There are some streets in St. Louis that always seem to be buzzing with activity: South Grand, Euclid Avenue in the CWE, Cherokee Street, The Grove, the Delmar Loop, and Washington Avenue come to mind. Driving west along Wash. Ave. from Broadway, I made some inquiries and jotted down some observations. After a long hiatus, Pi Pizzeria at the MX (610 Washington), and Gringo (635 Washington) have officially closed, according to executive chef Cary McDowell, who partially blamed the closure on “losing traction, the lack of labor, and an inconsistent stream of customers.” Meanwhile, at Sugarfire Smoke House (605 Washington), there was a line out the door. Co-owner Charlie Downs reports that revenue is back to pre-pandemic levels, but “it’s the cost of sales and both the cost and supply of labor that present the challenges.” Dave Bailey, co-owner of the recently relocated Rooster (1025 Washington), says the new location “was the best thing to happen to Rooster outside of opening it in the first place.” While waiting for a liquor license to be approved, brothers Oswaldo and Oscar Farina of Farina’s Kitchen & Bar (1001 Washington) are sharing the art and science of hot stone cooking. Havana’s Cuisine (1131 Washington) serves a killer Cuban sandwich four ways. Hard to find but worth the effort is eight-month-old Harold’s Shrimp & Chicken Sports Bar (1325 Washington, rear), where the specialty is catfish dinners, served with shrimp, chicken, or wings. A little farther west is the sprawling Latte Lounge + HG Eatery (2617 Washington), an amazing must-experience multi-purpose space (and sister restaurant to Latte Lounge in Florissant) featuring brunch all day, split-cup cold drinks, a five-flavor latté flight, a game room, and swings at the bar. A few blocks to the west is another sleeper, the relocated Sophie’s Artist Lounge (3333 Washington) a riotous street art gallery and lounge boasting discounted craft cocktails early on and a DJ after 9 p.m. And in the next block is another immersive experience, Bulrush (3307 Washington), where the Bar at Bulrush has reopened, featuring food and drink based on the Ozark region in the 19th and 20th centuries. Why the verbose introduction? We simply wanted to point out the vast array of dining options along a 2-mile stretch of just one street in St. Louis.
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Bite-Size Bits
HOT SPOT
StilL 630 Celebrates 10 Years
In honor of its 10-year anniversary, StilL 630 owner David Weglarz is rolling out the proverbial barrel in grand style. On June 25, from 5–9 p.m., the self-proclaimed “best distillery in The Milky Way” will offer craft cocktails, eats from Balkan Treat Box, beers from Side Project Brewing, coffee from Kaldi’s Coffee, sweets from Belle Toffee and Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream, spirits from The Big O Ginger Liqueur, and live music from the Josh Eaker Band. New products (released that day) include Side Hustle Whiskey (a collaboration with Side Project Brewery), Fleur de Gin, and Cask Strength Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Tickets are $40 in advance. For information and to buy tickets and pre-order bottles before they run out, click here. 1000 4th Street.
INSIDER TIP
Casa Don Alfonso Wine Dinner
On Thursday, July 7, Casa Don Alfonso, the first U. S. project from renowned Italian restaurateur (and Michelin star recipient) Mario Iaccarino, will host an exclusive multi-course wine dinner in the restaurant’s 16-seat private dining room. Casa Don Alfonso sommelier Martin Penn Griffin has created a singular experience in collaboration with guest sommelier Michael Kennedy, including wines from Kennedy’s Vin Fraîche portfolio, as well as a few “extremely limited production favorites” from the restaurant’s collection. The menu includes a Farmer’s Board Presentation, Swordfish Carpaccio, Gnocchi Zucchini with Burrata and Langoustines, Mezze Maniche with Octopus Ragu, Lamb Supreme, and an Interactive Dessert Presentation. Wines include Component Semillion and Cabernet Sauvignon, State of Mind Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and La Caccia di San Giovanni (a Sangiovese, Cabernet, and Petit Verdot blend), among others. In addition to the six-course menu and wine pairings, guests will receive several take-home specialty items to commemorate the occasion. “Our culinary team has a fantastic evening in store for guests, with interactive components all designed to highlight these incredible wines,” says Casa Don Alfonso general manager Alen Tanovic. The dinner is $295 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). At press time, 12 seats were available. Any dietary restrictions and allergies must be arranged in advance. To make a reservation, email alen.tanovic@ritzcarlton.com or call 314-719-1421.
MICRORANT
Happy Hour Headaches
We love the concept of happy hours, but for some establishments, the practicality of the concept has been lost. There are places that don’t publish happy hour information online and staffers who are clueless regarding the days/times or the items offered. Then there are the hours themselves. We’re down with the all-day happy hour, appreciative of the ones that run until 6:30 or 7 p.m. (in at least part of the bar or restaurant), and really get after those that extend to Saturday (and even Sunday). But we question the logic of narrow, untenable windows, such as 3–5 p.m., which are problematic for most people. Sure, we’d like to knock off work a few hours early but dare not. Happy hour organizers should be realistic and forego the impractical teases or else abandon the idea entirely.
Honey Bee’s Biscuits + Good Eats opening in Kirkwood next month
Mike and Meredith Shadwick parlayed a popular comfort food into a farmers' market success story, quickly doubled down with a food truck—then another—and are now opening a brick-and-mortar.
Take in the sights and sounds of Let Them Eat Art featuring live art demonstrations, performances by regional musicians, and kids’ activities. Shop with the retailers and enjoy food and drink at some of Maplewood’s award-winning restaurants.
We are excited to reveal the honorees of the 2022 A-List Readers’ Choice Awards as voted on by YOU! Thank you to all who participated in the poll, and congratulations to all winners and finalists! See who's on the A-List.
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