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Each month, we try new restaurants so we can make meaningful recommendations on where you should go. Check out the slideshow below to find out where we’re recommending this month.

The breakfast-inspired Au Chevel at SmashEm’s Burger Bar. Scroll through the slideshow below to learn more about the restaurant. Credit: photo by Lauren Healey
Side Project Pizza When decade-old Side Project Brewing debuted its first food program last year with chef Adam Altnether helming the kitchen, the people were hype. Now, Side Project Pizza is operating in the former Pizza Champ space to debut Side Project Pizza, giving Altnether another chance (he worked for Pizza Champ too) at doing something great with the four-seasons patio across the street from the main brewery. Some pizza purists may not approve of us for admitting that on a recent visit, the Side Project Hawaiian pizza was our fave pie with spicy chorizo and jalapeno slices, along with red onion and oregano, plus chunks of sweet pineapple and crema to temper some of the heat. The BBQ Pork pizza was another hit, with slow-roasted pork shoulder, pickled red onion, cilantro and St. Louis-style sweet barbecue sauce, plus unexpected-but-delicious roasted cauliflower that melded perfectly into the other flavors. It’s not all about the pizza here, however; the house-breaded chicken tenders are absolutely worth a try, and you must get a side of the super-thick and rich garlic-Parmesan sauce that’s smothered in Parmesan cheese to go alongside. Looking for a little freshness? The chopped salad is loaded with an array of veggies and tossed in a lovely Cerasus cherry vinaigrette, but we’re eyeing the kale salad for our next visit. Don’t forget to pair your meal with some of Side Project’s ever-popular beer. 2657 Lyle Ave., Maplewood, sideprojectpizza.toast.site Credit: photo by Lauren Healey
BBQ pork pizza at Side Project Pizza Credit: photo by Lauren Healey
Chopped salad at Side Project Pizza Credit: photo by Lauren Healey
Aperi An offshoot of Good Company, Aperi is an intimate wine and amaro bar located in the space adjacent to its sister restaurant. Designed for those who appreciate a European style of dining, Aperi started as a place for guests to stop by for a glass of wine or an aperitivo. But when chef Jon Priestley’s dishes became just as much of a draw as the drinks, the menu evolved into a four-course pairing experience that beautifully highlights both food and beverage. While guests can still order a la carte, the four-course menu is the ideal way to experience Aperi. The meal begins with antipasti like the house-made ricotta, served on focaccia with honey, orange, pine nuts, Aleppo chile and basil, served with a spritz like the Italian Greyhound, a stout and sweet yet bitter tipple perfect for getting the juices flower. For the primo course, which is paired with a white wine, we favored the papas bravas, crispy potatoes topped with Spanish aioli, white anchovy and Parmigiano Reggiano, are a must for those craving something crispy and indulgent. For something a little more refined for your primo course, the crispelle with blue crab, tarragon aioli, wilted greens, lemon cream and garlic bread crumbs is a standout. Moving into heartier territory for secondo, paired with red wine, the Yellowfoot mushrooms over creamy polenta with hazelnut, brown butter, sage and lemon showcase the depth of flavor the kitchen delivers. The meal ends on a high note with the dolce course, and you absolutely must choose the amaro sundae, house-made ice cream and Averna with chocolate almond biscotti, a playful yet sophisticated dessert that perfectly encapsulates Aperi’s love for amaro. In addition, Good Company was honored as a Central Region Top 10 New Cocktail Bar in this year’s Spirited Awards by Tales of the Cocktail. 4317 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, aperistl.com Credit: photo by Lauren Healey
Italian Greyhound at Aperi Credit: photo by Lauren Healey
SmashEm’s Burger Bar Burgers might seem a dime a dozen these days, but SmashEm’s Burger Bar is truly special – we’re talking up there with Mac’s Local Eats. The breakfast-inspired Au Chevel was our favorite burger with a sunny-side-up egg, delectable, thick-cut candied Cajun bacon, green onion, American cheese and a sun-dried tomato aioli. The garlic burger was a close second with American cheese, Castle onions and garlicky goodness in three forms: garlic butter on the bun, garlic aioli and fried pieces of garlic. The loaded fries were pretty great with nacho cheese sauce, chunks of the candied Cajun bacon, jalapeno relish, green onions and two types of aioli: jalapeno and chipotle. We were also partial to the Korean BBQ wings. The massive, off-menu chocolate chip cookies were the perfect ending to the meal. 3169 Morgan Ford Road, St. Louis, Instagram: @smashemsburgerbar Credit: photo by Lauren Healey
Korean BBQ wings at SmashEm’s Burger Bar Credit: photo by Lauren Healey
Loaded fries at SmashEm’s Burger Bar Credit: photo by Lauren Healey

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Lauren is a longtime journalist who has honed her writing, reporting, editing and photography skills in various roles at newspapers, magazines and websites in the Midwest. Her time spent with Sauce since...