In February 2025, the quiet charm of Maplewood will play host to Robin Restaurant, an artful culinary destination poised to elevate the dining scene and leave an indelible mark on Midwest cuisine. Located at 7268 Manchester Road in Maplewood, the space that once hosted Benevolent King, Robin Restaurant will offer a unique, intimate experience, inviting guests to savor the beauty of everyday moments through the lens of graceful approachability. With just 36 seats, this intimate restaurant blends refined technique with heartfelt hospitality, offering what its visionary chef-owner chef Alec Schingel calls fine comfort.
Schingel’s journey to opening Robin Restaurant has been one of perseverance, reflection and a deep connection to his Midwestern roots. “It’s this thing that’s kind of been in my head for forever,” he shared, “It’s my biography.” Schingel, a native of Urbana, Illinois, cultivated his culinary expertise both locally and internationally, training in renowned kitchens like Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York and In de Wulf in Belgium. After serving as chef de cuisine at Vicia and executive chef at Winslow’s Table in St. Louis, he spent two years hosting pop-ups and private dinners under The Robin Project banner while searching for a permanent space. Now, Schingel is bringing Robin Restaurant to life, blending nearly two decades of experience with a passion for fine dining and sincere Midwestern hospitality.
For Schingel, this concept stems from the desire to rethink what fine dining can be. “For most people, [fine dining] is a really uncomfortable eating experience – a huge financial burden, a huge travel burden and just a huge psychological and emotional effort,” he explained. Instead, Robin Restaurant aims to embody a spirit that combines high-quality culinary techniques and unfeigned service. “Robin is about creating something extraordinary from everyday joys,” Schingel noted. “It feels very Midwestern, to actually be a little bit more humble in that approach.” The menu will feature a four-course prix-fixe priced at $75, offering three thoughtfully curated options for each course. For a more casual experience, guests can also enjoy a snack menu showcasing a rotating selection of three to five small bites.
Schingel’s menu is deeply personal, grounded in his family’s history and upbringing in the Midwest. “Nobody can tell your story better than how you can tell it,” he emphasized. The dishes will reflect his unique perspective, celebrating the region’s ingredients and culinary traditions without excluding outside influences. “We’ll still have coffee and wine from France, but the main story is about the place and seasonality of where we are.”
This philosophy aligns closely with his commitment to seasonality and sustainability. Schingel credits pioneers like Andy Ayers of Eat Here Saint Louis for establishing connections between local chefs and farmers. “Everybody may want strawberries the first second that it’s warm,” he noted, “but they may not be ready yet. We might have to just be patient and wait for the right things to come along.” Such mindfulness underscores Robin Restaurant’s ethos: honoring the land, the seasons and the stories behind the food.
