Locally sourced ingredients as modern regional American cuisine is the theme at J McArthur’s An American Kitchen, which held its grand opening at 3500 Watson Road on Friday, July 10.
As The Scoop reported in June, the kitchen is manned by co-owner Ben McArthur, a classically trained, 15-year kitchen veteran and son of the restaurant’s namesake, John McArthur. Passionate about local sourcing, the seasonal menu features ingredients from 15 Missouri and Illinois farms that include the usual suspects like Todd Geisert Farms and Marcoot Jersey Creamery, as well as Martin Rice Co. and Eat Here St. Louis‘ Andy Ayers.
These local ingredients translate into a seasonal, varied menu. Starters include seven choices that spotlight garden vegetables, local cheese and cured meats and McArthur’s take on chicken wings. Entrees include a selection of meat, fish and poultry dishes, as well as a vegetarian option. Expect regional flavors from Gulf shrimp served over grits with pickled red onion and okra salad to Asian-inspired pork belly cooked with dashi and stir-fried vegetables served atop jasmine rice. A burger and breakfast-for-dinner item will be regular offerings, and diners can also expect a fish du jour and Three Springs Farm daily beef cut.
On the beverage side, J McArthur’s offers wine by the bottle and by the glass, including several pocket-pleasing $6 pours. Local spirit offerings include whiskeys, gins and vodkas from Pinckney Bend, Cardinal Sin, Mastermind Vodka and more, while Urban Chestnut represents local brews.
The covered patio offers plenty of space to sip a glass of wine under twinkly lights, or guests can enjoy a meal in the open 40-seat dining room. J McArthur’s An American Kitchen is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5 p.m. until midnight. Here’s a first look at the new Lindenwood Park eatery.
-photos Michelle Volansky
This article appears in Readers’ Choice 2015.