Hand pies have long been a staple of the working man’s diet. Witness northern Michigan’s pasty, Italy’s calzone and Latin America’s empanada. Russ Clark is bringing the Eastern European version, the kolache, to 1300 N. Lindbergh Blvd., in Creve Coeur, as reported by St. Louis Magazine.
When it opens at the end of September, St. Louis Kolache will be the only independently owned kolache shop in the St. Louis area and will offer around 30 different fillings all wrapped up in a slightly sweet pastry. “We can be creative and do a lot of interesting things,” Clark said. “We’re looking forward to that.”
These creations will include savory selections like house-smoked pulled pork; brisket; pastrami and Swiss; and smoked salmon with capers and creamed peas. On the sweeter side, St. Louis Kolache will offer fruit flavors like a cherry and cream cheese creation and the Chocolate Elvis filled with banana, bacon and Nutella.
Clark, who also owns Total Catering and a Cecil Whittaker’s franchise, brought pastry chef Scott Walker on to help man the kitchen. The dining room will seat between 12 and 16 with additional outdoor seating available. The shop will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This article appears in August 2015.