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11.20.25

This newsletter is presented by

A message from associate editor Mike Miller

Welcome to this week’s newsletter! Here’s what you’ll find inside:

🍕 Nettie’s Pizza Den opens in Clayton.

🍣 Sushi AI draws crowds at new location.

📅 Mark your calendar with seasonal events.

👤 Meet Paul Weiss, president of The Oasis Institute.

🏡 View a four-bedroom home that just hit the market.

Nettie’s Pizza Den opened Wednesday in downtown Clayton. Photography by Kevin A. Roberts

📰 AROUND THE BLOCK

Chef Mike Randolph opens Nettie’s Pizza Den: After several years away from opening new restaurants, acclaimed local chef Mike Randolph has returned with Nettie’s Pizza Den (33 N. Central), a 45-seat pizzeria that quietly debuted in Clayton on Wednesday. Taking over the former Planet Smoothie/LemonShark Poke space, Randolph continues his quest for the perfect pizza, this time using a unique two-oven hybrid method for enhanced structure and texture. Given Clayton’s heavy pickup and delivery market, that structure is key, the chef feels. Read more in our online story.

Clayton police respond to 782 calls between November 3–16: Notable incidents included an interrupted burglary at an apartment building, a series of overnight vehicle break-ins, multiple thefts at CVS, and a credit card stolen from a diner at 801 Chophouse. Officers also arrested a man for peace disturbance after multiple reports of yelling in the Moorlands and later encountered another individual who resisted officers and spat inside a patrol vehicle. Several hit-and-run crashes and two DWI arrests were also reported.

SLM reviews Sushi Ai’s new Clayton location: Dining critic Dave Lowry says Sushi Ai delivers fast, well-made, and value-priced sushi at its new location (46 N. Central). Don’t expect Tokyo-level craft, Lowry says, but the nigiri is neat, the rolls are wild, and the crowds seem to approve.

A MESSAGE FROM ST. LOUIS MAGAZINE

St. Louis Magazines’s holiday giveaway series is back

Save big and give local this holiday season. Discover exclusive giveaways and limited-time offers from beloved St. Louis businesses and destinations.

See Holiday Giveaways »

🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Third Friday: The Hottest Party in St. Louis (November 21, Third Degree Glass Factory): From 6–10 p.m., choose from a selection of activities that use glass to create a unique Christmas ornament. $75–$100.

Improv Troupe: COCA Ignites! (November 22, Center of Creative Arts): Enjoy a fun, interactive performance by COCA’s Improv Troupe, with activities that involve audience participation from 7–8 p.m. $18.

Comedian Lavell Crawford (November 28–November 30, Helium Comedy Club): The St. Louis native has appeared on numerous TV shows, including Breaking Bad. $38.99.

R&B Bowling After Dark (November 30, Tropicana Lanes): Listen to your favorite R&B and hip-hop tunes while bowling strikes from 7–10 p.m. Tickets are $19.59.

Pictures with Santa (Daily through December 24, Saint Louis Galleria): Schedule a shoot with Santa. Reservations start at $19.99. Walk-ups are welcome, too.

Create a Custom Christmas Stocking (December 3, MADE Makerspace): From 6–8 p.m., create a Christmas stocking by cutting fabric, adding lining, and fixing a sturdy hanging loop. $50.

Paul Weiss. Courtesy The Oasis Institute

⭐️ COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Oasis leader talks mission, community impact

As president of The Oasis Institute, Paul Weiss has built his career around work that feels meaningful and improves people’s lives. Guided by curiosity and a “get to yes” approach, Weiss hopes to expand Oasis’ reach and promote lifelong learning, purposeful volunteering, and the idea that aging can be vibrant for everyone.

BRANDED CONTENT

The Bruning Law Firm: From family roots to a citywide legacy

When Tony Bruning started the firm in 2016 alongside his sons, their goal was to fight for people who had been unfairly hurt. Find out why it has grown into one of St. Louis’ most trusted personal injury firms.

📌 BULLETIN BOARD

Ivy Cafe (14 N. Meramec) has rolled out a string of new offerings, including a late-night Candlelight Hour with playful brunch plates from 8:30–9:30 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday, a new 14-bottle wine list, and a Paul Cherrier Sancerre and Starmont Cabernet tasting tonight from 6–8 p.m.
Gladys Manion Real Estate is collecting new, unwrapped toys for a holiday toy drive to benefit Friends of Kids With Cancer. Donations will be accepted at the firm’s office (8227 Maryland) through December 12.
Casa Don Alfonso will debut its new Casa Boutique pâtisserie this winter inside The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis (100 Carondelet). Casa Boutique will offer Italian pastries, espresso drinks, savory bites, and preorder whole cakes—including holiday specials like a Yule log and panettone—available for pickup starting December 10. A grand opening date will be announced later.
Stretch U will open its newest assisted-stretching studio at 7396 Pershing on Saturday. It will bring one-on-one stretching, compression therapy, and the company’s first-ever yoga classes to the Clayton–University City area.
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is bringing back its Teddy Bear Tea on November 29, offering families gourmet treats, live entertainment, and optional Build-A-Bear add-ons. Reservations are still available via OpenTable for the 10 a.m. seating.
A new Washington Post analysis shows snowfall in St. Louis County has dropped 23 percent over the past five years, with forecasts pointing to another below-average winter unless an early-season polar vortex shakes things up.
The School District of Clayton’s social work team is working to help support 70 families and more than 150 students this holiday season. Purchase gift cards or food items prior to December 5.

This four-bedroom home is located in Clayton’s Claverach Park neighborhood. Courtesy Davis Property Group.

🏠 HOME OF THE WEEK

4-bed home hits the market

Architectural charm: Built in 1927, this 2,630-square-foot Tudor-style home features original hardwood floors, historic millwork, and stained-glass windows, among other features.

Updated kitchen and entertaining spaces: The refreshed kitchen has solid-surface counters, a custom-colored range, and a designer-tile backsplash. The room opens into the family room and has backyard access.