Swade Cannabis has launched The Church on Delmar, a cannabis-friendly event venue located above its Delmar Loop dispensary in a restored church at 6166 Delmar Blvd. The space, described as the first of its kind in the region, is designed to host corporate events, weddings, art shows, lectures and community gatherings, with the option to incorporate a curated cannabis experience.

Set in the heart of the Delmar Loop, The Church on Delmar blends the character of a historic St. Louis landmark with contemporary cannabis culture. The surrounding six-block district is known for its concentration of music venues, restaurants and independent shops, and the venue aims to reflect that energy by prioritizing local artists, vendors and service providers for events. Inside, the space features stained glass windows by artist Marissa Favazza, curated local art, and flexible floor plans suited for both large and small groups.

“The Church on Delmar was created to bring people together, not just around cannabis, but around creativity, connection, and community,” said Joey Pintozzi, chief revenue and strategy officer for BeLeaf Medical and project manager for the venue. “The cannabis landscape is growing, and this space celebrates consumption on a level that is brand new to our region.”

The venue also reflects Swade’s broader community-focused approach. Founded in 2021 as one of Missouri’s first dispensaries, Swade operates 11 locations statewide and is owned by BeLeaf Medical, a vertically integrated company known for its Sinse brand of flower-based products. Organizers say The Church on Delmar is intended to function as a neighborhood resource, with an emphasis on local partnerships and charitable events that keep economic and cultural benefits within the community.

Room rentals range from $150 to $500 per hour, with tiered packages available for corporate, college, community and social events. Optional add-ons include budtender service, mocktail bars, décor packages and on-site concierge support. The venue operates daily from 10 a.m. to midnight.

For private cannabis-friendly events, guests can purchase flower, pre-rolls, vapes and other products directly from the Swade dispensary located below the event space, through on-site sales, pre-orders or kiosks during events. All cannabis events are private, limited to guests 21 and older, and comply with state regulations. Professional ventilation and smoke filtration systems are in place, and alcohol service is permitted for licensed caterers and non-cannabis events.More information and reservations are available at thechurchondelmar.org.

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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.

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This week on The Sauce, Lauren sits down with Mario Iaccarino, partner at Casa Don Alfonso, the Italian restaurant inside The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, and an extension of his family’s legendary Don Alfonso 1890 in the Sorrento area of Italy.

Mario shares the history behind the Don Alfonso legacy (four generations in hospitality), and why Casa Don Alfonso exists to preserve a disappearing world of Southern Italian traditions, especially the recipes passed down by grandmothers over centuries.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The story of Don Alfonso 1890 and what it means to bring that legacy to St. Louis
• Why handmade pasta is a non-negotiable at Casa Don Alfonso
• The real reason their pizza dough stands out, including the three-day process and daily adjustments based on conditions
• How storytelling and culture shape every dish, from Campania to the broader Mediterranean
• The fan-favorite apple pizza, a Missouri-meets-Naples creation
• A new concept coming soon: Casa Pastry Boutique, featuring classic Neapolitan pastries and cakes
• Mario’s approach to seasonal cooking and what’s new on the fall menu (minestrone, gnocchi, truffle, seasonal pizza, and more)

 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. 

Presented by LHM, with holiday pop ups at 360 Downtown, 360 Westport, and festive experiences at Union Station including the Polar Express Train Ride and the Sleigh Shed inside Train Shed.

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Tucked inside South City’s punk-rock landmark, the Silver Ballroom, Tiny Chef STL has been quietly serving some of the city’s best Korean-inspired comfort food for more than six years at 4701 Morgan Ford Road.

Chef-owner Melanie Hye Jin Meyer’s bibimbap bursts with color and texture. Amply seasoned rice is layered with house-made vegan kimchi, pickled radish batons, sesame cucumber-carrot pickled salad, a sunny-side-up egg, plus a generous smattering of scallions and sesame seeds. Add your choice of protein: Bulgogi steak is the standout, with crisp caramelized edges and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Don’t skimp on sauce: The Dragon is creamy and fiery, while the Pixie is a sweet and savory plum sauce; together they’re perfection.

Pro tip: Go on a Monday night when the Silver Ballroom offers free play on all its pinball machines.

Editor’s note: Dishes pictured are for artistic purposes only; all meals are served in disposable dishes on-site.

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Between El Monstero and The Urge, Bill Reiter has spent decades on St. Louis stages, logging plenty of late nights and celebratory meals around town. (Don’t miss last week’s podcast episode with Reiter and John Pessoni, both of El Monstero and The Urge.) When he’s not playing to packed rooms, these are the restaurants he keeps coming back to, spots that work just as well for a special occasion as they do for a recovery brunch the morning after a show.

Acero
“A fantastic traditional Italian place in Maplewood with a tasting menu and wine pairing option that has never failed. The gnocco fritto (aka ‘meat donuts’), beignets with prosciutto, is exactly as awesome as it sounds.”
7266 Manchester Road, Maplewood, acerostl.com

Bowood by Niche
“I could maybe fill a list like this with every restaurant Gerard Craft has ever opened, but this has quickly become a brunch staple for my wife and me. If I play the Pageant the night before, you’re probably going to find me here in the morning. Vermont cheddar waffles and the cacio e pepe eggs are both phenomenal.”
4605 Olive St., St. Louis, bowoodbyniche.com

Corner 17
“Every single thing on the menu rocks and runs the gamut from approachable and familiar Chinese cuisine to things that you may have never gotten a chance to try before. Every order tends to include some conversation like ‘well, we should also get…’”
6623 Delmar Blvd., University City, corner17usa.com

Press Pizza & Pasta
“The hook is the stuffed pizza, which is completely unique (not quite a pizza, not quite a calzone, with some hot and cold elements), but the pasta dishes are as good as it gets. You can throw a rock in any direction in this town and hit a pasta place, and I think Press stacks up against any of them. They also have a terrific cocktail menu, with plenty of NA options.”
2509 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, press-stl.com

Sado
“It’s been a first-choice ‘special occasion’ place for my wife and me almost since it opened. I can honestly say it has ruined run-of-the-mill sushi for me forever. The atmosphere, the setting, and the staff are all top-notch.”
5201 Shaw Ave., St. Louis, sado-stl.com

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A new community-focused brewery is headed to O’Fallon, Missouri. Interruption Public House & Brewery is set to open in the Good News Brewing space at 330 Sonderen St. next spring. 

Founded by longtime friends and brewers Matt Fair and Donnie Cochran, Interruption will take over operations at the building on Jan. 1, 2026, following the conclusion of Good News Brewing’s use of the space on Dec. 31, 2025. The first months of 2026 will be dedicated to renovations, planning and final preparations ahead of the opening.

Interruption is co-owned by Fair and his fiancée, Laura Meyer, alongside Cochran and his wife, Jen. The four partners bring a shared history rooted in years of friendship, family ties and hands-on brewing experience, with a vision centered on creating a welcoming neighborhood gathering place.

As part of the transition, Fair will step away from Good News Brewing at the end of 2025, allowing co-founder Dan Tripp to fully pursue his vision for that brewery moving forward. Fair and Cochran saw the moment as an opportunity to build something of their own, shaped from the ground up and grown alongside their families.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the years of collaboration and support at Good News Brewing,” Cochran said. “Those experiences shaped who we are, and stepping into this space feels like the natural next chapter of our story.”

The brewery’s name reflects its ethos. Interruption is inspired by the idea that life’s most meaningful moments often come from unexpected pauses: shared pints, spontaneous conversations and the simple act of slowing down together.

“I never imagined that a simple homebrew hobby in the garage would grow into lifelong friendships, a business partnership and a community that feels like family,” Cochran said. “Interruption is our chance to share that feeling, a place where the doors are open, the beers are flowing and everyone belongs.”

Fair said the project also marks a return to a more intimate brewing model. “Partnering with Interruption allows me to return to a single-location brewery model where community and connection come first,” he said. “I’m energized by the opportunity to build a warm, inviting environment with expanded food and drink options.”

Interruption’s beverage program will be designed to appeal to a broad audience, offering thoughtfully crafted beers alongside lighter, non-alcoholic and spirit-based options. A small, curated, family-friendly food menu will complement the drinks, focusing on comfort, simplicity and quality.

For the owners, the goal extends beyond what’s in the glass. “Interruption has always been about people for me,” Jen Cochran said. “The friendships formed over a beer, the conversations that happen when life slows down a little and the feeling of belonging.”

“Our goal is simple,” Meyer added. “Create a space that feels warm, welcoming and easy to be in.”

Renovations to the space are planned for early 2026 to refresh the building and bring the Interruption vision to life. Construction updates, beer previews and an origin-story series will be shared through the brewery’s website and social channels as opening day approaches.

“We’re proud of where this came from,” Fair said, “and excited about where it’s going.”

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Crushed Red, the fast-casual restaurant best known for its fresh, chopped-to-order salads and artisan pizzas, is set to open its seventh location today, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. at the Streets of St. Charles. This marks the brand’s first restaurant in St. Charles County, expanding its local footprint beyond St. Louis and surrounding areas. 

The new restaurant aims to provide a flavorful dining option to visitors of the bustling lifestyle destination. Cullinan Properties, the developer behind Streets of St. Charles, said Crushed Red enhances the already diverse mix of eateries and attractions.

“Crushed Red brings a fresh, exciting addition to our dining mix at Streets of St. Charles,” said Kathleen Cullinan Brill, EVP and Director of Leasing & Strategic Partnerships at Cullinan Properties. “Their focus on quality ingredients and a welcoming fast-casual experience is a great complement to the dynamic lineup our guests enjoy here.”

Crushed Red’s menu features a wide range of crafted salads, including crowd favorites like the Welcome Back Cobber with roasted chicken, avocado, bacon, egg and Gorgonzola on field greens; the spicy This Pear Is On Fire with spiced pears, dried cranberries and jalapeno-honey dressing; and the seafood-centric Tunapalooza with seared ahi tuna and roasted Yukon Gold potatoes. 

The menu also includes urban crafted pizzas such as the classic Queen Margherita, the veggie-packed Fire Roasted Veggie, the rich Yukon Gold Steakhouse with steak and bacon, and the tropical Big Island with pineapple and ham. Diners can even craft their own salads or pizzas with a variety of greens, vegetables, proteins and cheeses. 

In addition to salads and pizzas, Crushed Red offers oven-baked sandwiches like the Iconic BLT&A, Crazy Caprese and Fowl Play, as well as folded flats, healthy soups, savory shareables, and a kids’ menu with options such as cheese pizza and creamy mac and cheese. 

“Streets of St. Charles has become a true destination in the region, and we’re thrilled to officially open our doors here,” said Chris LaRocca, CEO and founder of Crushed Red. “We believe food should make you feel good, from how it’s sourced to how it tastes, and we can’t wait to share that with this community.”

Crushed Red joins an ever-growing roster of restaurants and entertainment venues at Streets of St. Charles, including Dewey’s Pizza, Prasino, Napoli III, Narwhal’s, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Funny Bone Comedy Club, and AMC Theatres, along with residential, hotel, and office uses that contribute to steady daily traffic and community engagement.

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John Pessoni is far more than the drummer for Pink Floyd tribute band El Monstero, though you’ll hear plenty about that on this week’s podcast episode. (It’s a good one, so don’t miss it or the band’s epic multi-night run taking over The Pageant this holiday season. ) He also plays with The Urge, Joe Dirt and several other bands. But when he’s not on stage, he’s out on the town, hitting some of St. Louis’ best restaurants. Keep reading for five of his local favorites.

El Agave Mexican Restaurant
“My family and I have been eating here for almost 20 years. They’ve recently moved down the road from Crestwood to Sunset Hills. Great vibe and very warm and friendly staff. Our go-to: any of the chicken dishes are my favorite.”
10893 Sunset Hills Plaza, Sunset Hills, elagavemxtogo.com

Gian-Tony’s Ristorante
“My favorite Italian for old-school, Sicilian-style. The chicken spiedini is lights-out.”
5356 Daggett Ave., #3028, St. Louis, giantonys.com

Kobe Steak House of Japan
“Japanese hibachi might be my favorite dining experience, and Kobe does it well.”
645 W. Port Plaza Drive, Maryland Heights, kobeofwestport.com

Pad Thai  
“A fantastic Thai place in Lamplighter Square. It’s honestly the best pad thai I’ve ever had.”
12676 Lamplighter Square Shopping Center, Concord, padthaistl.com

Trattoria Marcella
“My favorite ‘let’s have a night out’ Italian. Great vibe, great service. The lobster risotto is ridiculous.”
3600 Watson Road, St. Louis, trattoriamarcella.com

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We stop into Porano at 13323 Manchester Road in Des Peres pretty regularly, and the monthly pizza specials are always worth a try, but December’s collab is on another level. For this month’s feature, Porano teamed up with Big Mouth Sandwich Co., which you might remember from our recent Hit List, and the result is the Stuffed Italian Hoagie Pizza.

This thing is a monster. It starts with Big Mouth co-owner Matt Frentzel’s focaccia – fitting, since Frentzel once worked at Porano – used as the base for a deep, double-layered pie. The first layer gets loaded with Italian charcuterie, pepperoncini aioli and plenty of provolone before it’s sent through the oven. Then a pizza “lid” goes on top, followed by tomato sauce and mozzarella, plus a final hit of fresh lettuce and raw onion for that perfect hot-and-cold contrast.

The crust deserves its own shoutout: super deep, shatteringly crisp around the cheesy edge, and sturdy enough to hold the stack of meat inside. There’s a little heat, a lot of cheese, and that crunchy, caramelized edge adds a perfect finishing touch.

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The Spiced Pumpkin Painkiller is the holiday cocktail of our dreams, and you can get it at both the original Three Sixty in downtown St. Louis and the newer Three Sixty Westport in Maryland Heights. Created by Tim Wiggins of Bangers Only cocktail consulting company, this isn’t your typical overly sweet, over-spiced seasonal drink: It’s strong, balanced and surprisingly nuanced. Dark rum anchors the cocktail, while pumpkin spice, coconut cream, orange, ginger, lime and a little streusel come together in a mix that’s perfectly complex and delightfully delicious.

Both locations are running their Up on the Rooftop holiday pop-ups through the entire month, and you don’t need a reservation to get in on the fun. We tend to gravitate toward the Westport spot for the overall vibe, but the cocktail list is identical at both. And if you’re chasing views, the downtown rooftop is hard to beat with 360-degree panoramas that sweep over the Arch, Busch Stadium and Kiener Plaza. Both locations offer open seating, but reservations are available for groups of 10 or more.

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