Drink this michelada from Nixta
Savory. Citrus-y. Spicy. Quenching. Nixta’s michelada, made using server Daniel Bulos’ family’s recipe, offers an elegant take on the classic Mexican cocktail. Nixta’s iteration includes all the traditional michelada components – tomato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire, lime and soy sauce, topped with a glug of beer – plus celery salt, garlic powder and pepper for…
Cursed Bikes & Coffee will open Cursed Coffee Co. in Tower Grove South this fall
Cursed Bikes & Coffee, which currently resides in University City, is opening a new location called Cursed Coffee Co. at 4282 Arsenal St. in Tower Grove South this fall, as reported by St. Louis Magazine. Co-owners Jeff and Erin Gerhardt are launching the new spot in conjunction with taking ownership of A&M Cyclery, a historic bike…
St. Louis restaurants struggle to find balance after mask mandates end
On Thursday, May 14, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surprised many business owners by announcing that fully vaccinated adults could resume indoor and outdoor activities without masks or social distancing; St. Louis city and county governments were quick to follow, allowing local restaurants and bars to operate normally for the first time…
Behind the scenes of La Tejana’s taco game (and the off-menu dish you need to know)
On North Lindbergh Boulevard, at the intersection of Bridgeton and St. Ann, is La Tejana Taqueria, a quiet, homey restaurant that’s part of a small complex that also includes grocery store La Tienda and the Carniceria, a butcher shop. All three are owned by Brenda and Antonio Garcia, who have been serving up authentic tacos…
What I Do: Angel Jiménez-Gutiérrez, co-owner of Malinche
At Malinche, co-owner Angel Jiménez-Gutiérrez and his associates (which include his mother, head chef María Gutiérrez Molina and co-owner Alejandro Ayala) offer a restrained menu that showcases a different side of Mexican cuisine from the Tex-Mex versions most familiar to American diners. Malinche is the Gutiérrez family’s second restaurant; they closed their first, Señor Pique,…
Ben Poremba and Andrew Enrique Cisneros partner for new concept Brasas at AO&Co. this summer
Last year, one of St. Louis dining’s breakout concepts was Andrew Enrique Cisneros’ Peruvian pollo a la brasas pop-up at Mike Randolph’s Clayton Tex-Mex and barbecue spot Original J’s, which we named a Best New Restaurant for 2020; in part for his work there, we called Cisneros a One to Watch earlier this year. Now,…
Eat these fried golden tacos from Fonda La Poblanita
Fonda La Poblanita’s rolled, beautifully fried golden tacos of potatoes are basically mashed potato taquitos. Topped with sour cream, lettuce, tomato and avocado (and whatever salsa you desire), this crunchy, velvety delight screams summer to us – though we’re positive it would be good anytime. 3830 Morgan Ford Road, St. Louis, 314.282.0651, Facebook: Fonda La…
Hacienda Mexican Restaurant is a St. Louis landmark
At his first restaurant, BB’s, a small diner off of Woodson Road in Overland, Norberto “Bob” Rodriguez served traditional American breakfast food. In 1968, after slowly introducing Mexican dishes to his menu over time – like tamales, burritos, tostadas and chicken mole – he realized customers were loving the novel dishes and decided to open the original Hacienda Mexican…
Filippo’s Italian Kitchen & Bar in Chesterfield has closed permanently
After 10 years in Chesterfield, Filippo’s Italian Kitchen & Bar (120 Chesterfield Valley Drive) has closed after a final service this past Saturday, May 22, according to owner Joe Sanfilippo. The closing comes two-and-a-half years after he closed his first restaurant, J.F. Sanfilippo’s, downtown at 705 N. Broadway, which he’d opened in 1991. “You know,…
Elmwood resuming indoor dining as pizzeria in June and opening brick-and-mortar Pizza Champ later this year
Grill-fueled fine dining restaurant Elmwood – which we called the No. 2 Best New Restaurant of 2019 – has had a long journey in its two years of service. Last March, the Maplewood spot shut its doors indefinitely due to the pandemic, reopening for carryout briefly over the summer as a Detroit-style pizza pop-up, and…
Eckert’s Farm launches line of hard ciders and will open its own cidery next year
Eckert’s Farm at 951 S. Green Mount Road in Belleville has just released a line of hard ciders as part of a long-term project to open its own cidery next year. Eckert’s CiderWorks is currently in the process of being designed, but will feature an indoor tasting room and an outdoor event space for concerts.…
8 cool patios in South City St. Louis
For this new series, we’re rounding up some of the most inviting patios across town. First, we’re looking into South City, where a generally strong patio game offers everything from french fries and bocce ball to live music and fire pits. Milo’s Bocce GardenIf bocce ball is your idea of fun – and why…
Raicilla: the lesser-known agave spirit popping up on St. Louis cocktail lists
In the realm of agave spirits, mezcal and tequila tend to get all of the love. But in recent years, other agave elixirs have started gaining ground with hip imbibers. The most recent of these is raicilla. Raicilla (which roughly translates to “little root” in Spanish) is produced in the Mexican state of Jalisco and…
The art of nachos
Infinitely customizable and sure to please nearly anyone regardless of diet and taste, nachos are an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen while only putting in as much work as you feel up for. If you’re looking for a weekend project, nachos are a great vehicle for slow-cooked proteins and homemade condiments of all…
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How to get a Missouri medical marijuana card
As medical marijuana dispensaries continue popping up throughout the St. Louis area, you may be wondering, “How do I get in on that?” It’s really quite simple: The first step is to get your medical marijuana card. Once you have that, you’re free to enter any medical cannabis dispensary in the state and purchase your…
Chef Nico Shumpert has launched event space The Spot on Grand in St. Louis’ Grand Center Arts District
Earlier this month, former Sauce One to Watch Nico Shumpert started the next step of his cooking journey as owner of The Spot on Grand (519 N. Grand Blvd.), an event space where he aims to offer ticketed meals, parties and more. On May 7, he opened with a Great Gatsby-themed dinner, and Saturday, May…
9 reasons to visit Tequila Mexican Restaurant in south St. Louis County
Sure, you enjoy the food, but sometimes there’s something about the overall mood of a restaurant that keeps you coming back. Tequila Mexican Restaurant in Oakville is one of those places. Join its many South County regulars at the bar or grab a cozy booth and dig in for multiple pitchers of margs. Whatever you…
First Look: Salt + Smoke at Ballpark Village
Salt + Smoke’s success in St. Louis’ barbecue scene continues as the local chain has opened its fifth location – a dazzling new two-story space today, Monday, May 17, at One Cardinal Way at the corner of Clark Avenue and Broadway. The 29-story building also features luxury apartments and is located across the street from…
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Your guide to Midwest wine country
As the world slowly begins to open back up, you may be feeling the urge to get out of the city and enjoy time in the country at some of the many wineries near St. Louis. Here are our top picks for getting out and about this summer. Augusta WineryLocated in the Augusta American Viticulture…
First Look: Bolyard’s Meat & Provisions’ new location in Maplewood
Bolyard’s Meat & Provisions has moved to a much larger space at 2733 Sutton Blvd., a block north from the original location, and with it comes new menu offerings while retaining the focus on seasonal, local, whole animal butchery. Bolyard’s new spot opens Friday, May 14. When the space – formerly home to the Dubliner – became available, co-owner…
Navin’s BBQ will open in the old Guerrilla Street Food space off South Grand this spring
The former Guerrilla Street Food location in Tower Grove East will soon be home to a new concept. Navin’s BBQ is slated to open at 3559 Arsenal St. in late May or early June, as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Navin’s BBQ started as a weekly hobby for…
Illinois cloud kitchen Soulcial Kitchen will see rebirth of A Fine Swine BBQ, other new concepts this summer
When A Fine Swine BBQ closed its doors in New Baden and Mount Vernon, Illinois, at the end of last year, it seemed like the end of the road for the popular and award-winning barbecue brand. According to owner David Stidham, however, his food will return in a new form: a food truck, operating out…
Steve’s Hot Dogs is upgrading to the old Mangia Italiano space on South Grand this summer
Having both closed and reopened last year (unrelated to the pandemic), Steve’s Hot Dogs has had one of the most unlikely success stories in recent memory. Now, securely back on its feet, the popular Tower Grove East restaurant will move into a larger space: the recently vacated and infamous former Mangia Italiano spot at 3145…
Crab’s Landing is now open in downtown St. Louis
A new seafood concept has taken over the old Missouri Bar and Grille at 701 N. Tucker Blvd. in Downtown West. Crab’s Landing opened in April and offers a variety of Cajun-style seafood. The menu features fried baskets and boils. Basket options include fried shrimp, oysters and tilapia with a choice of Cajun fries, french…
3 new restaurants in St. Louis to try this month
Casa Don AlfonsoWalk into Casa Don Alfonso and you’ll know you’re in for something special. The restaurant’s original location, Don Alfonso 1890, is a two Michelin-starred restaurant in southern Italy’s Campania region, and the menu here is traditional Neapolitan cuisine. The baked tiny gnocchi see pillowy potato dumplings in a simple tomato sauce, topped with…
First Look: Coma Coffee in Brentwood
Coma Coffee has a new home just across the hall from its original space inside the University Tower building at 104 S. Brentwood Blvd. in Brentwood in the former home of Blue Sky Cafe and Bar. After a two-month renovation of the roughly 4,400-square-foot space that spans two levels, Coma Coffee opened the new spot earlier…
Chatawa bar will open in Tower Grove South this summer with Grand Pied running the kitchen
A new restaurant and bar is slated to open in early July at 3137 Morgan Ford Road in the Tower Grove South neighborhood of South City. The bar portion of the new business will be called Chatawa, and Grand Pied will run the kitchen. Business partners Tony Collida and Thomas Crone came together to create this Midwest- and Southern-inspired spot in the former home of…
8 food and drink items we’re obsessed with right now
From dreamy chocolate bars to kitchen tools that make dinner prep a bit easier, here’s what we’re reaching for this month. Boulevard Brewing Co. Quirk Spiked & Sparkling Pear YuzuWhile all three flavors in Boulevard’s line of Quirk hard seltzers are delicious, the pear-yuzu blend is by far our favorite. The yuzu’s sharp citrus notes…
Restaurants face staffing crisis as capacity restrictions lift in St. Louis
With St. Louis city and county green-lighting a return to full capacity and the public raring to get back out and hit the restaurant scene, the issue of securing enough staff to make it all happen is at the front of every restaurateur’s mind. Scrolling through social media posts from area restaurants begging for applicants shows how…
Schlafly Beer will open a brewpub in Highland, Illinois, later this year
Yesterday, Tuesday, May 4, Schlafly Beer announced its plan to build a fourth location and its first outside of Missouri. In late fall, the popular craft brewery will open in Highland, Illinois, with a brewpub at 907 Main St. “The opportunity presented itself, similarly to how the Bankside opportunity [in St. Charles] happened a year…
Taco Quest: A journey through some of St. Louis’ best taquerias and Tex-Mex restaurants
Working guys stopping in to grab lunch from King Burrito. Masked friends hanging out at the bar of Taco Circus. A family laughing over chips and beer at Fonda La Poblanita. A team of cooks enjoying a chill moment, lounging and joking at the flattop inside El Morelia Super Mercado. Some pals losing their minds…
Randall’s Wines and Spirits will open a location on the Hill this summer
South City will have a new destination to buy alcohol when popular local chain Randall’s Wines and Spirits opens in August at 4925 Southwest Ave. on the Hill. “We’ve been looking around there for quite some time,” said Randall’s vice president Todd Randall. “I like the tradition and the history of the Hill, and you’re…
F&B’s Eatery and Malone’s Grill and Pub have closed
As the local government continues to scale back restrictions on capacity and hours of operation, showing some hope for those who have managed to stay in business over the past year, a few others have announced that they were unable to bridge the gap and will close, either indefinitely or permanently. Yesterday, Monday, May 3, popular…
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4 Hands Brewing Co. expands philanthropic footprint with new State Wide hazy pale ale
After five years of immense success with City Wide pale ale, 4 Hands Brewing Co. is launching another philanthropic beer: State Wide hazy pale ale. “We have been coddling the City Wide mission for five years, and we started thinking about how we could make a difference throughout the state,” said 4 Hands founder and…
Blue Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar opens in Maplewood
A new seafood spot, Blue Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar, is now open at 3248 Laclede Station Road in Maplewood. The restaurant is Cajun-inspired and offers a wide variety of seafood options. This is the third Blue Crab location (there is one in Dayton, Ohio, and another in Indianapolis, Indiana). General manager Huang Chen is excited…
12 great St. Louis restaurants that are definitely open on Monday, Vol. 3
You know the drill: It’s Monday again, you’re looking for somewhere to eat, you’re close to giving up and grabbing something from your freezer. Don’t do it! We’ve got you; go forth and peruse the third volume of our collection – here are the first and second – of great places to eat on a Monday. O’Connell’s…
St. Louis city and county restaurants are allowed to return to full capacity today
In a joint press conference today, Monday, May 3, city of St. Louis mayor Tishaura Jones and St. Louis County executive Sam Page announced they would be taking new strides to align in scaling back pandemic safety guidelines. “Over the past few months, we’ve seen the supply of vaccinations increase to where they’re now accessible…
Pepper Jack-Hatch Chile Queso
1 quart
Vegan “Cheese” Sauce
4 servings
