The Preston at the Chase Park Plaza has finally reopened after a years-long, pandemic-related hiatus with a new focus on French fine dining. The pretzel croissants (one of the few items ported over from the previous menu) are as delicious as ever – buttery, flaky pieces of the pastry tear off with ease to scoop up a dollop of heavenly housemade jam. The jam varies seasonally, but the strawberry iteration we tried was so succulent, we had to have another portion brought to the table.
We also enjoy the terrine de canard, a duck-and-bacon meatloaf studded with dried cherries and pistachios. When combined with a bit of each of the accompanying accouterments – cornichons, crusty bread, poached figs, endive and grain mustard – it made a delightful savory bite. The roasted chicken served atop a bed of pommes dauphinoise (similar to potatoes au gratin) and crispy pancetta was moist and tender.
The Preston, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, 314.633.7800, theprestonstl.com
This article appears in August 2023.