rodney Lanham aim to create a place that crosses a neighborhood pub with an upscale dive bar. “Everybody loves…
Cork & Barrel Chop House to open in St. Peters
Take craft beer and a casual setting, put it in a chop house, and you have Cork & Barrel Chop House and Spirits. With the building at 7337 Mexico Road in St. Peters under construction, general manager Greg Tournillon hopes to open Cork & Barrel sometime this fall. Executive chef Lee Gustin is currently working…
First Look: PerJax Americana Kitchen in University City
Tucked into a University City neighborhood, PerJax Americana Kitchen opened at 7401 Pershing Ave., in late May. Chef-owner Steve Cupp owned the Columbia, Missouri institution Glenn’s Café for decades before returning to his native St. Louis. PerJax seats about 90 diners in the dining room and at the bar, and Cupp hopes to have room…
3 more food-filled events to extend the weekend
Party on the pavement or dine on the bluffs this weekend, and save room for three more ways to eat your way through next week. 1. Wine Summer School: TerroirLearn why dirt is just as important an ingredient in your favorite wine as the grapes.June 13 – 6 to 7 p.m. 2.Kamayan NightNo forks or…
St. Louis Kolache to open Ballwin location in July
Ballwin will get a taste of Eastern Europe when St. Louis Kolache opens at 14786 Manchester Road in early- to mid-July. Co-owner Russ Clark said he’s excited to fill a gap in Ballwin. “There aren’t many places to get a good, quality breakfast in the area. I want to provide that,” Clark said. The menu will…
Recipe: Tomatillo-Orange Salsa
This salsa is a true workhorse. It adds dimension to pork tenderloin or seafood. It’s delicious spooned on a breakfast burrito, mixed into white rice or simply served with chips. Choose smaller tomatillos with a fresher husk and roast them to bring out their natural sugars. The spicy, smoky adobo sauce is powerful kick. I…
Gamlin Restaurant Group to open third establishment
Restaurateurs and brothers Derek and Lucas Gamlin announced that they will open a third establishment in the Central West End. While the name and exact concept are still being finalized, a lease has been signed for the space in the lower level of The Residences at the Forest Park Hotel, located at 4910 W. Pine…
Ben Grupe named executive chef at Elaia and Olio
Chef-owner Ben Poremba announced today, June 7, that he has passed the toque at Elaia and Olio to Ben Grupe, who took over as executive chef of the Botanical Heights restaurants on June 1. Poremba said he needed to shift his role from one of chef to one of restaurateur, and so he tapped Grupe,…
Recipe: Kale, Asparagus and Spring Pea Slaw
Tonight, we’re barely touching the stove. Blanched asparagus, shredded kale and spring pea pods come together in a Spring Slaw. Dressed simply with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, this dish lets seasonal vegetables shine. Click here for the recipe.
Down the Rabbit Hole: An animal lover comes to terms with eating bunnies
I ordered the pappardelle with rabbit. I don’t know what made me do it. This was a couple years ago at the charming Luce in Portland, Oregon. I was visiting friends, enjoying quiet conversation as the sun went down and the bright little windowed restaurant dimmed seductively. Maybe it was the wine. Maybe I wanted…
Review: Henry’s
Stepping onto the well-trodden brick of the Henry’s back patio has the strange but comfortable feeling of wandering into a house party – with better booze. If you’ve spent any time carousing around the island that is Soulard, you’ll remember this space as the former The Shanti reborn. The most impressive transformation is the indoor…
Cheese Not-Steak Sandwiches
4 sandwiches
Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteaks
Last month, I bought a cart full of fresh veggies in the hope a stockpile of healthy alternatives would keep me from stuffing my gob with Mint Milanos. Instead, I later felt annoyed because I had to make something out of all the produce before it wilted, and I felt sad because I had no…
Sarah’s Cake Shop to open cafe location in Eureka
Eureka is getting a sweet new addition this summer as Sarah’s Cake Shop plans to move into the old Central Hall banquet center at 127 S. Central Ave., as reported by Feast. In homage to its location, owner Jill Umbarger will call the eatery Sarah’s on Central, which is slated to open mid-July. “I’ve lived…
Gerard Craft to close Niche, Sardella to open
Gerard Craft is closing his flagship restaurant, Niche. The Niche Food Group owner announced today, June 2, that after 11 years, he will close Niche on June 11 and launch a new concept, Sardella, in another four to six weeks. Craft launched Niche in Benton Park in 2005, then moved the fine-dining restaurant to Clayton…
First Look: Scarlett’s Wine Bar in the Central West End
The newest member of the Sasha’s Wine Bar family will open to the public today, Thursday, June 2, when Scarlett’s Wine Bar opens its doors for service at 4253 Laclede Ave., in the Central West End. Like any sibling, Scarlett’s has the same DNA as her sister locations, but is her own, distinct restaurant. The…
Schlafly 1616 at Shakespeare in the Park
If it were up to me, I’d have called it Shakes-beer. But was up to the mindful brewers at Schlafly, who dubbed their Shakespeare Festival St. Louis beer 1616 in honor of the 400th anniversary of The Bard’s death. You won’t find this Schlafly creation in stores or at bars. Instead, its available on draft…
The Ultimate Guacamole
Delicious as a chip dip and decadent as a sandwich spread, guacamole wins the prize for most versatile summer snack. While almost any market carries the green goddess, nothing beats the taste of fresh homemade. When a dish is this simple, every step counts, so we chatted with local experts to make the ultimate guacamole…
Rave about this riesling
Wine geeks love rieslings from the Finger Lakes in upstate New York, the ideal climate for this German grape. The 2013 Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling captures the essence of a riesling from France’s Alsace region. It’s dry, mineral driven and medium bodied with citrus notes and a finish that lasts until your next bite…
3 new restaurants you must try this June
1. Big Baby Q and Smokehouse: 11658 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 314.801.8888 Follow the smell of wood smoke in Maryland Heights to Big Baby Q and Smokehouse, co-owned by Ben and Bennie Welch. This father-son duo knows its way around a bird. As a thousand Thanksgivings can testify, turkey breast is notoriously dry. However, at…
Drink up a lassi and keep your cool
Long before Americans started loading blenders with low-fat yogurt and the superfood of the moment, drinkable yogurt had been a mainstay in many cultures for centuries. Thanks to the diversity of cuisine in St. Louis, you don’t need to hop a plane to India or Istanbul (not Constantinople) to get a cool old-school sip for…
Review: Byrd & Barrel in St. Louis
Byrd & Barrel swooped onto the scene in September 2015 and has been laying fresh fried chicken on South Jefferson ever since. Proud of its neighborhood and local sourcing, the restaurant offers carryout as well as indoor and patio seating with consistently excellent service. If you’ve been scratching around for something different, Byrd & Barrel…
Review: The Muddled Pig Gastropub in Maplewood
Editor’s Note: The Muddled Pig has closed Finding the right gastropub equation can be challenging. Is it a bar with good food or a fun restaurant with good drinks? Finding the key variable that keeps diners coming back isn’t always easy. The Muddled Pig in Maplewood is one of many causal St. Louis eateries working…
Meals That Changed My Life: Christy Augustin of Pint Size Bakery
Like a free dessert on your birthday, meals sometimes come with an unexpected extra. Pint Size Bakery co-owner Christy Augustin’s most memorable dining experiences came with a complimentary side of “Aha!” From staring down sprinkle cookies in Granite City to wiggling her toes in the warm Key West sand, here are the meals that changed…
Strawberry-Cucumber Salad
4 servings
Eat This: Chicken Torta from at La Vallesana
The key to a great sandwich is a great sauce, and the CHICKEN TORTA at LA VALLESANA has two. A smoky-sweet, chipotle-based salsa and a fiery avocado and chile salsa accompany the grilled chicken, cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, mayo, cilantro and onion that are pressed inside a telera (Mexican sandwich bun) for a toasty…
Hit List: June 2016
Five Aces Bar-B-Que The Mama Josephine’s sign may still hang out front, but there’s no denying the Shaw institution serves up more than comfort food these days. Five Aces Bar-B-Que has been serving up hickory- and oak-smoked fare in the space since late April. Both the pulled pork and pulled chicken special use a secret…
