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 on a menu that will highlight seasonal ingredients.
“Lee’s been in the industry for a while. He’s worked with the (St. Louis) Blues and at Cedar Lake Winery. I’m excited to see what his experience lends us,” Tournillon said. Tournillon is no stranger to the industry either, having worked in kitchens from New Orleans to Switzerland. He also owned Foodies Marketplace and Deli in Chesterfield.
Gustin and Tournillon will aim to provide patrons with fine dining in a comfortable setting. While the menu is in development, diners can expect to see steaks, pork and lamb. Local and seasonal ingredients will be the driving force behind the menu.
The 7,000-square-foot building will hold 180 seats inside and at least 40 on the patio. A full bar will feature 20 craft beers on tap, craft spirits and a extended wine list. While details and vendors are still being determined, Tournillon said he looks forward to bringing Cork & Barrel to St. Peters. “St. Peters is a growing community,” he said. “We’re hoping to have a niche in the area with the chophouse.”
This article appears in Readers’ Choice 2016.