Best of Brunch 2017
Weekends are not for sad cereal bars and stale office coffee. Weekends are for lingering over sparkling mimosas, velvety hollandaise and syrup-soaked flapjacks. Weekends are for the greatest meal of the week. In our quest for the area’s top brunches, we laid out some ground rules. Brunch is more than just a hodgepodge of your…
Molecular drinks at The Libertine
Cocktail nerds take note: The Libertine debuted a menu featuring libations made with molecular techniques not seen much around town, along with a short list of blended concoctions perfect for summer sipping. A Wonderland Dilemma takes the cocktail into the realm of cuisine, presented like two pieces of sushi – spheres of “roe” made from…
First Look: Greer Brewing in Ellisville
Ellisville’s first brewery is officially open. Brewer-owner Chris Greer opened Greer Brewing Co. at 16050 Manchester Road on June 24. After scouting several locations in the West County area, Greer settled on a former lawn and garden shop as the spot to make his homebrewing hobby a full-time job. He spent the last nine months…
Budget Crunch: 10 delicious deals to try now
Got $10 and a friend? Then we’ve got 10 tasty deals you must try now. 1. Pastaria is ramping up its happy hour by introducing a new Aperitivo Menu, which includes colorful, $7 summer cocktails and table-sharing snacks like the $9 ‘nduja risotto balls and the $7 fried potatoes with salmoriglio sauce. The new bites are perfect for unwinding and noshing with friends,…
Guerrilla Street Food will take over 2nd Shift kitchen
Two local favorites, 2nd Shift Brewing and Guerrilla Street Food, are teaming up for a one-two punch of food and drink. The popular Filipino food purveyors will run the kitchen at 2nd Shift’s brewery and tasting room at 601 Sublette Ave., starting Wednesday, July 5. Co-owner Brian Hardesty said he and co-owner Joel Crespo had…
Recipe: Vess Soda Pork Chops
Based on the overwhelming response to a recent Red Hot Riplet-based Just Five, I decided to incorporate another location favorite as one of my key five ingredients. Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you Vess pineapple soda. Like New England’s Moxie and the South’s Cheerwine, Vess is uniquely St. Louis, and pineapple soda is … well,…
Big changes to come at Baileys’ Chocolate Bar
A Lafayette Square favorite is being reimagined and a new concept introduced – all in the same space. Owner Dave Bailey announced today, June 28, that he will pare down Baileys’ Chocolate Bar and reopen part of the space at 1915 Park Ave., as a new restaurant. The “old” Chocolate Bar will serve its last confection Saturday,…
Seafood boil spot Mad Crab to open mid-July
Things are heating up at the Mad Crab, a new seafood boil concept set to open July 17 at 8080 Olive Blvd., in University City. As reported by the Riverfront Times, Victor Ho, whose family also owns Max Beauty Source, will open Mad Crab first restaurant venture with brother Nam Ho as manager. Similar seafood boil…
Recipe: Honey & Yogurt Cake
This cake is perfect for a Sunday brunch. It’s not too sweet and can be made savory with by swapping just a few ingredients. The base is simple: yogurt, honey and olive oil. Use your finest honey and olive oil since those shine the brightest. The tangy yogurt balances the sweetness from the honey and…
Recipe: Roasted Green Beans
Roasted green beans are a great way to add veggies to your diet. Roasting them with some simple seasonings results in nicely charred, full flavored beans that make a great side or even just a mid-afternoon snack. Drizzle with a bit of balsamic, a strong cheese like feta or Parmesan or your favorite herbs for…
Cicero’s will shutter after 40 years in The Delmar Loop
An old favorite in The Delmar Loop will close its doors for good. Cicero’s will shutter at 6691 Delmar Blvd., on Sunday, June 25 after four decades in business. The closure was announced via Facebook on Tuesday, June 20, and comes on the heels of a previous announcement that the venue would no longer book…
Michael Del Pietro to open family’s namesake eatery
Michael Del Pietro, owner of Sugo’s Spaghetteria, Babbo’s Spaghetteria, Tavolo V and Via Vino Enoteca, will soon add another eatery to his stable of restaurants. As reported by St. Louis Magazine, he will open Del Pietro’s at 1059 S. Big Bend Blvd., the former home of Riverbend Restaurant & Bar and Harvest, this fall. The new…
First Look: Handcrafted by Bissinger’s in the Central West End
Long known for its sweet treats, Bissinger’s is branching out into the restaurant scene with Handcrafted by Bissinger’s, a new cafe concept located at the company’s longtime space at 32 Maryland Plaza in the Central West End. Handcrafted opened softly last week, offering a new food menu in addition to Bissinger’s famous confections and desserts.…
Pot sticker restaurant, retail business to launch this fall
David Dresner intends to open the “mecca of pot stickers” this fall at 4168 Juniata St., in Tower Grove South. As reported by St. Louis Magazine, Dresner is finalizing his two-year long endeavor to launch a production facility for his retail line of pot stickers, Crispy Edge, and a yet-to-be-named restaurant. “I was building this…
2 more tasty events this weekend
Whether you love beer or Brazilian fare, there are plenty of ways to fill up this weekend. Here are two more events for those who’re still peckish: 1. Southwest Diner Birthday BashHelp Southwest Diner celebrate its fifth birthday when you indulge in tasty food and drink from Southwest Diner and friends like The Tamale Man,…
Grilled: Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos
Jalapenos don’t just deserve respect – they demand it. I learned this the hard way after biting into one of these grilled appetizers that still had a few seeds hidden inside. But when prepped correctly, jalapenos go from dangerous to delicious in a matter of minutes. The satisfying smell of bacon as it pops and…
Evan Hiatt tapped as cider master for Brick River Cider Co.
Local craft brewer Evan Hiatt has been tapped as cider master of the upcoming Brick River Cider Co. Hiatt was co-founder and brewmaster of Six Row Brewing Co., which closed in 2015, then served as brewmaster for Pappo’s Pizzeria & Brew Co., which took over the Six Row space and closed this spring. As The…
Rick Lewis dubs new restaurant Grace Meat & Three
Chef Rick Lewis’ forthcoming restaurant has a name: Grace Meat & Three. As Sauce reported earlier this month, Lewis and his wife, Elisa Lewis, left Southern to strike out on their own at 4270 Manchester Ave., in The Grove, the former home of Sweetie Pie’s. “Grace means good will and good virtue, and it’s the prayer we…
Recipe: Lemon and Arugula Pasta
Recent emergency surgery put me on a bit of a forced vacation. The upsides of this unfortunate situation: catching up on two seasons of “Grey’s Anatomy,” quality time with the dog and my friends delivering my family a few meals. It’s not that my family is incompetent in the kitchen, but this is what people…
Senn Bierwerks cancels plans to build U. City brewery
St. Louis will have to wait a bit longer for Senn Bierwerks to debut. On Thursday, June 15, the company announced via Facebook that its brewery project wouldn’t be going forward at the proposed location at 7593 Olive Blvd. in University City. As The Scoop reported in April 2016, the owners intended to build a…
First Look: Third Wheel Brewing in St. Peters
St. Peters has welcomed its first brewery. Third Wheel Brewing opened doors at 4008 N. Service Road on Wednesday, June 7. As The Scoop reported last September, Third Wheel is a six-person partnership among Ron and Valerie Woerndle, Wade and Erin Alberty, Brad Wheeling and brewer Abbey Spencer, who is a co-founder of The OG,…
Keep your cool with Berliner Weisses and goses
The heat and humidity have kicked into high gear in The Lou. I’ll take hot weather over snow any day, but I know how to keep cool in these extreme conditions. Rather than sitting in a stagnant, air-conditioned room, I find pleasure imbibing crisp, refreshing, low-ABV beers to stay cool. Two of my favorite styles…
The Eatery food hall to open downtown
Downtown will soon get its own food hall. The Eatery is set to open this fall at 211 N. Broadway in the Metropolitan Square Building. As reported by Feast, The Eatery will open on the ground floor in the former Kemoll’s space. That restaurant moved to the top of the building in 2009, and the original…
Cafe Osage taps Scott Davis for head chef
Scott Davis, who most recently helmed the kitchen at Rise Coffee House, has been tapped to take over as head chef at Cafe Osage. Cafe Osage general manager Lizzy Rickard said Davis would step into the role next week. The position has been vacant since spring 2016 when chef David Kirkland left to start his…
Build-your-own tour of your favorite St. Louis breweries
The St. Louis beer scene is inviting and ripe with awesome people and delicious suds. Every place is doing something different, so spend your weekend imbibing at your Favorite Local Breweries: 4 Hands Brewing Co. Nestled just south of Busch Stadium, 4 Hands boasts one of the most creative beer portfolios the city has to…
Iron Barley to move to High Ridge
A South City favorite will soon head west. The owners of Iron Barley announced via Facebook last week that the restaurant, located at 5510 Virginia Ave., will move to a new location at 3367 High Ridge Blvd., in High Ridge. According to the post, the St. Louis location will remain open until mid-August, and the…
Sister Cities Cajun opens on South Broadway
After a run of bad luck, Sister Cities Cajun is reopening for business in a new location at 3550 S. Broadway. The grand opening was Saturday, June 10. As The Scoop reported last year, the restaurant’s original location at 4144 S. Grand Blvd., was struck on two separate occasions by vehicles, resulting in the building…
Recipe: Condensed Milk Pound Cake
I enjoy making hazelnut praline from scratch. Toasted hazelnuts are reminiscent of Nutella without the chocolate (though you can always add chocolate if you want). The recipe takes a little work, but it makes a few cups that go a long way in many desserts. You can fill cupcakes with it, add it to batters…
New Craft Beer Cellar location to open in South City
A second Craft Beer Cellar is set to open in at 5760 Chippewa St., near the Hampton Village shopping center. Owner Brandon Nickelson is hoping to open doors at the beer-focused bottle shop by end of the year, as reported by Feast. Nickelson, who co-owns the current Clayton location of Craft Beer Cellar with brother…
4 more events to indulge in this weekend
Whether you love extreme picnicking or Route 66, there are plenty of ways to fill up this weekend. Here are four more events for those who’re still peckish: 1. Summer of Making Kickoff BBQThis neighborly block party combines tech demos and tours of the TechShop with a grill-focused menu from Vicia. Purchase vegetable-centric items like…
Scapegoat closes in the Central West End
interior of scapegoat // photo by michelle volanskyScapegoat Tavern & Courtyard, the more casual arm of fine dining restaurant Scape in the Central West End, has closed its doors. The restaurant ceased operations after Memorial Day, according to Bob Koplar, general counsel for Koplar Properties, which owns the space. Koplar said though the restaurant was…
Jilly’s to open second location in Edwardsville
Popular sweets purveyor Jill Segal, owner of Jilly’s Cupcake Bar & Café, is heading east to open her latest project, Jilly’s. Segal expects to debut in late June at 222 E. Park St., in Edwardsville, Illinois, just in time for the flagship restaurant’s 10th anniversary in July. The new location will be somewhat similar to…
Review: 2nd Shift Brewing in The Hill
Though it’s tucked behind train tracks in an industrial, decidedly unhip section of The Hill, 2nd Shift Brewing’s location shouldn’t scare you away. It may be in the last place you’d expect to find a buzzing beer scene, but that’s what 2nd Shift delivers. To the rejoicing of local beer fanatics, the brewery moved from…
6 St. Louis patios perfect for drinking alfresco
Editor’s Note: Since publication, The Block in the Central West End has closed. The headline has been updated to reflect the change. Patios should be more than just a place for outdoor seating. A good patio can transport you from the day-to-day grind, offering a happy hour-length vacation. From Scape to Vin de Set to…
Mr. Johnson’s Opus
A blind dog roots through a damp forest in Alba, Italy. Guided by his nose, he veers to the left and then to the right, his hind legs following a split-second behind. Finally, he stops at a pile of brush and pushes his nose, gone white with age, into the dirt. “I swear it’s coming…
Be pleasantly surprised by this pinot grigio
I used to think all Romanian wines were simple and cheap. So when I tried Paparuda Estate Selection Pinot Grigio 2015, I wasn’t expecting a solidly made, medium-weight dry white with impressive flavor and finish. When I realized it cost less than $10, my baditude was seriously humbled. Note to self: (almost) never judge a…
Review: Cafe Osage in the Central West End
Walking into Cafe Osage, you’re greeted by an abundance of lush plants and cute home goods. The restaurant is located inside Bowood Farms – a rehabbed early 20th-century warehouse straight out of a twee romantic comedy, complete with a scrappy cat named Olive perched atop the bookshelf separating the shop from the cafe. Walk up…
Rick Lewis to open new restaurant in The Grove
A local favorite will soon put down roots in a classic St. Louis neighborhood. Rick Lewis is stepping down from his role as executive chef at Southern to open up his own place with his wife, Elisa Lewis. The new venture will be located at 4270 Manchester Ave., the former home of Sweetie Pie’s in…
Readers’ Choice Favorite New Restaurant: Olive & Oak
If you could actually snag a standing reservation at the wildly popular Olive & Oak in Webster Groves, you’d find a different menu each time. Executive chef Jesse Mendica tweaks vegetable preparations or swaps a protein in her playful twists on classics nearly every day. “Just trust us,” she said. “I won’t lead you into…
Readers’ Choice Bartenders of the Year
What has been your most awkward moment on the job? “I had to cut off two guys who I’ve known for a long time as regulars [on different nights]. One I coaxed into drinking some coffee and eating something, but the other guy didn’t take it well at all. He stood up and got huffy.…
Readers’ Choice Chef of the Year: Katie Collier
The readers have spoken. Chef of the Year Katie Collier’s restaurant, Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria, is one of the hottest spots in town. She and her husband/business partner, Ted Collier, are poised to open a second location in Town & Country this summer and their meal kit company, Vero Pizza & Pasta, debuts this…
What I Do: Logan Ely at Square1 Project
Chef Logan Ely doesn’t know what he’s doing, but he’s figuring it out. A St. Louis native, Ely moved back in February after stints at James Beard Award-winning restaurants like Blue Hill in New York City and Pass & Provisions in Houston, to name a few. He started his underground dinner series, Square1 Project, while…
6 food trends spicing up St. Louis right now
1. Proof in the PuddingWe’ve come a long way since Snack Packs – like the butterscotch pot de crème at Olive & Oak, a rich caramel pudding capped with salted caramel and whipped cream. At Pint Size Bakery, occasionally available Yum Cups are filled with rotating pudding flavors. But we all know chocolate reigns supreme,…
Eat This: Pi Pizzeria’s Kale-Ifornication Salad
Not just any salad can win our hearts over deep-dish pizza. In Pi Pizzeria’s Kale-ifornication Salad, quinoa adds heft to a baby Tuscan kale base, and spiced roasted chickpeas and flaked almonds bring necessary crunch. Tart slivers of pickled red onion and juicy grape tomatoes cut through the indulgent, peppery buttermilk dressing, and two triangles…
Rhubarb Barbecue Sauce
1 ?serving
Smoked salmon Dip
10 ounces dip
Everything Grilled Pork Loin
6 to 10 servings
Everything Croutons
1 1/2 cups croutons
Everything Crackers with Smoked Salmon Dip
8 to 10 servings
Rhubarb Seltzer
1 serving
Rhubarb Sauce
1 3/4 cups sauce
Rhubarb and Goat Cheese Hand Pies
1 dozen pies
Everything-Cheddar Corn Muffins
2 dozen muffins
No-Churn Rhubarb Ice Cream
6 servings
Everything Spice Blend
1 1/2 cups spice
Lemon and Arugula Pasta
3 to 4 servings
Everything Okra
4 servings
Sushi Rice
2 cups rice
Everything Kale Salad
6 to 8 servings
Pork Tenderloin with Rhubarb Glaze
3-4 servings
Everything Sushi Roll
4 to 6 servings
Everything spice is everything
Supposedly invented by a resourceful Queens bagel shop boy in the 1980s, the everything bagel is signature of both the indecisive and the decisively bold. Named “the thinking man’s bagel” by chef Wylie Dufresne, who garnered national attention with everything-spiced ice cream with salmon at his modernist WD-50 in New York, everything has moved beyond…
Hit List: 4 new places to try in June
1. Charleville Brewing Co. & Tavern 2101 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, 314.241.4677, charlevillebeer.com What happens when you combine a Ste. Genevieve brewhouse with a city-savvy restaurant group? Charleville Brewing Co. & Tavern. The newest partnership between the 14-year-old brewery and Hamilton Hospitality (of Eleven Eleven Mississippi, Vin de Set, et al.) offers a relaxed eatery…
Rhubarb Sauce
I’ve never known what to make of, let alone out of, rhubarb. It’s an edible oxymoron – a vegetable best known for its starring role in pie. Can you imagine a kale doughnut? Me neither. In the interest of continuing education and culinary adventure, I bought a few pounds of the spring stalk and am…
Review: Vicia in Midtown
There aren’t enough excuses in life to eat lard. At Vicia (vee-SEE-yuh), the long-awaited restaurant from husband-and-wife team Michael and Tara Gallina, high-quality leaf lard whipped into fluffy, creamy white clouds and spread on hearty bread and crunchy, raw vegetables is one of the best justifications. Mixing it with a bit of three other accompanying…
Summer Clafoutis
8 servings
