Places Archives - Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated https://www.saucemagazine.com/category/places-2/ Your Guide to St. Louis Restaurants, Recipes, and Food Culture Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:39:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.saucemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-sauce-magazine-favicon-Katrina-Behnken-32x32.png Places Archives - Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated https://www.saucemagazine.com/category/places-2/ 32 32 248446635 Songbird relocates to larger storefront in St. Louis https://www.saucemagazine.com/places-2/songbird-relocates-to-larger-storefront-in-st-louis/ Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:39:29 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=48112

St. Louis breakfast hotspot Songbird has moved into a bigger location in Tower Grove South.

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Breakfast hotspot Songbird, a Sauce Best New Restaurant in 2021, has moved into a bigger location in Tower Grove South. Located at 3153 Morgan Ford Road, this 3000-square-foot space seats about 75 guests with two main dining areas. Compared to the first location in Forest Park Southeast, the modern space comes equipped with a bigger kitchen, separate coffee bar station, and more available seating options with keeping the bar seating featured at the first spot. A main concern with the last location was the lack of parking options, but that is not an issue for this space, as the parking lot can accommodate 27 spots.

While the main reason for moving was due to changes in the lease agreement at the prior location, co-owner Chris Meyer agrees that this change was a blessing in disguise when they found the new space.

“This building is awesome, because it brings us kind of back to full circle, back to the [Tower Grove Farmers’ Market] area where we started. We just have such a great core group of regulars in this neighborhood,” Meyer said.

Before transforming the dining room into Songbird, the previous restaurant was 3 Monkeys, an 80’s-themed restaurant. When redecorating, the team made use of the natural light from the windows to help achieve the look they were going for. The new color scheme includes lots of yellow with some pink and green mixed in.

“It was a very dark themed restaurant. I don’t think it was so much that we were trying to copy the old Songbird, but what we were trying to do is move away from how dark the previous building was. In order to do that, we had to choose some really big, bright colors,” Meyer said.

The original drink and food menus will stay the same for now, but Meyer hopes to expand those menus in the future. The hours will stay the same:  8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.

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Swade launches cannabis-friendly event venue in the Delmar Loop https://www.saucemagazine.com/cannabis-2/swade-launches-cannabis-friendly-event-venue-in-the-delmar-loop/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:57:41 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=48108

Swade Cannabis has launched The Church on Delmar, a cannabis-friendly event venue located above its Delmar Loop dispensary.

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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 brings the viral fondue baguette trend to The Chalet https://www.saucemagazine.com/places-2/le-meridien-st-louis-clayton-brings-the-viral-fondue-baguette-trend-to-the-chalet/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:10:03 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=48101

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.

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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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Eat this bibimbap from Tiny Chef STL at the Silver Ballroom https://www.saucemagazine.com/topic/eat-this-2/eat-this-bibimbap-from-tiny-chef-stl-at-the-silver-ballroom/ Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:33:00 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=47919

Tiny Chef STL sells incredible Korean-inspired comfort food at the Silver Ballroom in South City.

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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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5 St. Louis restaurant favorites of El Monstero’s Bill Reiter https://www.saucemagazine.com/places-2/5-st-louis-restaurant-favorites-of-el-monsteros-bill-reiter/ Mon, 15 Dec 2025 22:39:32 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=48071

El Monstero's Bill Reiter shares 5 of his favorite St. Louis restaurants.

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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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Interruption Public House & Brewery is taking over the Good News Brewing space in O’Fallon, Missouri  https://www.saucemagazine.com/places-2/interruption-public-house-brewery-is-taking-over-the-good-news-brewing-space-in-ofallon-missouri/ Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:53:56 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=48063

Interruption Public House & Brewery is set to open in the Good News Brewing space in O'Fallon, Missouri, in spring 2026. 

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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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Stone Hill Winery in Hermann is a St. Louis landmark https://www.saucemagazine.com/topic/features/stone-hill-winery-in-hermann-is-a-st-louis-landmark/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:44:56 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=47914

Founded in 1847 as the Stone Hill Wine Co., Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, Missouri, is the state’s first winery and was once the second-largest winery in the United States.

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Founded in 1847 as the Stone Hill Wine Co. by German immigrant Michael Poeschel, Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, Missouri, is the state’s first winery and was once the second-largest winery in the United States. An acclaimed international award-winner, it earned top honors at eight World’s Fairs between 1873 and 1915. Its stone cellars, completed in 1869, were the largest of their kind in the country and were built just a year before Missouri became the nation’s leading wine-producing state.

However, the arrival of Prohibition in the 1920s greatly altered the American alcohol industry. Wineries, breweries and distilleries quietly crumbled, and speakeasies emerged in basements, down alleys and behind unmarked doors. For decades, Stone Hill’s once-thriving vineyard was left destroyed, its cellars repurposed as a mushroom farming facility.

That all changed in 1965 when Jim and Betty Held took a bold step to revive the historic winery, laying the foundation for Missouri wine and winemakers again. At the time, California’s wine scene, widely regarded as the face of American wine, had just begun regrowing roots. Napa Valley hadn’t yet opened its first post-Prohibition winery. Nationally, there were fewer than 70 wineries, and Missouri had none.

The Held family rebuilt from the ground up. They planted new vines across the region’s lush hills, rediscovered and reintroduced the Norton grape (now Missouri’s official state grape), aged their wines in a naturally cool 50-degree cellar, and embraced innovative hybrid varieties, proving that high-quality wines can be uniquely made in the Midwest.

“Looking back on these 60 years, it’s clear that the re-establishment of Stone Hill Winery was about more than restoring a single winery, it was about proving that the Midwest could produce world-class wine,” said Stone Hill Winery President Jon Held. “We are honored to continue that legacy today.”

In the decades since, the original Old Stone Hill Wine Co. site was designated a National Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Longtime winemaker Dave Johnson spent 40 years at Stone Hill, becoming the most awarded winemaker in the U.S. outside California. In 2024, the winery ranked in the Top 15 American Wines at the Decanter World Wine Awards and won its 15th Missouri Governor’s Cup for Best Wine in the state.

Today, Stone Hill Winery farms 192 acres of grapes across seven vineyard sites in the Hermann area, making it Missouri’s largest grape grower. With a focus on sustainable farming, it produces around 80,000 cases of wine each year. Stone Hill remains the most awarded winery east of the Rockies and welcomes over 150,000 visitors annually. Pioneered by the Held family’s vision, Missouri is now home to 125 wineries contributing approximately $5.46 billion annually to the state’s economy, according to WineAmerica.org.

Stone Hill recently launched their Heritage Grape Project, continuing its long-standing commitment to cultivating historic American grapes like the Norton​ and whether these cultivars can offer a sustainable path forward in today’s evolving wine landscape.

“[At this stage], what excites me the most is pushing the boundaries of what can be produced with the rediscovered historical varieties and modern sustainable hybrids that each showcase our region beautifully and thoughtfully,” said Stone Hill’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing Nathan Held.

This fall, Stone Hill celebrated its 60th anniversary with a weekend-long celebration. Friday’s dinner highlighted signature dishes from the Held family through the years. On Saturday, guests enjoyed behind-the-scenes access to the press house and cellars, where they witnessed grape processing and stomping, sampled fermenting wines directly from the tanks, and live music.

Keep the celebration going with a visit to Stone Hill Winery. Take a tour of the vineyard, eat in Stone Hill’s original stable and carriage house, the Vintage 1847 restaurant for German dishes with an American twist, or take a self-guided tour at their museum of historical winery artifacts.

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Crushed Red opens location at Streets of St. Charles https://www.saucemagazine.com/places-2/crushed-red-opens-location-at-streets-of-st-charles/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:07:10 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=48060

Fast-casual salad and pizza spot Crushed Red is opening its first St. Charles County location.

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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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7 St. Louis spots where you can shop local this holiday season https://www.saucemagazine.com/places-2/7-st-louis-spots-where-you-can-shop-local-this-holiday-season/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:50:59 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=48055

St. Louis has plenty of shops where you can support locals instead of major corporations.

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From cookies to classes to cookbooks, St. Louis has plenty of shops where you can support locals instead of major corporations. Whether it’s unique menu ideas or good gift options you need, check out some of these foodie-favorite locations while you’re shopping this year; you might just find something you didn’t know you were looking for.

Anchovy Book Co.
This hidden gem, a cookbook store nestled on Cherokee Street, packs a big punch in a small space. Since Anchovy Book Co. opened last year, they’ve stuck strictly to weekend hours, but squeezing into the shop for a visit is well worth the planning. Their cookbooks cover everything from the Julia Child classics to new favorites, like Matty Matheson and Alison Roman, as well as books that run the global gamut. Pantry essentials available for purchase include Fishwife tinned fish and Big Heart Tea, and they’ve also got merch and accessories. For those who prefer gifting experiences, check out Anchovy’s Tiny Bookshop Dates. These dates include exclusive access to the shop, plus a crafted snack board and complimentary bottle of wine or NA cider. Visit Anchovy Book Co. during their weekend hours, noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
2619 1/2 Cherokee St., St. Louis, anchovybookco.com

Drips Botanical Elements
This coffee-turned-plant store is still a must-stop for drink essentials. Drips Botanical Elements carries Dark Matter Coffee beans straight from Chicago, and they’ve got blends for every palate. Personally, we love the Starry Eyes for a dark roast, but they’ve also got espresso, light roast and a seasonal blend on rotation. Newer to the store is Artemis Tea & Botanical, which includes bags of classic offerings like masala chai and a mint blend, as well as unique options like “The Moss,” with leaves from some of the oldest tea trees in China’s Yunnan Province. Their grab-and-go cooler has ready-to-drink Dark Matter Coffee, botanical sodas and Mighty Kind cannabis seltzers. While you’re in the store, don’t miss out on the handmade terrariums, variety of plants and other locally curated gift options.
387 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, dripsbotanical.com

Fennel Cooking Studio
Whether you have a cooking-curious person on your gift list or want to learn something new yourself, Fennel Cooking Studio has cooking classes for every level and gift cards available this holiday season. They offer a recurring homemade pasta class, as well as seasonal features like winter cookie decorating. Fennel also has kids’ classes, as well as availability for private events. Classes are hands-on, not just demonstrations, and everything is available for eating when class is over. On Dec. 14, Fennel will be hosting a Holiday Vendor Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone who spends $170 or more on gift cards also gets a free, mini Fennel tote bag. Check out their class schedule, and keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming launch of their online retail shop.
3043 Olive Street, St. Louis, fennelstl.com

LeGrand’s Market & Catering
LeGrand’s has been a St. Louis shopping staple for almost 40 years. Their consistent offerings keep kitchens in stock with fresh-cut meats like steaks and roasts, deli meats and cheeses, and take-home specialties like mac ‘n cheese and pulled pork, perfect for a holiday meal. This holiday season, LeGrand’s is also featuring gift baskets with St. Louis favorites inside, plus holiday tins of everyone’s favorite, Dad’s Cookie Co. Don’t miss their local pantry offerings too, like pasta sauce straight from the Hill, pasture-raised eggs and a variety of offerings from local breweries.
4414 Donovan Ave., St. Louis, 314.353.6128, legrandsmarket.com

Lion’s Choice x Series Six
St. Louis original Lion’s Choice has teamed up with Series Six to bring the biggest roast beef fans a treat this year. The store is expanding its local merch offerings to include Lion’s Choice, including a cozy sweatshirt, classic tee and a hat perfect for stockings or under the tree. This exclusive collection is available online or in-store at Series Six. While you’re there, check out other gifts perfect for St. Louis lovers, from Donut Drive-In shirts to all sorts of Imo’s merch, plus lots of other local favorites. Lion’s Choice is also offering their own promo right now; with the purchase of $50 in gift cards, guests will receive one free original sandwich every week in January. Check out your closest Lion’s Choice location for all the yummy details.
Series Six, 3719 Watson Road, St. Louis, seriessixcompany.com

Novella Wine Bar
Novella Wine Bar is known for their unique selection of Eastern European wines and beautiful patio with Old World charm. They also have plenty of options perfect for a host gift or for those doing the hosting themselves. Owner Dijana Groth makes a bright fig leaf liqueur from her own fig plants, now available in both a take home bottle and as a Fig Leaf Sparkler that comes with a bottle of Prosecco. The restaurant is also offering mulled wine kits for the perfect holiday ambiance at home, as well as house-made chocolate cherry red wine sangria and local honey. Check out those options in the South City store, along with their other regularly available to-go wine options.
5510 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314.680.4226, novellawinebar.com

Pastaria Deli & Wine
Niche Food Group’s Pastaria Deli & Wine is the perfect stop for everything wine and anything Italian. They’ve got bottled cocktails and whatever you might need to pair with them, plus a robust selection of Italian jams, spreads, and snacks for your holiday boards, local provisions, and artisan chocolate bars for stocking stuffers. They’ve also got drinking chocolate, plus house-made sauce and freshly made pasta. This year, Pastaria Deli & Wine is bringing back their holiday gift baskets, available pre-packaged or customizable to meet a variety of tastes and budgets. Check out their store in-person or online.
7734 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 2, Clayton, 314.773.7755, pastariadeliandwine.com

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5 St. Louis restaurant favorites of El Monstero’s John Pessoni https://www.saucemagazine.com/places-2/places/5-st-louis-restaurant-favorites-of-el-monsteros-john-pessoni/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:39:43 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=48050

El Monstero drummer John Pessoni shares five of his favorite St. Louis restaurants.

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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

The post 5 St. Louis restaurant favorites of El Monstero’s John Pessoni appeared first on Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated.

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