Plus: A Busch family heir opens a new brewery and distillery in Defiance 
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St. Louis Dining Out

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A message from dining editor George Mahe

Although Thanksgiving is right around the corner, it’s still not too late to secure provisions or make Thanksgiving Day reservations—though that window is closing fast. This article lists more than 70 restaurant options for the holiday. Meanwhile, in Episode 2 of Arch Eats, SLM’s new dining podcast, we’re also talking turkey, including where to procure a pasture-raised bird, as well as how best to brine and cook it. Special guest Cat Neville also opines on Missouri wines and suggests specific bottles for Thanksgiving. Listen now—we guarantee you’ll learn something. Enjoy the holiday. 

 

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 IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER

🍾 BARcelona reopens in new Clayton space

 

🍰 Gooey Louie opening second location in Clayton

 

☕ Dining editor George Mahe on new coffee shops

 

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Bite-Sized Bits

busch-family-farms

Hot Spot đŸș

Schlachtfest Party in Defiance: Several weeks ago, Billy Busch, son of beer baron August A. “Gussie” Busch, Jr. and creator/founder of the KrĂ€ftig line of beers, quietly began welcoming Saturday and Sunday visitors to Busch Family Brewing and Distilling, his microbrewery and soon-to-be distillery on the Busch family farm (4151 Benne, Defiance). 

  • Friday Night Supper Club: This weekend marks the beginning of the Friday Night Supper Club, a weekly, rotating, three-course dinner offered in the complex’s 40-seat tasting room. The kickoff theme is a German Schlachtfest, traditionally a celebration where pork is served. Friday’s $45 prix fixe dinner features potato soup, pork belly–wrapped, beer-brined pork loin, and apple strudel. On Saturday and Sunday, barbecue pulled pork sandwiches and a schlachtfest plate (porchetta and smoked pulled pork, with beer mustard, braised red cabbage, roasted apples, and signature fried potatoes) will be offered in addition to the regular beer-friendly menu and live music. 
  • Brews: Seven brewed-on-site beers are available (including four lagers and three ales), along with 16-ounce cans of Schlachtfest Bavarian Dunkel, a limited-edition special release. 
  • Reservations: Seatings for Friday night’s dinner are at 5–5:30 p.m. and 7–7:30 p.m. Call 636-828-4100 for reservations.  

Insider Tip 🎁

Makers Marque Event at Parker’s Table: One of our favorite shopping events of the season—the annual Makers Marque Holiday Boutique—will be held at Parker’s Table (7118 Oakland) next weekend. 

  • Mark Your Calendar: Friday, November 24, from 4–8 p.m. and Saturday, November 25, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Market Mix: Now in its ninth year, the Richmond Heights wine, cheese, and gourmet foods shop will host award-winning local artists and their collections of jewelry, ceramics, textiles, prints, leather, and glass. 
  • Cutting Boards: David Stine Furniture, supplier of tables and bespoke furniture to many area restaurants, will again be offering its annual discount on branded cutting boards. This is the company’s only board sale of the year, and they sell out quickly, so plan on shopping early on Friday. 

Microrant đŸš«

Intrusive Shoppers: Although retail store owners are frequently at their shops seven days a week, one day or several is usually dedicated to cleaning, restocking, ordering, prepping, and taking inventory, hence the store’s open/closed sign and the hours posted on the door. Shoppers need to respect that. Banging on the glass and demanding to be let in “just to explore” is entitled, boorish behavior. Here’s an idea: Kindly explore online, or come back during normal business hours.

Openings, closings, and coming soons 🚹

Madrina (101 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves): From the owners of Robust Bistro & Wine Bar and The Parkmoor Drive-In, the forthcoming classic-meets-modern Italian restaurant will take the place of the C.J. Mugg’s location in Webster Groves, which recently closed after a 30-year-run. The restaurant is slated to open November 24.


Osteria Forto (2509 Highway K, O’Fallon, Missouri): Slated to open by the end of the month, the Italian restaurant is named after accomplished chef Fortunato Pietoso, who's been cooking in St. Louis restaurants for decades.


Mio Osteria (224 S. Kansas, Edwardsville): Aerika and Micah Hopkin, who also plan to open Mio Trattoria in Troy, are bringing classic Italian fare to Metro East.

 

See list of over 60 openings, closings, and coming soons »

A MESSAGE FROM WESTPORT PLAZA

WPP Perspective

Soda Fountain Express opening this winter

Soda Fountain Express is a spin on a classic diner and burger joint from the '50s, including griddled double cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, local ice cream creations, sundaes, and milkshakes.

Learn More »

BARcelona

BARcelona reopens in a new Clayton space

After an extended hiatus, Frank Schmitz has re-created his beloved hangout on a smaller scale a few blocks from the original location, at 7810 Forsyth.

  • The Menu: Expect BARcelona standbys—croquetas, calamares fritos, and house specialty queso de cabra—along with more tapas, soups, and salads.
  • The Atmosphere: Schmitz cozied up the former Mayana Modern Mexican space by adding more seats, 50 in all, including bar-height stools, 15 of them counterside. 
  • Soundbite: “I love how the new space took shape,” Schmitz says. “Small is good. Small is cool. Small is sexy.”

Read more, including plans for music and breakfast service »

BRANDED CONTENT

15 things to know about Pappy’s Smokehouse as it celebrates 15 years

Help Pappy Smokehouse celebrate their 15th anniversary by learning 15 fun facts about the award-winning establishment, from the origins of one of the city’s top barbecue spots to how the restaurant prioritizes giving back to the city.

Gooey Louie

Gooey Louie opening second location in Clayton

The new Gooey Louie location at 7719 Clayton Road hits the sweet spot for longtime customers who miss the former location in South City, says owner Debbie Stieferman.

  • What to Expect: All of the gooey butter cakes will continue to be baked at the current shop in West County, at 11266 Olive in Creve Coeur, and transported fresh daily. 
  • Soundbite: “Our new spot serves a need to be closer to the city,” Stieferman says. “Many people from out of town are loyal customers, and this shop will be more convenient for them.”
  • Gobs of Gooey: At each shop, Stieferman always tries to stock eight to 10 flavors of gooey butter cakes, as well as other goodies and gifts.

Read more about the latest holiday flavors »

Whiskey in the Winter 2023

SPONSORED SWEEPSTAKES

Win VIP tickets to Whiskey in the Winter

Whiskey in the Winter is back on December 9! Enter to win two VIP tickets to the sold-out festival, valued at $195 each. Enjoy 400-plus whiskeys, food, exclusive VIP perks, and more.

Arch Eats Podcast

PODCASTS

Listen to St. Louis Magazine’s dining podcast, Arch Eats

Join dining editor George Mahe and restaurant critic Cheryl Baehr to get the inside dish on the St. Louis food scene. Listen now.

Ask George: Are coffee shops opening in St. Louis at a breakneck pace lately, or is it my imagination? 

Indeed, they are—'tis the season. Just as restaurants tend to open in the spring and fall when the weather’s pleasant, many coffee shops aim to open their doors as the weather turns, when demand rises for a steaming hot beverage.

Read George's response »

 

💬 What's your favorite new coffee shop? Select an option below.

  • 23 West Coffee
  • The Drip Community Coffee House
  • Looking Meadow CafĂ©
  • Other—Write to George and let us know!

In Case You Missed It

  • Where to order Thanksgiving dinner in St. Louis
  • 23 West Coffee opens this week in Webster Groves
  • Les Dames d'Escoffier's online culinary auction runs through November 19

💌 

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