Plus: Dining editor George Mahe on go-to Super Bowl food options, The Benevolent King in Maplewood pivots, and more
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A message from dining editor George Mahe

Today, we offer some advice regarding Valentine’s Day dining. Arguably the biggest dining “holiday” of the year, it’s easy to spend the equivalent of a car payment on dinner and drinks. But there are less costly options. Enjoy dinner at home from Gourmet to Go, where a beef filet or lobster Newburg costs $25 and $15, respectively. At BRIO Italian Grille, a three-course dinner for two is $69.99. 5 Star Burgers will turn down the lights and present red tablecloths, candles, and a little Barry White—along with half-pound burgers and a bottle of wine—for $45 per couple. At Grace Meat + Three, chef/owner Rick Lewis goes both high- and low-brow by offering a Fried Foods Tower (including fried chicken tenders, lobster, calamari and crawfish fritto misto, and catfish, along with side dishes and caviar service including mini johnnycakes) for $115. (Order in advance; dine in only.) At press time, reservations are still available at participating White Castle locations for the slider chain’s legendary Valentine’s Day dinner. And for even more ideas, check out the latest episode of Arch Eats on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available.

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Bite-Sized Bits

Hot Spot 🍷

Terroir Events at 33 Wine Bar: Every Thursday, 33 Wine Shop & Bar offers a singular experience for guests to “imbibe, ingest, intone, and indulge,” according to its website. From 6–9 p.m., guests can listen to a curated playlist and imbibe from a date-specific, themed wine and drink list while indulging in pizza from Pie Guy STL. From 9–11 p.m., a DJ curates the music, with Detroit-style slices available (while supplies last). A $10 per person charge covers production costs; beverages and pizza are extra. Additional details are available here.

Insider Tip 🍾

STLwinegirl Celebrates a Milestone: For the past 15 years, Angela Ortmann (a.k.a. STLwinegirl) has assisted local restaurants with food and beverage consultation, education, and events, as well as marketing and social-media needs. To celebrate her 15-year business anniversary, aptly named FIFTEEN, the sommelier is hosting an interactive tasting party inspired by 15 people, places, wines, foods, and experiences that have influenced her culinary journey. Emphasis will be placed on wines from St. Louis–based sommelier and winemaker Michael Kennedy (Fraiche Wine Group–SOM wines, Component, Gagnon Kennedy) as well as famed sommelier, winemaker, and host of popular YouTube wine show André Mack (Maison Noir Wines), who will be in attendance. Interactive experiences will include a wine aroma station, a play on the fine dining cheese cart experience, and a “geek grape” table with local sommeliers pouring their favorite obscure wines. Guests can expect an array of foods, from St. Louis barbecue and toasted ravioli to special Tomales Bay oysters and other San Francisco classics, sushi, plus specialties from Mai Lee and Nudo House. The celebration will be held at Mai Lee on February 26. All-inclusive tickets for the event are $65 and available here.

Microrant đźš«

Dirty Bathrooms: While we don’t subscribe to the theory that a dirty restaurant bathroom equates to a dirty kitchen (the chef could be a clean freak and the manager-on-duty less of one), we do agree that a dirty bathroom is a major turnoff (and a problem that could be easily corrected) to all who notice. And though a guest might be uncomfortable or unwilling to mention the infraction on the spot, we suggest an anonymous phone call immediately after the fact to limit any embarrassment to both parties.

Openings, closings, and coming soons 🚨

Oats & Honey (624 N. New Ballas): The owners of Las Fuentes Mexican Restaurants introduce a new concept that combines American breakfast dishes with Mexican ingredients and flavors.

 

Pavilion (5201 Shaw): Nick Bognar plans to open the omakase experience in the courtyard at Sado this spring.

 

Hot Pizza Cold Beer (610 Washington): From the team behind Sugarfire Smoke House and Hi-Pointe Drive-In, the throwback pizza joint recently opened in the former Pi Pizzeria space at the MX in downtown St. Louis.

 

See list of more than 60 openings, closings, and coming soons »

A MESSAGE FROM WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ORTHOPEDICS

Boy in Cast Ortho

No reservation needed at the Orthopedic Injury Clinic

When your knee is suddenly swollen from exercise or your kiddo sprains an ankle, you need instant access to orthopedic care. For bone and muscle injuries, head to the WashU Orthopedic Injury Clinic, where you can walk-in or reserve your time ahead for same-day care, including evenings and Saturdays. You’ll see an orthopedic specialist who can quickly diagnose the problem and get you on the road to recovery. The Injury Clinic offers onsite radiology and casting for breaks, sprains, and fractures for ages five and up. Three area locations: Progress West Hospital; Center for Advanced Medicine–South County; Orthopedic Center in Chesterfield.

WashU Ortho Injury Clinic Locations and Hours »

arch-eats-ep-8

Arch Eats, Episode 8: The Love Connection

George and Cheryl discuss their picks for the most romantic restaurants in town, including where to go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; plus, a microrant about to-go boxes.

Listen Now »

soccer
BENEVOLENT KING

The Benevolent King transitioning to Japanese-themed restaurant beginning February 14

The changes will showcase the culinary expertise of executive chef Eliott Harris.

See full article with photos »

$5K Car Payment Sweepstakes (National SS)

SWEEPTSTAKES

Want to win free car payments for a year?

Buckle up, because here's your chance! Enter to win a $5,000 check to help pay off your car.

2024 Camp Guide Promotion

SPONSORED GUIDE

Give your child their best summer ever!

From arts to athletics, these summer programs provide plenty of options for children to continue their development outside of the school year. Find the perfect one for your child with our Summer Camp Guide.

Ask George: What's your favorite Super Bowl food?

Our dining editor also posed the question to fellow dining writers, chefs, and restaurateurs—including Shake Shack's Danny Meyer.

Read George's response »

In Case You Missed It

  • The best chicken wings in St. Louis
  • A Valentine's Day guide to St. Louis restaurants
  • Ask George: Are heart-shaped pizzas still popular for Valentine’s Day?
  • FOX 2: Meals With Mahe: George’s top items for Valentine’s Day

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