Eat/Drink

February 03, 2009

Bully for You

Where once stood The Billy Goat (corner of Vandeventer and Boyle), Bully Restaurant and Pub is now open for business (at least for lunch, says the chalkboard out front.) We do wonder if they ever, just for a second, considered the signage savings of calling the new place "The Bully Goat"?

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:38 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

January 18, 2009

Updated Sauce

In a nod to our sisters-in-arms over there at Sauce, we'll note the spiffy redesign of their info-laden web site.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:46 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

January 11, 2009

After InBev

The good folks at Budget Travel know you'll still be thirsty, whether InBevAB's slaking that thirst or not; here's their roundup of St. Louis microbrewing.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 06:05 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

December 10, 2008

Adios

To Beso, recently (and newly) of the 1100 block of Wash Ave.—it's closed up and cleaned up, with a padlock on the door.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:33 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

November 10, 2008

Local Dish

The Ladies of Local Harvest (at least, it looks to me to be all ladies, thus far) are blogging their South St. Louis locavore revolution...a great post on making baby food and their tasting notes from a recent dip into Charleville beers are online thus far, with more (including the café's daily menu) to come.

Check it here.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 08:53 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

October 31, 2008

Pie Friday!

Those might be my two favorite new words, because now that Sugaree Baking's whipping up delicacies like coconut cream, lemon meringue and sweet potato pies for the public, "Pie Friday" will enter the St. Louis lexicon.

Hit the bakery (newly remodeled) at 1242 Tamm, in Dogtown, and get your own individual pie for 5 bucks, or get a more shareable 10-inch pie for $15.

Yum. Pie Friday. 'Scuse me while I kiss this pie.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 01:55 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

October 15, 2008

Eating St. Louis

Yes, it sounds like a Saturday night creature feature, but in fact, it's the title of a new book by local foodie type Patricia Corrigan. If you'd like to get a peek (and in fact, get five bucks off the purchase price), as well as some tasty bites from such iconic St. Louis purveyors as Imo's, Schlafly, Lake Forest Confections and the like, mark your calendar for Sat., Nov. 1.

From 6-9 p.m., Moulin will host an evening launch party, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Doisy College of Health Sciences at SLU. $25 gets you complimentary food and drink, and the aforementioned discount. Tickets available here.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:53 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

September 05, 2008

SweetArt!

Well, this is match made in heaven: cupcakes and cookies and Cbabi Bayoc. Yes, the St. Louis artist and his wife, Reine, have joined their formerly separate ventures (he in art, she in baking) into a new effort called "SweetArt From-Scratch Bakeshop & Art Studio," opening later this fall in the Shaw neighborhood, at 2203 S. 39th St.

Folks itching for a preview can attend a tasting and silent art auction in support of the new venture this Sunday, Sept. 7, from 5-9 p.m. at Portfolio Gallery, 3514 Delmar (near Powell Symphony Hall).

Sweet!

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:01 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

August 22, 2008

6 North Goes East

Don't worry, CWE denizens, it's an expansion, not a relocation — the popular neighborhood spot 6 North Coffee Co. will be opening a downtown location (still, curiously, called "6 North Café") sometime early next month. The goods will be vended from inside the Beast, a.k.a. Gateway One, at 8th and Chestnut.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 09:39 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

August 19, 2008

Beignets, Bikes and Christopher Lee

Hello, is this thing on?

Darlings, Miss Cherry's been so negligent in her blogging of late (but never fear, it doesn't mean she's stopped eating or shopping!)

To make it up to you, a report from the just-opened Café Ventana, where former Mélange mastermind Christopher Lee is wearing the chef's whites once again: it's a cozy-yet-sophisticated breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, drinks spot (whew!) and from early indications, deserves to be known beyond the confines of the SLU campus, which it nestles up to. Lunch (homemade soup and tasty sandwich) was delish, and with live music and DJs on tap, evenings should be fun, too.

And hurrah for the return of the beignet to the Lou: theirs are original and chocolate. (Burning off all those beignets will be the challenge, but never fear: there are prominent and stylish bicycle racks just outside the front door.

The official ribbon cutting's this Friday afternoon, so make towards SLU if ribbons and the mayor are your sort of thing...or if you heart the sultry sounds of Jessica Butler.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:23 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

April 25, 2008

Lucky Number Seven

A new venture in downtown Belleville (that's in Illinois, kids!) brings together enough successful influences that we have to believe the whole thing's gonna blow up huge: first, a return to the foodie scene of influential chef/impresario Blake Brokaw, he of Lo, Hungry Buddha, Chocolate Bar (1.0) and Tangerine, RIP. Brokaw's crafted the menu for Seven, a new restaurant/lounge setting up shop in a rehabbed downtown building in Belleville's blossoming downtown. The spot's backers have, among them, years of experience in restaurants and clubs throughout the region. Throw in WiFi, DJs at night and a 2 a.m. close time for attracting a late-night crowd...

Reportedly, there will be a website here; find the joint at 7 South High St., (618) 277-6700; it's open in a big way starting with lunch on Monday, April 28.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:21 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

April 10, 2008

Taste Treat of the Week: Sodalicious! It's Right There in the Name

Mmmmm. So, this divine hunk of sugary love emanates from
Veruca Bakeshop and Café, down there in Benton Park, but truth be told, I procured mine at Local Harvest Grocery, one of the outlets carrying the treats of pastry chef Mathew Rice. Sodalicous is this: a chilled, wax-paper-wrapped wedge of one of those great Southern creations, cola-infused cake (we like to think it's the Real Thing, but I can't say for sure) with a thick middle layer of cherry buttercream icing. It's moist and not overly sweet, and, well, so delicious...

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:16 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

March 12, 2008

Steaks Head South?

The downtown Dierdorf & Hart's location has closed its doors, according to diners who've shown up to find a "sorry for the inconvenience" note on the door and now, the web site. The West Port location remains open. What about that downtown renaissance?

Posted by Miss Cherry at 01:20 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

February 20, 2008

Taste Treat of the Week: Panarchy Cakes!

Our friends down at the Black Bear Bakery — providers of tasty breads and sweets to locations around town — have held occasional all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts to raise funds for the anarchist collective behind the ovens. Now, it seems their breakfasts will become a regular offering, kicked off last Saturday by a pancake/French toast free-for-all that left the packed storefront full and happy. (mmm, raspberry sauce...) So, every Saturday, head down to the spot at 2639 Cherokee between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., and stuff your gullet with organic coffee, delish anarchist pancakes, French toast, etc. (There are menu options, including eggs, toast, sweet pastries and granola for the non-cake-inclined.) Throw in free WiFi and it's a full day affair!

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:01 AM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

February 13, 2008

Shangri-La Moves North?

We hear tell that vegetarian haven Shangri-La Diner might be giving up its groovy Cherokee location and moving to North County; specifically, to the newest stretch of retail downstairs/residential upstairs "loft" buildings along Florissant Rd. in old-town Ferguson. Will South City hipsters follow owner Patrice Mari and her African peanut stew there? Stay tuned....

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:30 PM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

February 06, 2008

Le Fin for Faust's?

Reports coming out of downtown's favorite rustic/haute dining spot indicate the restaurant (and its host, the Adam's Mark Hotel) will be sold to Hyatt within the day...leaving the restaurant's future uncertain. Better make backup Valentine's Day reservations!

Posted by Miss Cherry at 02:34 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

February 05, 2008

Music to my arteries

Oh, the mid-winter dirge I've been humming tunelessly over the past 24 hours just got a lot peppier, ever since I found out that Companion has heard my silent prayers and answered, with Thursday, February 14, kicking off their new Grilled Cheese Thursdays. Perhaps they're taking a cue from g.c.-mad L.A.? At any rate, last week, I posited there were no sweeter two words, in combination, in the English language than "snow day"; now, I think the sweetest triumvirate might be "grilled cheese Thursdays." Oh, and add "homemade tomato soup" to that list, too.

It's all happening at the Central West End location, where small-batch artisanal cheese and fresh, crusty bread will unite to transport you to Grilled Cheese Nirvana.

UPDATE, 2/13: Here's the menu of all the grilled cheeses you can enjoy!

Posted by Miss Cherry at 01:34 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

January 31, 2008

Bean-n-Grain Burger Just a Forerunner?

Our blogging colleague (blogeague?) Thomas Crone notes at 52nd City that the bean-n-grain burger has been removed from the Tanner B's menu. (Um, I'm a bit reluctant to say that, though I never voiced a complaint to restaurant staff, I didn't care for the crumbly, myself.)

However, we've recently heard the rumor that Tanner B's itself might be on the way out, or at least looking for a buyer to take over the business. Hope the burger isn't just a harbinger of things to come.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:16 AM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

January 25, 2008

Where My Provel People At?

Lovers and hatas, get on over to the Great Slice Debate and bone up on the list of regional pizza styles...and feel free to weigh in on the "St. Louis pizza sucks/rocks" back-and-forth.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:26 AM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

October 16, 2007

Arrivederci

Having made the move back east from a long stint in West County, Candicci's has packed it in. Yesterday was the Clayton eatery's last day of service; no definite word yet on the next move for owner Bob Candice, who might parlay his years of experience into a consultant or general management gig elsewhere.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:43 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

October 15, 2007

More Curry, Less Hurry

From the folks who brought you downtown's "Curry in a Hurry," a finer room will soon be unveiled. Thali, a new Indian restaurant that will be a from-the-menu type of place, will debut in late November in Olivette, on Page Ave. near Dielman Road.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:19 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

September 27, 2007

Two That Are New!

Finally, some good news on the dining front, after a series of sad notes.

Both the oddly named "~scape" (seriously, people, can we just not screw too much with the restaurant names? I'm lookin' at you, Jim Edmonds and "F15teen"...) and its sister/neighbor "Crêpes: etc." are open for business as of today, on the chic, reborn Maryland Plaza. Scape boasts floor-to-ceiling windows along the front and back of the room, and warm copper accents inside, with a menu that's kind of like fancy comfort food (BBQ shrimp & grits, veal chops, puréed winter squash, beef short ribs), while Crêpes is — wait for it — a creperie. Yum.

Go check out the space at Crêpes if for no other reason than to see all signs of the former coffee-and-cigarette-soaked Grind completely obliterated.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:00 PM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

September 20, 2007

Moving the Mountain

Concerned reader Tom is looking for some happy news: well, this is at least a lateral move, not a closing, so maybe that could count?

Western Wash Ave.'s pioneer Everest Café is making the move even further west...to The Grove. The owners tell us that they'll be packing up (Tibetan prayer flags and all) and taking their chutney to 4145 Manchester, with the move planned for about six weeks from now. Likely the kitchen will be closed for a couple of weeks while they work out the kinks.

Check out their website here.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:43 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

September 10, 2007

Pestalozzi Place Peters Out

We're sad to report that we received an email this morning announcing the close of Tower Grove East neighborhood café Pestalozzi Place; it was a tasty, convivial spot. Perhaps too far off the beaten path? In any case, we hope to see co-honchos David Lawrence & Stephen Graef turn up somewhere again soon.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 12:33 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

September 05, 2007

Yen Ching Heads South

But not too far south....venerable Chinese joint Yen Ching has finally succumbed to the conflagration of "lifestyle center" and highway construction, and will decamp to take over the former Corwin's space on the ground floor of the Jos. H. White Building, in Brentwood. Sources say the move should be complete well before the end of the year.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 02:31 PM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

September 04, 2007

Vaya con Dios, Aqua Vin

Saturday night marked the last hurrah for popular Chesterfield eatery/drinkery Aqua Vin, which apparently couldn't come to terms on a renewed lease? That's the scuttlebutt we hear. With the former Bahama Breeze site open near Chesterfield Mall, regulars are hoping the Vin will re-emerge there—or somewhere—soon.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:00 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

August 21, 2007

Blow the Moon Out, Please

Evidently someone's been listening to Hem: word today that Red Moon, one of downtown's first envelope-pushing scenes (what with the funky décor, chef's table room plastered with Asian porn, market-style table service and a whole fish dish they seemed very proud of, since it was prominently photographed), has closed. Even the web site's disappeared quickly.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:16 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

June 20, 2007

That's a Winner, X6

The J. Buck's empire expands, with a new downtown restaurant, located on the edge of Cardinal Nation's Mecca at 1000 Clark St., sure to be a draw for its namesakes (Jack, yeah, but also Joe and Julie), its collection of memorabilia...and oh, yes, there's the food. Highlight of this location? A rooftop deck where, if you stand just so, you can gaze into the new Busch Stadium.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 02:28 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

June 05, 2007

Our Wine's Divine (So Take That, Left & Right Coasts)

"It ain't braggin' if it's true," they say in the South, and we hate to brag...

Well, no, we don't. The Restaurant Hospitality magazine's annual "Best Wine Lists in America" contest has just ended, and the winners of all three categories? Yeah, those would be St. Louis spots: Truffles in the International category (though it's humorously identified as being in "La Due, MO"), Annie Gunn's in the U.S. category and Ricardo's Italian Café in the Small Wine Lists category.

A vinifera hat trick! We'll raise a glass to that.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:50 PM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

May 30, 2007

Buh-Bye to Harry's

(West), that is...though the downtown stalwart shows no signs of retreat, word this morning that the venerable institution's suburban sister has shuttered. One less option for Highway 40-averse West County diners...

Posted by Miss Cherry at 09:56 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

May 15, 2007

Change in Ownership at Hartford Coffee

Word on the street (and seemingly starting to percolate, pun intended, through the employee ranks) is that beloved South City staple Hartford Coffee Company has been sold, with the new owners being two gentlemen from the neighborhood. We don't know yet of any planned changes, but seeing as it's one of our favorite haunts, we wish all good things for the future!

And, of course, godspeed to James and Shannon.

Know more details, anyone?

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:59 PM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

May 14, 2007

Use Your Noodle

As if the delightful Noodles & Co. weren't good enough on its own merits — certain bloggers are addicted to the Japanese pan noodles, while the big-as-your-head Rice Krispie treats offer a marshmallowy temptation — the new location opening in Hampton Village kick things off with a nice nod to the neighborhood. On Wednesday and Thursday, May 16 & 17, a full one hundred percent of the restaurant's take will be donated to Francis Park (another of those city parks that aren't run by the city), through the "48 Hours for Francis Park" fundraiser. It's the first time the chain has done such a donation level, and the cash will be used to buy playground equipment and commission an original sculpture.

C'mon, eat some noodles for a good cause!

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:55 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

May 01, 2007

To Market, To Market...but not GreenMarket

In researching the opening dates of all the great local farmers' markets, we're bummed to find that, even though a new location was announced just a few weeks ago, the Central West End's GreenMarket will not be returning for the 2007 season. It was a small affair, to be sure, but it will be missed.

See you at Tower Grove, Maplewood and Soulard?

Posted by Miss Cherry at 05:06 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

March 30, 2007

Adios, Amigos

Seems from a prominent Red Brick Management "For Lease" sign on the exterior that the former El Mundo Latino has shuttered—this corner is starting to look a bit like a cursed space. Isn't it odd how there are those, around town? I can think of two that spring immediately to mind...

Posted by Miss Cherry at 01:36 PM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

March 28, 2007

Tin Can's Two!

This Saturday, March 31, marks the second anniversary of a glorious experiment: what if we had this awesome, rumpus room bar/grille, where we'd serve a ridiculous number of beers in cans? Real men of genius at Tin Can Tavern and Grille, for sure, and the benefit's all yours, especially on this celebratory day. The Sega hockey tournament starts at 2, but don't fill up on snacks, because the corn dog eating contest starts at 6 p.m. sharp. (Undetermined at press time is whether said dogs must be eaten from the stick, or if variations are allowed....) Giveaways, food and drink specials, live music and more, all at 3157 Morganford, in our fave up-and-coming district.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 08:19 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

February 28, 2007

The Missing Rib

Stopping by for some 'cue yesterday afternoon, I couldn't help but notice that my destination, Marion's St. Louis Rib Company, was, uh...well, gone. Inside the joint is cleared out, with an industrious crew of non-communicative folks Windexing the vast glass front. A call to directory assistance yielded no help.

Anyone know what gives?

Posted by Miss Cherry at 02:34 PM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

February 26, 2007

Tin Can Times Two

We hear that Tin Can Tavern, the on-purpose-dive that's become a Morgan Ford hotspot, has bought downtown's Panama Red's; no word yet on whether a name change is in the works, nor prognostications on whether another South City/Downtown dual empire can work out better here than it did for Tanner B's, which shut down its downtown locale earlier this year.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 12:27 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

February 14, 2007

Gettin' Full for Gettin' Busy

Now, we know there's no shortage of various Valentine's Day gimmicks around town, but darn it, we chose this one: at Yia Yia's Euro Cafe in Chesterfield, tonight's menu, from executive chef Marc Valiani, is all about feeding your appetite for romance. Aphrodisiacs infuse the menu, from the "Foreplay" cocktail to three lobster preparations to the Mayan chocolate fondue dessert. (Apparently there's some sort of liquor tie-in, too, as they're pushing consumption of Agavero, 100% blue agave tequila "blended with the Damiana flower, a plant held in great esteem for centuries as a powerful aphrodisiac." Or, to put it more succinctly, tequila makes your clothes fall off.)

Posted by Miss Cherry at 12:21 AM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

February 02, 2007

Adios, Again

Jasoom is dead, long live Jasoom? Though we haven't been by to confirm it with our own eyes yet, our stringers tell us the South Grand home of "revolutionary Mexican" (that's the incarnation after the first, involving lots of cheese) has closed its doors. That's too bad: it was a nice addition to the ethnic mix of the street's eateries.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:09 PM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

January 16, 2007

So Long to Arthur Clay's

The former Maplewood bistro has served its last meal. Food there was always outstanding, but the spot seemed plagued by service and consistency-of-schedule issues. We hear that a new plan for the restaurant, at 7266 Manchester, is underway from The Crossing's Jim Fiala, so that's all to the good.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:33 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

January 12, 2007

"Stell(in)a!"

You'll be bellowing, too, but from pleasure at having discovered the most wonderful little treasure — the finally open Stellina Pasta Café, in a small storefront/dining room (reminiscent of nearby The Pitted Olive in that way) at 3342 Watson Rd. Open since Monday, Stellina had a healthy lunch crowd this rainy Friday, and our house salad (plenty big enough to share, and with beets!), the butternut squash lasagna and a rich dish of wild mushroom agnolotti in brown butter with walnuts were delish.

The pasta's housemade and organic, if you're into that, there are rotating daily specials and a constant menu of sandwiches, plus Kaldi's coffee drinks, sweets and take-home pastas and cheeses...and the space is cute as a button, with cafe tables and window seats, too.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 02:15 PM | Link & Discuss (3 comments)

December 15, 2006

New Toque at Tap Room

Word is that Clint Whittemore, most recently manning the stoves at now-shuttered Bastante (and from Peristyle and the famed NOLA before that), will hop on over to the Schlafly Tap Room come Dec. 18, assuming the position of GM/chef. We were fans of his Bastante menu, and have long been fans of the Tap Room grub, too, so this seems like a potentially tasty marriage.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:46 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

November 10, 2006

Don't Fear the Wheaten

To those who are about to imbibe, we salute you: Schlafly Bottleworks has just rolled out the dream liquid for the gluten-intolerant, a gluten-free draught called Schlafly Sorghum Beer, made with corn, hops, water, gluten-free yeast and (duh) sorghum. It's got a tart taste, the perfect accompaniment for another welcome new addition for the wheat-free, gluten-free items on the menu and a bunch of new ones rolling out all this month. Visit 'em at 7260 Southwest, in beautiful downtown Maplewood.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 12:39 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

October 12, 2006

Dining Deal the Fourth: 609

So many places that try to do both "restaurant" and "nightclub" at the same time end up doing only one, at best, very well. 609 (and its sister, U Lounge) in the Delmar Loop are a happy exception, with a cool bar side and a foodie-respected restaurant, too. Sample their wares with these dining deals: three-course lunch (soup/salad, entrée and dessert) for $10 M-F from 11-2:30 and Sa noon-2:30; or, try the three course dinner, $25, served daily from 5 p.m.

And don't forget to sample some of the tasty drinks from the bar side!

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:57 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

October 02, 2006

Dining Deal #3: Niche

That's Niche, the cute little Benton Park storefront restaurant, not Niche, the swank furniture/accessory Downtown storefront.

So, now that we've got that cleared up...at Niche, eatery, they have in their enlightenment brought diners the all-hours, all-days prix fixe menu, wherein you can mix and match three courses (that's starter, entrée and dessert) for $35 flat. Where to begin? More important, with choices like dulce de leche semifreddo and vanilla-peach buckle with lemon ricotta ice cream — where to end??

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:45 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

September 29, 2006

Dining Deal #2: Duff's

They're called "Red Bird Specials," but in fact, you don't necessarily have to be headed to a Cardinals game afterwards to get that early bird's reward, a reduced-price dinner at CWE institution Duff's. From 5-6:30 p.m., choose from four entrées priced to move at just $10 per plate, including a new-for-fall vegetable pot pie. Mmm, pot pie.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:26 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

Reaping the Harvest at the Moon

We're big fans of dining deals, so in the spirit of sharing the frugality, here's the first in an occasional series of cut-rate meal info:

Tuesday, October 3, Red Moon (the boisterous, crazy-fun Asian/French fusion room in St. Charles alley downtown) celebrates the Harvest Moon and the introduction of their fall menu with 50% off everything on the food menu, including new stuff like almond sage chicken and sweet-and-sour duck. Dinner's from 5-10 p.m., and reservations are recommended (at 314-436-9700).

Posted by Miss Cherry at 02:02 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

September 12, 2006

Meyer in the Magazine

File under "Hometown Boy Continues to Make Good": our export Danny Meyer (he who brought BBQ to Manhattan) was the featured Q&A in Sunday's New York Times Magazine, in anticipation of the release of his new book. The "well-scrubbed, earnest guy from St. Louis" doesn't care for Food Network (fine) or Taco Bell (them's fightin' words), but is big on hospitality.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 09:49 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

August 24, 2006

Never Too Late for Ice Cream

Okay, granted, it's nearly September...but the 90+ degree days have returned, and besides, I'm the type who'll cozy up to a pint of Chunky Monkey even in the dead of winter.

So it's a great pleasure to find out about the newest addition to Hartford Coffee Company — a freezer full of creamy and delicious Ashby's Sterling gourmet ice cream! That creaminess? That's 14% butterfat, baby.

Stop by and check it out in milkshake, cone or signature creation forms: and if you see me squealing with delight over a "Sundasaurus Rex" (that's two scoops each of vanilla, chocolate & strawberry with all the toppings you can handle), do say hi.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:48 AM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

August 04, 2006

Whole Gelato

Well, it was just a matter of time, I guess: the popularity bandwagon has picked up another passenger in the Lou, and Whole Foods Market has added a gelato bar. Was doing a brisk business when I chanced by there this morning, and although it seems a touch on the pricey side, it's nothing compared to the time I paid like $8 for a cone in bella Italia, owing to my slow lira/dollar conversion skills (and my obvious tourist identity, I guess)... I'll add it to my list of treats to check out. So far, my favorite gelato in town is the Michigan cherry at Gelato di Riso; I have a friend who swears by the straight-up chocolate at Gelateria. Anyone else have a recommendation?

Posted by Miss Cherry at 01:41 PM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

July 18, 2006

Eat Your Way Through Downtown

Building on the success of last year's launch, downtown STL again celebrates "Downtown Restaurant Week," from August 7-12. Twenty two participating restaurants (including 400 Olive, An American Place, Copia, Lucas Park Grille, Pepper Lounge and many more) will offer 3-course menus for $25 prix-fixe (that's "inclusive," for those of you who took German in high school...) Last year, I ate myself silly at An American Place and still think they lost money on that deal. Visit the website for more info.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:19 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

July 06, 2006

Locusts From the Sky Must Be Next

No details as yet, but we have just learned that longtime Brentwood Boulevard stalwart (and, seemingly, everybody's favorite after-softball spot, except perhaps the Black Thorn) Corwin's has shuttered. At full strength prior to the weekend, the place is now locked up tight with nary a chair, table or ashtray in sight.

One possibility: the place never recovered from a major stoppage in business during a week-long building shutdown in May?

Posted by Miss Cherry at 12:55 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

June 21, 2006

Billiards with Bark & Bite?

This just in: we hear tell that The Feisty Bulldog (billing itself as "Bucket Shoppe & Billiards," which sounds vaguely, um, downscale: I generally don't prefer my food in buckets) is open for business at 720 N. 1st St.

On the food menu: chicken fingers, quesadillas, jalapeno poppers, fire-roasted tomato soup, Philly cheesesteak, braised short ribs...and something called "Hoozier Pizza Dip."

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:38 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

Galloping Gourmet

One of our town's top chefs, Kirk Warner—formerly of both King Louie's and Savor—has packed his spatulas and struck out on his own with a new venture called "Traveling Kitchen." He's hoping to bring his food philosophy and technical know-how to bear in the everyday eating experiences of people who enjoy good food but may lack the time or expertise to make it happen on their own. Whether you're looking for a family chef who can shop and stock your fridge for the week (and he spent some serious time in a past life working on the perfect chicken finger for tots), or an impressive date-night menu for two, this curious chef probably has just the recipe.

And for those voyeurs who want to see inside the mind of the chef, check out the musings on the site's blog.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 01:46 PM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

June 20, 2006

Barbie's First Rooftop Bar

Seems like we've been waiting a long, long time for this: the city's first rooftop bar (to my knowledge) is finally open!

Vin de Set, from the brains behind Eleven Eleven Mississippi, is open at 2017 Chouteau, on the third floor. The rooftop deck boasts 4,000 square feet of downtown-viewing pleasure. (Now, Mlle. Cherry has a teensy problem with their interpretation of "2017" into the mangled Franglais of "Vin de Set," but this will not hold her back from rooftop alfresco...)

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:48 AM | Link & Discuss (5 comments)

June 02, 2006

Are Your Dining Senses Tingling?

It could be they're being set off by the impending arrival of "Five," a new American bistro just west of El Mundo Latino in The Grove (4317 Manchester, for sticklers....)

The five in question are, of course, "smell/feel/taste/see/hear," and they're etched in the front glass in case you forget. The room has a sleek, clean look about it, and a call to the phone number on Five's web page says they open for lunch on Monday, June 5. There were light fixtures on this morning, but still looked like there was a busy weekend ahead if chef Anthony Devoti (formerly of San Fran's Zuni Café and Zuzu's Petals, among others) plans to be slinging meals come Monday!

Five will serve lunch M-F, dinner Tu-Sa. Count on it.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:20 AM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

May 31, 2006

Piece of Cake

Srsly. If you have not eaten of the joy which is a Cakewich, from Dogtown's delightful Cakery Bakery, you have not lived, my friends.

Made of leftover squares of sheet cake, the Cakewich wedges in a layer of delicious, creamy frosting in-between, and ends up tasting like a hunk of the best wedding cake you ever had. Comes in vanilla and chocolate, from what I could see on my last visit.

Also, they make the most amazing cookies and cupcakes: they ain't cheap, mind you, but it ain't braggin' if you can do it.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:17 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

May 22, 2006

Blow for Vegetarians

Our eyes-on-the-street tell us that Lifestyles Café, the meatless soul food purveyor near The Loop, has closed its doors, and will open later this week only to sell off fixtures and whatnot.

Their "crab" cakes were delish. We shall be sorry to see them go.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 02:49 PM | Link & Discuss (4 comments)

April 24, 2006

Forest Park South Eats

To the burgeoning area, add Joe Boccardi's, whose logo has been taped up for a little while now in the new windows of a corner building on Taylor, just north of La Dolce Via: a call to HQ reveals that the new location will be the consolidated catering kitchen, but if all goes well, the plan is to also run a small Italian market out of the storefront. Construction timelines may vary, of course, but they hope to be open for catering within about a month.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:06 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

April 17, 2006

True Originals

As you may have noticed by now, a good number (40+, at last count) of our town's locally owned, independent restaurants have teamed up for some strength in numbers, branding themselves at the Saint Louis Originals. The list includes everything from stalwarts Tony's and Balaban's to newer-to-the-scene Terrene and Limoncello. There's a nifty customer loyalty program, the Powercard, which earns you points each time you dine at a member establishment and earns $10 rewards for every $150 you spend cumulatively.

So, you should get a Powercard and start eating your way through the Lou. Or, alternately, check out Taste of the Originals, a fundraiser evening for our public television station (KETC), on Saturday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m. For $100, you get to eat, drink and jazz yourself silly with food and beverages from the member restaurants, plus you walk home with a commemorative cookbook of Originals' recipes. Find out more and get tickets here.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:55 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

Really, How Much Happier Could Mangia Get?

It always seems to me that, whether lunch-buffeting it or late-night ruckus-raising, the crowds at South Grand staple Mangia Italiano are a pretty happy lot...but now comes word that the place is joining the official Happy Hour Industrial Complex, theirs from 3-5 M-Th, with $3 drafts/$2.50 well drinks, plus fun fingery foods like calzones, chips & salsa (Mangia Mexicana?), crostini, quesadillas and more.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:13 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

March 24, 2006

Hi-O! What Gives with KYO?

Not yet open and already rebranding: we alerted readers here not too long ago to the long-anticipated rebirth of the former Tangerine/Hungry Buddha/Infierno space, transforming into a swank joint called Koi. Or, as we must now report, more accurately to be known as "KYO," with a cutesy long-O bar.

Either website gets you the same basic info, but new materials circulating out there are now all about KYO.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 12:26 PM | Link & Discuss (5 comments)

February 28, 2006

Lend Me Some Shugga, I Am Your Neighbor!

Word on the street is that Shugga's, the charming little coffee café tucked into the charming little Shenandoah/Compton biz district, is on the ropes and in need of a quick business infusion if it's to keep bringing caffeine to the masses. Now, Miss Cherry herself will admit it's been a good lil' while since her last drop-in, but as she recalls, there are excellent baked goods, tasty salads and sandwiches and, the piece de resistance, Kaldi's brew. I'll be making time to stop by in the next weeks.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:38 AM | Link & Discuss (10 comments)

February 17, 2006

It's Okay to Be Koi

If their flashy new web site is to be believed, pan-Asian hip spot Koi (from the "New York City and Chicago Innovators" behind Modai), will be open next month in the former Tangerine/Hungry Buddha spots on Washington Ave. Looks pretty spiffy, though I really wonder what folks are thinking when they say they're planning to "redefine the art of dining and nightlife." I mean, you know, it still involves the ingestion of food and drink...unless maybe they're planning that Jetsons-like pill that you can just pop!

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:49 PM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

February 10, 2006

Ich bin ein GastHausian

Look for the long-neglected roundabout in front of the lovingly restored St. Louis Gast Haus to be officially closed to vehicular traffic within the next few months, and be instead reclaimed as a beer garden/patio for the restaurant. It's enough to make you want to apply for work at adjacent Ameren!

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:13 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

A Few South Grand Updates

Since last we spoke of that hallowed strip, a few things need updating.

First, I was lucky enough to make it to Urban, the new wine bar/cocktail lounge, and have a few drinks under the guiding advice of owner Nhat Nguyen. My cocktail companion and I tried, well, just about the entire menu of specialty cocktails (happy hour pricing 'til 9, baby!) and enjoyed them all. Our favorites were probably the Kiwi (fresh kiwi and Skyy melon) and the Jade (Stoli vanilla and pineapple juice, plus some sort of green-ening agent). Lovely place, and despite my earlier misgivings, a unique addition to the mix.

Secondly, as has been reported elsewhere, the addition at Mangia Italiano appears to be open for business, and also smoke-free. Yay for lungs and linguini! Ewww. I already regret that.

Finally, a non-comestible-related entry: a small space next door to the BP Amoco will become Floored, a yoga studio.

That's all for now!

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:04 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

Valentine's Even a Dude Could Love

Miss Cherry is a big believer in romance, boys and girls, but also in a bit of originality. That's why I found this option for next week's all-important (to some) V-Day celebration so appealing: chocolate porter, whipped up by our good friends at Schlafly. It will be tapped on the 14th at both the Tap Room and Bottleworks, and promises a "rich, sweet, robust, chocolatey, deep-brown" ale experience, with genuine cocoa as the not-so-secret ingredient. Yummy!

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:55 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

December 31, 2005

More Booze on S. Grand

Coming soon to the South Grand strip, look for Urban, billing itself as a wine bar and cocktail lounge. The spot's got an awning and work permit up at 3216 S. Grand (perilously close to Erato, the wine bar, and Absolutli Goosed, a cocktail lounge, but hey, the more the merrier!) and teases with drinks like lychee mojitos and an elixir called "el mariachi."

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:55 PM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

December 09, 2005

Thurman Café, R.I.P.

In our once-in-a-while rip through blogs of interest, we note that, after a long illness, the sister location to Tower Grove South's popular Hartford Coffee Company has succumbed to its apparent defects.

What went wrong there? Too close to the original location? Any Shaw people want to weigh in?

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:25 AM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

November 12, 2005

Adios to Jasoom

It's looking like South Grand's comfort-food eatery Jasoom has taken that long ride into the sunset, with a banner strung outside over the awning declaring, "Mexican Food!" The crack team here at stlalamode will get back as soon as we find out more...well, if there's good guacamole on South Grand, it might take us a little longer, but don't worry: we are coming back.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 11:01 PM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

November 03, 2005

Terrene-riffic

In a stunning redo of the former Southern Belle Supper Club space (and before that, any old-timers out there remember Blanche's?), Terrene has opened its doors into a bar, dining room and patio of stunning grace and good taste. Dave Owens, formerly half of the Cardwell's team, presides, and from a mushroom soup of brothy goodness to a "mixed" fry that includes anchovies, onions and lemons, from grilled hangar steak to just about the fanciest St. Paul sandwich you're ever bound to meet...everything we've had was tasty and beautiful. Hooray for a menu that celebrates seasonality, our vegetarian friends and its neighborhood! The patio, we hear from co-owner John McElwain, will be open (with its groovy, California-style propane heaters) as often as there is above-freezing weather and demand.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:29 PM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

November 02, 2005

On the Food, I Mean, Road Again

Food & Wine's been to town, kids, and like what they saw: the Lou is featured in the November '05 issue. Spots of note include Kaldi's Coffee, Savor (who can resist the appeal of a "mortuary-turned-restaurant"?), Pin-Up Bowl (and its forgotten classic drinks including the Derby), the Chase Park Plaza and its pool terrace bar (the author recommends "locally brewed Schlafly beer") and, in a shopping nod, Brewington in the CWE.

Bring on the foodie hordes!

Posted by Miss Cherry at 01:24 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

September 21, 2005

I'm Crushin'

Ah, October and the beginning of the Wine Country Craze...Recently we got a fun postcard from Bethlehem Valley winery, announcing their "Crush Party" on Sunday, October 9, from noon-5 p.m.

Among the highlights: a tasting of the 2002 Norton (rated 87 by Wine Spectator magazine), food, wine, hayrides, vineyard tours—and here's the good part.

"mini horses, full size cows"

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:39 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

August 31, 2005

Last Days of August

Truly, as we hear Restaurant August in Clayton is getting ready to close. Chef August Mrozowski, who's had a long run at his joint in Springfield, Illinois, apparently was not successful in transferring a winning formula to the former 12 North (and before that, Café Mira) space. Surely something should thrive in that spot?

UPDATE: Thanks to eagle-eyed reader (and August investor? :) Scott's notes in the comments below, we can tell you that August is alive and serving in Clayton.

UPDATE #2: Per info in Deb Peterson's column today (March 1, 2006), August has finally succumbed and will be taken over again by restaurateur Mike Johnson, of Boogaloo and Barcelona fame.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:30 PM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

August 29, 2005

Coffee with a Sense of Humor

To keep you smiling on your morning commute: the go-cups from the coffee bar at Wild Oats remind you along the bottom edge, "Caution: Very Hot. Like the Sun. But Liquid. And Tastier."

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:07 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

August 28, 2005

Saucy Talk

With St. Louis becoming ever more recognized as a serious dining town, you might be interested in hearing what Catherine Neville and Allyson Mace, the gurus behind Sauce Magazine, had to say in an appearance last week on KDHX. (You can listen to it streaming or via podcast...ain't technology cool?) Apparently one of the show's hosts had a quibble with this month's cover, the loaded hot dog.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:52 PM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

August 25, 2005

Vintage Puck

Perhaps patrons at Puck's, in the Saint Louis Art Museum, should be on the lookout for changes soon to the wine offerings? Over lunch yesterday, Puck brother Klaus was spotted cloistered away in the back corner of the dining room, doing what looked to be a professional-level wine tasting, complete with spit bucket. (He's a close look-alike for more media-exposed brother Wolfgang, by the way...) Lots of nervous staff folks hung around the margins, hoping to make his first visit here in at least a year a successful one.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:38 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

August 03, 2005

Dirt Cheap Downtown Dining

This is excellent news for foodies: from Aug. 22-27, St. Louis hosts "Downtown Restaurant Week," during which time diners can choose from 20 different downtown restaurants and enjoy a 3-course prix fixe dinner for $25 per person. Peruse the tasty options (most restaurants have their menu choices posted) and make a reservation now for old favorites like Mike Shannon's and Charlie Gitto's, or perhaps try somewhere relatively new? If you haven't made it to 400 Olive or Red Moon yet, now might be the time. Mmmm, Tuscan White Bean Soup....

See you downtown! (Now, how will I fit 20 restaurants into 6 nights?)

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:27 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

July 20, 2005

Can You Taste It?

Well, it's about time: we've finally joined the bandwagon of our sister cities (including our Northern Nemesis) and gotten our very own "Taste of St. Louis" festival. Slated to take place during the first weekend of October (and the last two regular-season games at Busch Stadium), this food/art/music festival is under the direction of Mike Kociela (of Entertainment St. Louis, Davide Weaver (of Art Dimensions) and K. Sonderegger (of Made You Look advertising).

Nothing against the tastes of Clayton, the CWE and others, but we hope this downtown affair proves to be a hit. Civic pride and all. But when Southern Comfort's in charge of the music, can you really go wrong?

(We know there are those who would say, "Can you really go right?" We will accept that reasonable adults can disagree.)

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:29 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

July 19, 2005

Vegan Week

My fifteen-year-old son and myself will embark on an experiment for seven days beginning this Sunday (July 24). We're going Vegan.

We were jazzed to find Veg Web as a resource for recipes and meal planning. Buying Vegan products may pose an additional challenge, however.

Continue reading "Vegan Week"
Posted by Mary Chino at 10:25 AM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

Road Trip

We were passing through Cuba, Missouri on our way to camp and float the Current River. We spotted a billboard for Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q and became intrigued.

After a weekend of camp food we hit the Hick on the way home and were delighted to discover excellent smoked meats, a fabulous, generous array of side-dishes and four varieties of cobbler. Talk about a lucky roadside find! The decor is adorable, prices are low and the food and sauces are better than (dare I say it) Super Smokers. It's worth the trip.

Continue reading "Road Trip"
Posted by Mary Chino at 10:18 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

July 16, 2005

Shut Your Mouth. (On Second Thought, Open It, and Shove In Some Soul Food)

Delighted we are to see a sign for a new tenant on the way for The Restaurant Formerly Known as Mangrove: coming soon is "Sweetie Pie's at The Mangrove."

The original Sweetie Pie's, owned by former Ikette Robbie Montgomery and holding strong in north county, receives raves for its Mississippi-style cooking. Miss Cherry has some people who hail from Mississippi, and she is plumb excited.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:52 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

July 15, 2005

Coffee for the Journey

Kayak's Coffee, the over-the-top built-out coffee hangout that's proven popular with Wash U kids (and able to sustain the crowds during an insane MetroLink construction phase), is expanding, with its second location slated to open in the new Richmond Heights "lifestyle center" that currently houses Crate & Barrel et al.

Look for the beans to be brewing in August. And boy, we hope their tabletop s'mores make the journey, too...

Posted by Miss Cherry at 05:54 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

June 14, 2005

Get in my Belly

It's not St. Louis, but dig this guy who has blogged every meal he's eaten since 2002!

Posted by Mary Chino at 01:20 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

June 09, 2005

Dangerous love

You know the kind of girl who's always attracted to the dangerous guy? The relationship that's sure to end in heartbreak, down a long, treacherous road?

I'm that kind of girl.

The other night I fell for a drink that rocked my world, waking the next morning wanting both to die, and to do it all again. The drink? The chocolate martini, sipped with much pleasure during a wonderful night at Absoluti Goosed.
Now, I can't stop thinking about getting goosed again.

Continue reading "Dangerous love"
Posted by Mary Chino at 06:19 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

June 06, 2005

Harvesting

We finally made it to Harvest. We may be some of the last people in St. Louis to go, but it was worth the wait.

We enjoyed a bottle of Three Saints pinot noir. Our table enjoyed the hanger steak, the lamb special, the halibut, and the walleye . . . everyone was silenced with pleasure.

Then, dessert. For goodness' sake, get the bread pudding -- free with entree on Thursdays. You won't be sorry.

Posted by Mary Chino at 07:07 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

June 02, 2005

Summer Wheatley

Just in time for the hotness of it all, infused beers of various sorts (or "chick-beers," as they're known around my house) arrive, and we recommend trying out a six-pack of two excellent local brews: Schlafly's bottled Raspberry Hefeweizen, which tastes kind of like drinking fruit and therefore seems healthy, and small-but-mighty O'Fallon Brewery enters the fray with the cheeky Wheach, a peach-imbued wheat beer.

Cast your vote for one of them, and it'll be summer all summer long...

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:27 AM | Link & Discuss (4 comments)

May 22, 2005

One Hot Idea

Craving fresh from the oven chocolate chip cookies after watching the torturous Food Network, we searched our pantry for chocolate chip makings, to no avail. I had an errand to run across town and remembered hearing some buzz about a cookie place . . .

I found One Hot Cookie off Jungermann Road in St. Peters, the only place I know you can order and emerge 15 minutes later with a giant pizza box full of hot melty cookies. $10 for 16 and you can choose from a wide variety of cookies to go. Glasses of milk and smiles all around when hero mom walked in the door. Did I mention they deliver?

Continue reading "One Hot Idea"
Posted by Mary Chino at 08:56 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

May 20, 2005

Beans and Cornbread, Please Don't Fight

Because in the song, beans knocked cornbread outta sight, and I just can't imagine enjoying all the savory things on Jireh Restaurant's new menu without cornbread!

Taking over the former spot of the popular Jason's Restaurant in Ferguson, Jireh promises the following:

Homemade chicken salad
Reuben sandwiches
Catfish
Baked and fried chicken
Candied yams
Sweet potato pie
The "best homemade rolls and cornbread you'll ever taste"

Every Tuesday will be Beans & Peas Day!! All you want to eat, and pints packed up to take home, too!

You know you'll see me there, lunch and dinner, after they open on May 26: 9300 West Florissant Road.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:29 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

May 14, 2005

Spring in the CWE

My sister was in town, not that we needed an excuse, but we invited mutual friends and booked a table at Bar Italia. Is there a more perfect springtime place to be than the CWE with friends, wine and good food?

Followed dinner with martinis, art films and dancing . . . no, not really. Strolled the street and ate ice cream, then hurried home to our kids.

Posted by Mary Chino at 08:26 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

May 13, 2005

Up On the Roof

Now available atop the Dickmann Building (wherein the sophisticated Erato wine bar holds court at street level), you and up to 24 other of your nearest-and-dearest could enjoy a swank private party, catered by same Erato. That's so wonderful to contemplate that we hope someone we know will have a private party there and invite us!

On that topic, St. Louis surely suffers from a dearth of roof-top diversions. What would you like to see, and where? And where's the best rooftop you've been to, set up as a bar/restaurant/whatnot?

Posted by Miss Cherry at 01:26 AM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

April 17, 2005

So West County

A trip into "the valley" last night had me wondering; exactly how many restaurants can Chesterfield support, anyway? A lot. That's the answer and on a Saturday night, they're all doing quite well, thank you.

We don't venture that way, well, ever really but had occasion to and chose from a ridiculously overwhelming (ah, America) selection. The valley is a geographic buffet.

I didn't know that the Old Spaghetti Factory had planted an offshoot in Chesterfield and while it's just not the same, if you order your favorite Italian dish (cue Dad: Sophia Lauren!) and close your eyes it's almost . . .

Oh who am I kidding? You must go to the city for real Old Spaghetti Factory, but if you're already in Chesterfield and some garlic cheesebread and a huge plate of pasta is in order; just go.

Continue reading "So West County"
Posted by Mary Chino at 08:31 AM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

April 08, 2005

Comfort and Cheese at Jasoom

In the spot once (and long) occupied by Le Petit Paris (don't fret, petits chou-choux, we're sure Chef Philippe will turn up just fine at a multitude of new ventures), we now have Jasoom, bringing the mini-trend of upscale comfort food to the South Grand strip. The new look of the dining room is modern and clean (our dining companion noted "how much bigger the space looks without all that crap on the walls"); the menu includes one of God's gifts to appetizers, the fried pickle (though we'd prefer them sliced and not speared, but a minor quibble). We're not sure where down home the proprietors hail from, but they learned at the apron-strings of a master: Kentucky Hot Brown, fried chicken dredged in buttermilk and spices, and plenty of other treats to tuck into. Given the overall fat (and cheese) content of many of the entrées, this may have to be an occasional treat rather than a three-times-a-week standby. And one gimmick -- sandwiches made on thick French bread turned upside down so that it forms giant crusty wings -- is a lot better in aesthetic theory than in eating practice.

Check it out: 3210 S. Grand, 314-644-4145, dinner served Tu-Sa.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:23 PM | Link & Discuss (3 comments)

March 22, 2005

Finally, Your Chance to Savor

After what seems like years of anticipation (and a rumored $2+ mil on buildout and prep), Savor had the second of two soft openings last night at its remarkable Lindell location. It's a triumphant return to the St. Louis dining scene for chef Kirk Warner (once of King Louie's), and the décor and ambiance of the place are notable, as well. Though we could live without the TV in the bar (flat-screen even, but c'mon people, must it invade every space?), the dining rooms are eye-popping, the chef's table/wine cellar in the basement is lush and inviting, and even the bathrooms are a sensory delight, kind of a Vietnamese market/opium den feel. Now we're just waiting for the Flim-Flam Theatre to debut in the back of the space to complete this unique venue. And dinner at 10 on a Monday night?!? Watch out , sleepy St. Louis.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 12:11 PM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

March 04, 2005

Caffeine When You Need It

That new expansion must be working out well: MoKaBe's plans to start opening at the more work-crowd friendly hour of 7 a.m., meaning it'll finally be in a position to give the neighboring Bread Co. a run for the morning money. Look for the new hours early this spring.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:55 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

February 28, 2005

Riblicious

The Loop Creep (a good thing, as opposed to some shady character who hangs out around Sunshine Daydream) continues its eastward march, with a sparkling new Marion's St. Louis Rib open on the south side of the street, a skosh west of Goodfellow.

Sadly, the Lifestyles Cafe just up the way -- despite having a lovely, lighted sign -- remains but a dream.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:56 PM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

February 27, 2005

Bottleneck

Waited 1.5 hours for a table at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood. Worth it? mmmmaybe. Seven of us for dinner and I loved mine (smoked pork tenderloin, whipped sweet potatoes, spiced apples). From the rest of the group there was a decided, "meh."

Don't let this dissuade you. Just go with fewer friends.

Posted by Mary Chino at 09:30 PM | Link & Discuss (3 comments)

February 08, 2005

But Do They Have Prince Albert in a Can?

Spotted first over at STL Diatriber, info on the new Tin Can Tavern and Grille in Tower Grove South neighborhood, whose gimmick is a 50-deep list of beers...all served up in cans. Lowlifes win! It's a PBR-inspired revolution!

Posted by Miss Cherry at 09:54 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

February 03, 2005

A Moveable Feast?

According to Ann Haubrich, the lovely Sunday brunch housed at MoKaBe's, lo these many years, is decamping to the former Triple Xpresso's for a Sunday brunch she'll call the "Shagri-La Diner." The skinny: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., cash only, $11 for all-you-can-eat. If the past six years are any indication, chef Patrice will keep it heavily vegetarian-friendly.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:54 PM | Link & Discuss (3 comments)

February 01, 2005

Make mine a Mai Tai

Need a nearby escape from the cold and slush? Call ahead for seating at Bahama Breeze (don't even try this on a weekend, but week nights will have you seated within 30 minutes) and sip a Mai Tai next to the fireplace. Enjoy the sounds of a live steel drum one-man band. Jumbo sea scallops, paella, and some Key Lime pie will adjust your winter attitude.
We went with a group of nine -- smaller groups are better at this restaurant -- visit them for lunch or dinner in Chesterfield, by Chesterfield Mall.

Posted by Mary Chino at 09:59 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

January 31, 2005

More Bad News for FPSE Foodies

Word trickles in that JaBoni's Bistro, the oddly named but quite lauded supper club at the northwest corner of Manchester and Tower Grove, has closed. Just goes to show you that even being named "Best New Restaurant" (two years ago by Sauce Magazine) isn't guarantee of immunity.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:56 PM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

January 26, 2005

But Where Will We Get Our Men?

It appears the Mangrove, at least in its current incarnation, is out: signs in all the windows and doors read: "Dear Valued Customer: Thank You! It's Been a Pleasure Serving You! Re-Opening with a Great New Concept Soon."

To our minds, there's no greater concept than that fancy, butterfat-filled Cedar Crest Ice Cream they served up in all kinds of sundaes, floats and more...

Posted by Miss Cherry at 05:04 PM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

January 25, 2005

Opa! Not your Grandma's Spiro's

Flaming cheese memories abound; the original Spiro's on Natural Bridge near UM-St. Louis, and the "newer" locations in Creve Coeur and Chesterfield serving up Greek cuisine by tuxedoed waiters who are masters of flame.

Rejoice far west-enders -- there's a new Spiro's location in St. Charles on Hwy. 94, a lighter, not your grandma's spot with the same great food and a younger crowd. Salads are great; stuffed filet with twice-baked potatoes, even better.

Continue reading "Opa! Not your Grandma's Spiro's"
Posted by Mary Chino at 10:31 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

January 19, 2005

Cool Beans!

We were starting to wonder if they'd get back to it, but Hartford Coffee Company has relaunched their web site and it's very cool: menu, coffee philosophy and links to a bunch of great organizations, from global coffee concerns to lil' ol' Arch City Chronicle and The Commonspace. Viva Hartford Coffee Company! (And it's true: the Hartford Cocoa is a delightful surprise...)

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:41 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

Schlafly Goes Soft?

More news from our favorite little big brewer: the Schlafly empire will expand quite soon to include a locally produced line of soft drinks (including birch beer, ginger beer and root beer) that will bear the name "Osterweis," a nod to top sudsman Dan Kopman's grandfather, Yalie Rollin Osterweis.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:48 AM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

January 15, 2005

Jonesin' for pudding

Had a jones for bread pudding but not enough eggs to make my own. Did you know that it's impossible to find a bread pudding recipe with less than four eggs? Anyway, last night fulfilled my yearning at Cravings with the delish cranberry bread pudding and whiskey sauce. Heaven!

Cravings, in Kirkwood on Big Bend, has food too, but is a great place to go just for the dessert. Met with two girlfriends (my best friend; her best friend; love them both; it's complicated) intent on a chocolate induced daze but heard about the bread pudding special and caved. Other winter-lovely menu faves: homemade vanilla ice cream with fudge sauce or the apple gelatte.

Posted by Mary Chino at 10:14 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

January 13, 2005

Membership Has Its Privileges

At the narrow swankness that is Brennan's Wine, Food and Tobacco, in the Central West End, you can buy a bottle of wine for dinner, pick up some fancy party cheese (not like that orange crap you eat at home when no one's looking)...and sneak down to the speakeasy.

Yes, down a dark flight of stairs is a secret basement bar, and for $100 a year, you can be in the club. "Preferred Membership" at Brennan's gets you weekly Wednesday wine tastings (and you can bring along a friend!), a welcome gift basket, 10% off on all your purchases at the market and bar, and so on. I was told that the eventual plan is to open up the back entrance where patrons would buzz to be admitted into the long, dark hallway that will deliver them to...the speakeasy.

In your best gruff voice, tell 'em Miss Cherry sent ya.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 03:13 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

January 11, 2005

We Are Not Amused

Supping recently at 609, we were presented with that delightful opening salvo, the amuse-boûche (though our server, of course, Midwesternized it to be an "amusé"): in this case, a Japanese soup spoonful of tangy, marinated kim chee.

Other places around town we know that continue the fine tradition of sending out a little compliment from the chef include Harvest, Lorenzo's and Lagniappe's, natch (since their name is the Louisiana equivalent.)

Perhaps you know of more?

Posted by Miss Cherry at 04:13 PM | Link & Discuss (2 comments)

January 09, 2005

More Mangia

Word on the street (the street being Grand Ave.) is that Mangia Italiano will expand in a northward push into the former Vintage Haberdashery space. The vintage clothing enterprise, meanwhile, is looking for new digs, though we're sure secondhand is fine with them.

Imagine all that new wall space that will be freed up for the mural stylings of Wayne St. Wayne..

Posted by Miss Cherry at 02:11 PM | Link & Discuss (1 comment)

"Smoke"-abe's No More

Today marked the debut brunch for the new, nonsmoking loft addition at MoKaBe's, the venerable coffeehouse at 3606 Arsenal (at Grand). The mostly vegetarian/vegan offerings include quiche, tofu scramble, a to-die-for creme brulee French toast, juice and of course, coffee. Mmmmm. Now the only long-standing strike against the place (if you're of the nonsmoking persuasion, of course) has been erased.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 02:01 PM | Link & Discuss (5 comments)

January 04, 2005

The Other Tony's

We lucked into the best eats ever in St. Charles on NYE! Cruised in to Tony's on Main and were seated within half an hour -- not bad for a big night in Old Town. If you get there, try the Chicken Anthony. Definitely in line for the best restaurant in the West. Watch out, Bommarito, there's a new Tony's in town.

Posted by Mary Chino at 09:48 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

Global Cuisine, We Hardly Knew Ye

Graffiti Global, in the Central West End, has closed its doors. Hadn't made it there myself (in, uh, plenty enough time) but it seemed somehow incongruous — the bad graphic design wasn't helping out, either.

Posted by Miss Cherry at 02:20 PM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)

January 03, 2005

Eat-In Kitchen, Schlafly Style

Word from the Tap Room is that the end of January will bring with it a new area where the hungry and curious can dine on the floor of the Brewhouse. Well, we're sure they won't actually make you eat on the floor -- it's actually called the "Brewer's Table."

Posted by Miss Cherry at 10:52 AM | Link & Discuss (0 comments)