Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton is tapping into one of winter’s most viral food trends with a new menu item at The Chalet that feels tailor-made for cold nights and festive wandering: a cheesy fondue baguette. Aprés ski vibes have never sounded more appealing.

Available Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 3, the $10 baguette is served each night The Chalet is open, with tickets still available throughout the season. The concept is simple but undeniably extra. A baguette is hollowed out and filled with gooey, melted fondue cheese, essentially transforming a classic Swiss staple into a handheld experience meant to be enjoyed outdoors on the terrace.

The inspiration comes straight from Europe. “This idea was inspired by winter markets in Geneva, Switzerland, where food is meant to be indulgent, comforting and enjoyed as you wander,” said Matt Korsos, general manager of Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton. “We wanted to take something classically European like fondue and reimagine it in a way that feels playful and approachable. Turning it into a handheld baguette makes it easy to enjoy out on the terrace while still feeling transportive. It’s a little unexpected, a little over the top, and exactly the kind of experience we wanted to create for The Chalet.”

While fondue is traditionally a sit-down affair, the baguette is designed with mobility in mind. It is a bit messy, but manageable enough to enjoy while taking in the lights and seasonal programming of The Chalet.

Le Méridien’s team is also tapping into a broader appetite for nostalgic, cheese-forward comfort foods. “Cheese boards and fondue are having a real moment right now, and we wanted to fully embrace that decadence this season,” said Danielle Minninger, marketing manager of Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton. “At the end of the day, it’s about simplicity done really well. Warm, gooey cheese paired with fresh bread is a combination people never get tired of. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and honestly too good to resist, especially when you’re at The Chalet.”

With its mix of European inspiration and playful execution, the fondue baguette fits squarely into The Chalet’s wintertime ethos: cozy and indulgent, best enjoyed while lingering outside just a bit longer than planned.

The post Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton brings the viral fondue baguette trend to The Chalet appeared first on Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated.

We’ve long admired Noto Italian Restaurant at 5105 Westwood Drive in St. Peters, but its new sister concept tucked around back is quickly making a name for itself. The Alpine-inspired eatery first opened in 2024 as Bacaro, offering a light menu of snacks and a wide selection of spritzes, among other beverages. After a trademark hiccup prompted a rebrand to Bormio, the team expanded the offerings into a full dinner menu, transforming it from a casual aperitivo spot into a full-service destination.

On a recent visit, the standout was the caviar, a playful yet sophisticated combination of textures and flavors. Mini sourdough waffles form the base, layered with chive-infused cultured butter, Champagne jelly, and a sous-vide egg yolk before being crowned with a delicate dollop caviar. “It’s truly a fun and unique way to enjoy caviar, with each element complementing the salty, briny flavor of the caviar,” said chef and co-owner Wayne Sieve.

The post Eat these mini sourdough waffles with caviar at Bormio in St. Peters appeared first on Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated.

It might seem surprising that one of the best things at a seafood-focused spot is ribs, but Indo’s palm sugar ribs are literally the best we’ve ever had. Chef Nick Bognar’s signature fish sauce caramel (used as both marinade and glaze) creates the perfect balance of umami, sweetness and depth. Finished with a touch of honey, a bright herb salad, and candied peanuts, these fall-off-the-bone fried ribs are a must-order every time.

While you’re there, be sure to try the funky and herbaceous Garden of Words cocktail made with edamame syrup. Indo also recently debuted its brand new sunroom, so book your reservation there instead of the dining room for immaculate vibes.

1641D Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, indo-stl.com

The post Eat these palm sugar ribs at Indo in Botanical Heights appeared first on Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated.

Pork belly can be a risky order — done wrong, it’s a letdown. Done right, it’s unforgettable. At Yellowbelly, it’s the latter. Their chile-glazed pork belly is crisped to perfection and bathed in a spicy-sweet sauce that hits all the right notes. Served with jasmine rice, tangy kimchi, spicy mayo, and umami-rich Ozark Forest mushrooms, it’s a flavor-packed dish that stands out — even on a seafood-focused menu. It’s one of our absolute favorite dishes at this Central West End hotspot, and just one more reason Yellowbelly lives up to the hype. While you’re there, be sure to order some of their incredible cocktails.

Pro tip: Can’t snag a reservation at your preferred time at Yellowbelly? You can also order their whole food menu at Lazy Tiger, the adjacent cocktail bar under the same ownership.

4659 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, 314.499.1509, yellowbellystl.com

The post Eat this pork belly at Yellowbelly in the Central West End appeared first on Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated.

Although Casa Don Alfonso is an Italian restaurant at its core, the new roasted chicken and eggplant dish we loved on a recent visit reflects the rich culinary exchange between the Middle East and the Italian coast, regions long connected through shared flavors and trade.

The chicken is first sous vide for ultimate tenderness, then seared to achieve a perfectly crisp exterior. It’s served with baked eggplant over a bed of couscous, complemented by tomato gazpacho, black pepper yogurt, fresh mint and a hint of cumin.

“This dish is meant to show how we are connected in our region to other countries of the Mediterranean,” said Casa Don Alfonso restaurateur Mario Iaccarino, who owns the original Don Alfonso 1890 in Sorrento, Italy.

100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, 314.719.1496, casadonalfonsostlouis.com

The post Eat this roasted chicken dish at Casa Don Alfonso in Clayton appeared first on Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated.

Nothing soaks up good beer like good bread — and there’s no bread better than the house focaccia at The Kings Oak by Modern Brewery. Inches thick, the crispy, slightly oily crust yields to a delightfully spongey core. It’s so soft, you want to take a nap on it (especially after a couple pints of Choice Nugs Hazy Double IPA). This focaccia forms the basis of the Porchetta Pastrami Sammie. You can get the sandwich with a few choice meats, including birria-braised beef, an Italian combo of prosciutto and stracciatella, and a turkey club, but we recommend the pastrami, with house-brined pork belly, Swiss, and mustard. You’ll love it down to the last crumb.

5200 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, 314.788.0900, modernbrewery.com

The post Eat this Porchetta Pastrami Sammie at The Kings Oak by Modern Brewery appeared first on Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated.

Back in our Soulard living days (when Ninth Street Deli was actually on Ninth Street), The Nine was our go-to hangover meal 100% of the time, but it’s a truly great sandwich any day, any time. You can order it with shredded beef or chicken (we prefer the chicken), and its gooey pepper jack cheese lends a hint of spice, while oregano adds a verdant, herbal flair. Caramelized onions provide notes of sweet richness, and the mildly tangy green garlic aioli ensures nary a dry bite, plus there’s lettuce and tomato for extra freshness. It’s all enveloped by hearty seeded French bread with a crispy exterior and perfectly chewy interior. Be sure to order a side of chips to add some crunch to every bite.

Ninth Street Deli opened on Ninth Street in Soulard in 2007, then moved to the old Howard’s location a few blocks away in 2018. Owner John Been Jr. credits his longtime cooks Brian Bonds and Gerardo Ambrosio, who have both been with the business for over a decade, as having a large part in the restaurant’s success.

The post Eat this sandwich from Ninth Street Deli in Soulard appeared first on Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated.

Why choose one dish for our Eat This column when we can choose a platter with six different dishes? The new King Platter at King & I Thai Cuisine, available for dine-in guests only, serves four to five people and offers the chance to try a wide variety of King & I’s menu, including pot stickers, crab Rangoon, pad Thai, Thai fried rice, and two of the restaurant’s newer menu items: tamarind shrimp satay and choo chee grilled salmon. The wide spread of offerings is akin to a traditional Thai meal, offering St. Louis diners a more authentic Thai experience. The tamarind shrimp satay is our favorite dish on this platter, but all are delicious, and the platter is a great way to sample some menu items you might not have ordered otherwise.

8039 Dale Ave., Richmond Heights, 314.771.1777, kingandistl.com

The post Eat this King Platter at King & I Thai Cuisine in Richmond Heights appeared first on Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated.

Tacos 4 Life is redefining the fast-casual dining experience in St. Louis. This innovative taco shop does more than offer delicious food: It also provides a meaningful way to make a global impact. For every menu item sold, the restaurant donates a meal to Feed My Starving Children, a charity dedicated to fighting hunger worldwide. The tacos aren’t just a meal – they’re a catalyst for change, crafted for a cause so each bite helps provide nourishment to those in need.

The mission is clear: end starvation worldwide. By partnering with Feed My Starving Children, Tacos 4 Life helps create MannaPacks, highly nutritious meals containing rice, soy protein, dehydrated vegetables, vitamins and minerals. These life-saving packages are sent to children and families in crisis around the globe, ensuring they receive the sustenance they need to survive. But it’s not just about numbers; it’s about the lives touched by every meal.

Inside the restaurant, thoughtful design elements highlight the mission, including a live TV screen behind the register that tracks the number of meals served. The O’Fallon, Missouri, location has served an impressive 1,081,000 meals, while the newly opened Ballwin location has reached 97,000. Napkin holders feature stories of children who have received meals, offering a tangible reminder of the far-reaching impact of every taco. “We want our mission to be forward-facing,” said owner Jacy Rose. “Anyone who comes in should understand who we are and why we’re here.”

At the heart of Tacos 4 Life is its bold and inventive menu, offering something for every palate. Each taco is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a creative twist. Favorites include the Firecracker Shrimp taco, featuring crispy shrimp coated in signature bang-bang sauce, topped with Sriracha, crisp lettuce and fresh green onions for a spicy, tangy kick. The Buffalo Chicken taco combines fried chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, shredded lettuce, creamy ranch dressing and crispy fried pickles for a satisfying crunch.

For those craving global flavors, the Korean BBQ taco delivers a rich Korean barbecue sauce, crunchy cabbage, crispy wonton strips and a drizzle of tangy yum-yum sauce, creating an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. One of the restaurant’s standout features is the signature puffy taco, a flash-fried shell that combines the best elements of both hard and soft shells. As owner Matt Rose described it, “It’s somewhere between a hard shell and a soft shell – really flaky, chewy and delicious.” This unique taco shell perfectly complements any filling, making each bite both satisfying and indulgent.

Of course, no visit would be complete without savoring their award-winning queso. Tacos 4 Life won the World Cheese Dip Championship, and their queso lives up to the title. Made with freshly cut cheese and sautéed ingredients, it’s a must-try item on the menu. As a special treat, mention this article to receive a free personal chips and queso, redeemable until the end of the year.

Whether dining in or catering an event through the food truck, every meal purchased brings us closer to ending starvation. This holiday season, enjoy great food while contributing to a cause that changes lives. Every taco you savor helps feed a hungry child. Plus, with a special $25 gift card offer, including a $10 rebate, you can share this mission with others while treating yourself to a delicious meal.

Each taco tells a story of hope, compassion and global impact. For those who want to get involved, Tacos 4 Life makes it easy. Volunteers can participate in mobile packing events organized by Feed My Starving Children, helping assemble MannaPacks and contribute directly to the cause. In April, the community will gather at Queeny Park to pack 1.2 million meals, a testament to the power of collective action. For more information on their mission and menu, visit Tacos 4 Life at their official website.

The post Tacos 4 Life fights worldwide hunger 1 meal at a time appeared first on Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated.

A new seasonal offering, the bacon-wrapped meatloaf at Herbie’s may sound like something you’d find on grandma’s dinner table, but this upscale twist on the classic comfort food offers so much more. Made with beef from Ruth Family Farms in Kirksville, this massive meatloaf is rich yet light and fall-apart tender with tons of flavor thanks to the addition of a bevy of veggies and other ingredients, including sautéed leeks, green bell pepper, shallots, garlic, a blend of spices, including jerk seasoning for a touch of warmth, and more. The loaf is wrapped in crispy bacon from Wenneman’s Meat Co. in St. Libory, Illinois, and served alongside a caramelized onion beef jus, uber-creamy sweet potato purée and sautéed baby spinach for the perfect juxtaposition of sweet and savory. This dish will only be on the menu through the end of the year, so head over to Herbie’s this holiday season to enjoy this elevated version of a timeless classic.

8100 Maryland Ave., Clayton, 314.769.9595, herbies.com

The post Eat this bacon-wrapped meatloaf from Herbie’s in Clayton appeared first on Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated.