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• Top Chef Tour details
  The Scoop has been able to wring a few details out of the Bravo folks about the upcoming St. Louis Top Chef Tour stop on July 16. Contrary to Bravo's Web site, the event, which will be held at the new Town and Country Whole Foods, is not sold out; a limited number of seats inside the tour's 18-wheeler will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who don't make it inside the truck will be able to watch the 45-minute demos - at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. - on plasma screens outside. And to answer the most-often asked question: No, Padma will not be at the event. But season four's Dale Talde and season two's Josie Smith-Malave will be.
  
  Happy Birthday
  A Saucy happy birthday to The Cupcakery, which turns one today.
  
  Now open
  Bici, the new Italian cafe from Mike Johnson, Dan Cox and Steve Werner, is now welcoming diners at 7401 Pershing in University City.
  
  Gordon Zobel's new wine bar, Bella Vita, is now open at 9528 Manchester Road in Rock Hill.
  
  Chocolate comeback
  A local artisan chocolate company is under new ownership. Kakao Chocolate has been bought by Brian Pelletier, a former senior vice president at Fleishman-Hillard. Don't worry, Pelletier will continue to handcraft your favorite Kakao creations, like lavender-vanilla truffles, chocolate-covered caramels with sea salt and scotch-bourbon truffles. In fact, former owner Heather Wessels is serving as a consultant on the new Kakao. "She's been teaching me the ways of chocolate," Pelletier said. The company should be up and running from a kitchen on Cherokee Street in just a few weeks, so look for Kakao to return to the Maplewood and Tower Grove farmers' markets later this summer. Meantime, check out Pelletier's progress on his blog, chocolating.wordpress.com.
  

• Pack your knives and … road trip!
  Top Chef: The Tour will visit River City this month, but as of press time the Bravo folks had yet to settle details beyond the date (July 16). The stop should include show secrets, cooking demos and appearances by cheftestants from the show’s four seasons – though those pesky Bravo execs remained tight-lipped on exactly which chefs will appear. We’ll share the details as soon as they’re available, so watch this space for updates.
  
  More Mexican on Cherokee
  Add Tower Tacos to your list of places to get Mexican fare on Cherokee Street – though you’ll have to journey a bit farther west for this one; the new spot is located at 3147 Cherokee St., which is closer to Gravois and a bit removed from the street’s other Mexican offerings. Once there, you’ll find the standards, of course, but plenty of other offerings, too – house-made tortillas, seafood dishes, grilled chicken breast marinated in pineapple and topped with chorizo, and steak entrées that go beyond the seemingly required carne asada (though that’s there, too).
  
  Italian fare coming to The Grove
  Phil Noe, recently of SqWires, is busy working to get the doors to his upcoming restaurant open. Noe left SqWires in November and has been working with Bon Appetit, Wash. U.’s dining services, while the new place comes together. Mia Rosa, located at 4501 Manchester Road in The Grove, will feature “rustic coastal Italian” fare – but don’t expect a lot of pasta. Instead, Noe plans to offer plenty of seafood, a nod to his 10 years at the stove at Blue Water Grill. Expect small plates with a few entrée options. Noe hopes to welcome customers by mid-August.
  
  Tasty deals
  When The Crossing hit its 10-year mark in April, chef and owner Jim Fiala celebrated the milestone with a month of tasting menus at the upscale Clayton restaurant. The response was so positive that Fiala has decided to make the $25, four-course tasting menu a permanent thing. Fans of Fiala’s other restaurants, Liluma and Acero, need not feel left out, however; the same deal will be a permanent option at the Central West End and Maplewood spots, too.
  
  Dog days
  Pam’s Chicago Style Dogs is now serving up, you guessed it, Chicago-style Vienna beef and Polish sausage hot dogs at 6016 Delmar Blvd. Dogs are served the traditional way (for the record, that’s yellow mustard, neon relish, onions, tomato, a pickle spear, celery salt and not a drop of ketchup, though Pam’s will comply with requests for other condiments) but aren’t limited to traditional ingredients: a turkey dog and a veggie dog are also available. Salads, burgers, gyros and other sandwiches dot the menu, too, as does breakfast. Plus deep-fried Twinkies!
  
  Something old, something new
  After running The Original Crusoe’s Restaurant for 29 years, owner Steve Limmer has apparently decided it’s time for a new challenge. Limmer debuted Patrick McKeane’s Irish Pub at the end of May. Located at 3152-54 Osceola St. in an annex behind Crusoe’s, the pub features traditional (bangers and mash, corned beef sandwich) and not-so-traditional (Bushmill whiskey wings, Guinness meatballs) Irish fare. Guinness and other Irish whiskeys can also be found at the bar.
  
  (Subtle) changes at Riddle’s
  When K.T. Ayers, daughter of Riddle’s Penultimate Café’s Andy Ayers, officially took over ownership and cheffing duties at the venerable Loop restaurant recently, customers likely didn’t notice – K.T. Ayers had been at the eatery’s stove for years by the time the torch switched hands, so the menu didn’t undergo any drastic revision. But now comes a visible change, one Riddle’s fans will be pleased about: the restaurant is now serving lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. So what’s Andy Ayers up to these days? The Lou’s unofficial godfather of local produce is working on a new venture called Eat Here St. Louis, a service that connects local restaurants with local produce.
  
  A name and a chef>
  Back in May, The Scoop reported that the Pietoso family, owners of Clayton’s Café Napoli, are planning a second location of their popular bar and restaurant in West County. The project is progressing, with both a name – Napoli 2UE – and a chef – Jon Berger – in place. The Pietosos and Berger are working on the new menu, which will feature “a modern twist on traditional Italian cuisine.” Napoli 2UE will be located in The Town and Country Crossing development at Woods Mill and Clayton roads, the same development that is home to St. Louis’ second Whole Foods Market.
  
  Downtown sushi
  Should the urge for sushi strike while strolling Washington Avenue, stop in to Eugene Yu’s Mizu Sushi Bar at 1013 Washington Ave., which debuted late last month.
  
  Spam slides into rBar
  Listen up, slider fans: The new menu at rBar is your dream come true. The popular Grove bar at 4054 Chouteau Ave. is now offering 10 slider varieties, including black Angus, Texas-style brisket, crab cake, hot dog, veggie and Spam – yep, Spam, which might require more than a few drinks before ordering. rBar’s popular flatbread pizzas remain, but a slew of appetizers is also new.
  
  Smoking or non?
  Nonsmokers will be pleased to hear that the breathing will soon be easier at Three Monkeys at 3153 Morganford Road. The South City spot is building a new nonsmoking section adjacent to the restaurant; the new room will seat 50. Construction is under way, and management expects the additional space to be open sometime this month.
  
  

• Almost here
  Bowood Farms' long-rumored cafe is getting closer to becoming a reality. John McPheeters, the Central West End garden center's owner, has selected a name: Cafe Osage, named for the plentiful Osage orange trees at Bowood's plant-producing farm in Clarksville. McPheeters is also in the middle of dotting i's and crossing t's with city inspectors and promises a soft opening soon. In the meantime, chef David Guempel, of recently shuttered Zinnia, and chef David Kirkland, who's had stints at Frazer's and Once Upon a Vine, among others, are working on a menu that will feature vegetables harvested from Bowood's Olive Street garden; herbs grown in two on-site rooftop gardens; bison naturally raised at Bowood Farms in Clarksville; and other locally sourced ingredients. Cafe Osage will offer breakfast and lunch daily.

• In the works
  The old Balaban's location may soon have a new tenant. Developer Pete Rothschild, owner of the Central West End building that houses the iconic restaurant space, confirmed to The Scoop that he's working with Monarch Restaurant's owners on a leasing agreement for the spot. A restaurant/bar is planned, but Monarch co-owner Jeff Orbin wasn't available for comment this afternoon, so no details to report just yet. More as we learn it; watch this space for updates.
  
  
• Congrats!
  A Saucy congratulations to Josh Allen and the team at Companion. Phil Lempert, the NBC Today Show food editor, selected the bakery-cafe's Baked Eggs for last week's installment of "Steal This Recipe." Get the recipe here.
  
• Savor the moments while you can
  Yes, unfortunately, the rumors are true: Jonathan Schoen, owner of Savor, confirmed that his Central West End restaurant will close after service tomorrow night.
  
  
• Straub's sushi
  Trip Straub has announced that chef John Maung Tin has joined the team at Straub's Markets. Tin, recently of Wild Oats Market, will be based at the Clayton location, but his sushi will be available at all four of the grocer's locations.

• Sad news from Dogtown
  Official word came this morning that, after 19 years in business, Dogtown stalwart Chuy Arzola's Tex Mex Restaurant will close. Owner Eddie Arzola cited the closing of Highway 40 as the reason for a drop in business over the last year; Arzola said he'll be exploring other opportunities. July 3 will be the restaurant's last day of business.

• Smokin’ on Delmar
  Bruce Williams is now serving up his signature smoked steaks, chops, chicken and fish at Sir-B-Que, a new barbecue spot on the edge of the Skinker-Debaliviere neighborhood. Stop in at 5898 Delmar Blvd. to sample Williams’ smoked ribs, made from a 100-year-old family recipe and "skillfully smoked for six hours.” Vegetarians need not shy away: the large menu includes a veggie burger.
  
  Down the street a bit, at 5860 Delmar Blvd., Henry Iwenofu is welcoming guests to his Nubia Café. The new spot serves up West African and Caribbean cuisine under the direction of Iwenofu’s mother, Christiana. Iwenofu, a native of Nigeria with family in the Caribbean, described the cuisine as similar to that of Louisiana. Café Nubia also offers a full bar, complete with South African and Nigerian wines; live reggae once a week; and a jazz brunch on the last Sunday of each month.
  
  
  
  
• So long
  South City eatery KoKo unexpectedly shuttered this week. Owner Tim Nesbit cited rising food costs and dwindling diners, which he attributed to high fuel prices, as the reasons behind the closing.

• More pizza!
  Yep, another spot will soon be serving up pizza pies, this time in Midtown. The Good Pie Pizzeria Napoletana will turn out Neapolitan pies cooked in a wood-burning oven that was custom-made in Italy, reports owner Michael Randolph. The menu will also include simple seasonal salads, local draft beer and Italian wines. Watch for The Good Pie to debut late this summer at 3137 Olive.
  
  
• Congrats!
  A Saucy congratulations to Ted Kilgore, Monarch Restaurant’s bar manager and certified mixologist, who was named one of The Beverge Network’s 10 Trendsetting Mixologists. Along with the national recognition comes an interview and cover photo in Beverage Media magazine. View it online here.
  
  
• Just in time
  Just in time for summer's al fresco dining, the rehabbed patio at Aya Sofia is open. Be sure to check out the South City spot's new digs before July 1, when the restaurant will shutter temporarily while owners Alicia Aboussie and Mehmet Yildez travel to Turkey for their wedding. You can congratulate the newlyweds when Aya Sofia reopens on July 18.

• Bon voyage!
  Roughly four cases of Missouri wine will soon be on their way to France at the request of Craig Roberts Stapleton, U.S. Ambassador to France. Stapleton, a native of Kansas City, has requested the Missouri wine for a Fourth of July celebration he is hosting at his Paris home; the Greater Saint Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau is working with Bill and Chris Schaul of Wine Country Gardens and Tony Kooyumjian of Augusta and Montelle wineries to round up the required number of bottles.
  
  

• Thank you, chef!
  Watch newsstands for the July issue of Food & Wine Magazine featuring the first-ever best new chef from St. Louis, Gerard Craft. If you can't wait for the print issue, get a preview at foodandwine.com/bestnewchefs.

• Mondays with Gerard
  Beginning June 23, chef Gerard Craft and crew will be serving dinner seven days a week at Niche in Benton Park.
  
  
• Kitchenware at St. Clair Square
  The Chef's Shoppe in Edwardsville is set to open a second store, in St. Clair Square in Fairview Heights, on July 7. Look for gourmet foods, gift baskets and lots of gadgets.
  

• The St. Louis connection
  It just got easier for restaurants to connect with small farmers. Starting Friday, chefs and specialty grocers will have access to Cheddars from Ropp Jersey Cheese in central Illinois, aquaponically raised tilapia from AquaRanch in Flanagan and microgreens from Heritage Prairie Market in northern Illinois, among many other items. "With one phone call, they can reach a half-dozen to a dozen farmers," said Floyd Johnson of the Midwest Organic Farmers Cooperative. The co-op has been delivering to Chicago for about a year and is set to add St. Louis to its routes. More information is available from Johnson -- aka Floyd the Chicken Man -- at 217.229.3571, 217.725.1028 or fjohnson@consolidated.net.

• Get ready to raise a glass in Rock Hill
  Residents of Rock Hill should get ready to do some serious summer sipping, because Gordon Zobel plans to debut Bella Vita, his new wine bar at 9528 Manchester Road, in about a week and a half, provided all i-dotting and t-crossing goes as planned. Zobel reports that he’ll have 64 bottles open and ready for service at all times – and in a range of price points so that customers can “truly taste and compare.” The large number of bottles – and higher- priced wines not usually offered by the glass – is possible thanks to the dispensing system Zobel’s installed; called Enoline, the computerized system pressurizes and preserves the vino and also allows customers to order a taste, a half glass or a full glass (customers can then pay for it all via a prepaid debit card system). Should you like what you tried, bottles will also be available for sale. Zobel promises an upscale atmosphere, complete with indoor and outdoor seating, a selection of wine-friendly small plates, and a dessert menu. Specialty beers, coffees and soft drinks will also be available.
  
  
• Summer hours at Stellina
  Stellina Pasta Café’s Jamey Tochtrop reports that the patio is in full swing at the South City café, which is now serving dinner, beer and wine until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays.
  
  Chef named
  Joseph Sutterer has been named the director of dining services for Clayton on the Park, the senior living residence in downtown Clayton scheduled to open in September. Sutterer’s resume includes stints as executive chef at The Gatesworth at One McKnight and director of dining services at The Hallmark in Creve Coeur.
  
  News from Alton
  The Italia Bakehouse, the Alton lunch venue operated by the Ventimiglia family, is shuttering. The family’s Tony’s Restaurant and Third Street Café remain open.
  
  On a happier note, the Chrystal River Ballroom will host regional blues, jazz, country, reggae and zydeco bands when it debuts its music venue at Alton’s Mineral Springs Mall (310 E. Broadway) this August.
  
  

• Almost ready
  The corner of Pershing and Jackson in University City will be buzzing by the end of the month, when Dan Cox, Steve Werner and Mike Johnson (yes, that Mike Johnson) debut their new neighborhood eatery at 7401 Pershing, formerly home to Sofia Bistro. Named after the old Schwinn Bike Center that once occupied the space – and where Werner got his first bike – Bici (Italian for bicycle) will offer affordable, approachable Mediterranean fare such as tapas and flatbread pizzas fired in a wood-burning oven. An extensive renovation, currently in progress, means some big changes are in store, including a private dining room in the former nail salon space immediately west of the restaurant (which will also double as a venue for cooking classes taught by Johnson); a new facade featuring bistro-style French windows will add a decidedly European vibe to the corner. Werner expects to have the doors open by July 1 at the latest.
  
  Almost back
  Good news, G.P. Agostino’s fans: Your favorite Italian eatery might soon be back. After 20 years on Manchester Road, the Ellisville restaurant shuttered on May 1 after a developer brought the Agostino family “an offer we couldn’t refuse,” explained John Agostino. But the closing is meant to be temporary, lasting only as long as it takes to find a new location. Agostino checked in with The Scoop late last month to report that he was waiting on the final go-ahead on a lease for 701 Market St., the former downtown home of Dierdorf & Hart’s Steak House. The space allows a turnkey operation, requiring only a few tweaks, so Agostino said an opening as soon as the middle of this month might be a reality.
  
  New life for an old space
  Listen up boozehounds: You can once again belly up to the bar at 1001 McCausland Ave., but don’t expect it to look or feel like the iconic former occupant, The Hi-Pointe Bar. Instead, Darren and Gina Lueders’ Par sports a cleaned-up, loft-like feel, complete with exposed brick walls, high ceilings and a brand-new bar handmade by Darren Lueders himself. Par serves up the requisite libations along with light nibbles like homemade pizzas, cheese and sausage trays, and spinach dip Wednesday through Saturday.
  
  A sneak peek
  Late last month, Christopher Lee treated The Scoop to a sneak peek at his latest venture, the long-awaited Café Ventana, located near SLU’s campus at 3919 West Pine. The chef, whose résumé includes stints at the stove at Mélange and Balaban’s, has teamed with Dr. Gurpreet Padda’s Padda Management Group to bow the casual spot. In the works for more than six months now, the project is coming along nicely: A sleek but casual décor is in place, and gas lanterns, doors salvaged from New Orleans and plenty of courtyard seating lend the place something of a Big Easy feel. Lee is putting the final touches on the menu; expect a bagel bar, sandwiches, salads and beignets along with coffee and espresso drinks, fresh fruit smoothies, and a small beer and wine list. Watch for an opening late this month or early next.
  
  Once the café is up and running, expect a second venture from Lee and Padda about 10 months later. Tables on Lindell, located around the corner in the old Playboy Club at 3914 Lindell Blvd., will be a considerably larger venture: The first floor will house a bar and on-site brewery; a formal dining room (complete with the former “Playpen,” still suspended above the bar area and accessible by a catwalk) on the second floor will spotlight Lee’s contemporary American cuisine; and a separate entrance will lead to a nightclub on the third floor. There’s even talk of private dining in the old bank vaults in the basement, though no decision on what to do with the subterranean space has been reached yet. Lee promised to provide progress reports along the way, so be sure to watch this space for updates.
  
  Urban Eats hits Dutchtown
  Caya Aufiero and John Chen are now welcoming neighbors and guests to their Urban Eats Café and Bakery. Aufiero reported that the new spot, located at 3301 Meramec in the Dutchtown neighborhood, will offer “healthy food with an ethnic twist” for lunch and dinner, including personalized paninis, flatbread pizzas and wraps. Urban Eats will also serve coffee drinks, baked goods (some made on-site and others from Companion), and beer and wine.
  
  Good news from Lambert
  No one likes waiting around the airport, but at least Lambert-St. Louis International will soon offer more options to keep weary travelers well fed. Late last month, the St. Louis Airport Commission approved a $16 million plan for a dining services overhaul that will bring eight new eateries to the airport, including local names such as Imo’s Pizza, Fitz’s and Mosaic; nonlocal companies Baja Fresh and Brioche Doree, a French bakery and café, are also part of the plan. Thirsty jet-setters will have a few new choices, too, including a new Budweiser-themed restaurant/bar and Missouri Vineyards, which will feature local wines and food. The plan, which is awaiting final approval by the city, is scheduled for completion by 2011.
  
  
  
  
• New spot for suds and pie
  City residents now have another spot at which to raise a glass of craft beer, now that Mattingly Brewing Co. has opened at 3000 S. Jefferson Ave. The new Benton Park spot opened last week with eight of the aforementioned craft beers on tap and a limited dinner menu of St. Louis-, Chicago- and New York-style pizza; salads; and a few small plates and entrees. Wine flights, lunch service and an expanded menu to come soon.
  
  
• Cheers!
  A Saucy congratulations to Scott Gaghan, the wine director at Eleven Eleven Mississippi and Vin de Set, who recently achieved sommelier certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Gaghan is putting his new certification to use immediately, making a few tweaks to the wine lists at both Lafayette Square restaurants.
  
  

• Changes to the lineup
  Josh Roland, the consulting chef who developed the menu at Fifteen, is back in the rotation at Jim Edmonds’ downtown eatery. Beginning this week, Roland will be at the stove as executive chef; he takes over from Tim McLaughlin, who is reportedly headed to Texas.
  
  Listen up, loft-dwelling locavores
  Downtown is now home to a new source for local and organic grocery items. La Buena Salud, an extension of owner Raul Mata’s vitamin shop in Soulard Market, opened at 917-A Locust about five weeks ago. The downtown spot sells supplements and natural beauty products as well as organic fruits and vegetables, Missouri grass-fed beef, organic eggs and dairy products, and salads and sandwiches from Local Harvest Grocery. General manager Yemina Mata hopes to offer local eggs and milk soon.
  
  

• Counting down to The Wine Press
  Frank Robbins checked in with the Scoop to report on the progress of The Wine Press, his under-construction wine bar at 4436 Olive we told you about last week. The drywall crew has been handling the finishing touches, and Robbins is estimating a soft opening in about five weeks. You can follow the bar's progress at http://stlwinepress.blogspot.com.
  
  New to the team
  J. David Schwartz has joined the team at La Chef Catering in the sales and event planning division; he will also work with the culinary and floral design teams. Schwartz was the founder of Affairs to Remember and Blayney Catering.

• Mmmmm, Semifreddo! Niche is once again in the national spotlight: This time, it's pastry chef Mathew Rice getting the well-deserved attention with a recipe featured in Food and Wine's Last Bite column. Look for Rice's Semifreddo S'mores in the June issue (or on the magazine's Web site, if you can't wait for the print issue).

• Good news for West County
  P-D columnist Rob Rybarczyk, who recently wrote a much-buzzed-about column lamenting the dearth of independent dining options in West County, will be pleased to note that two – count ’em, two! – independent eateries will open second locations west of Interstate 270 this summer. The spot Rybarczyk begged to come west, Lester’s, is doing just that; the upscale sports bar and grill owned by Lester Miller is planning to debut its second location at 14810 Clayton Road at the end of the summer. The décor and menu will be similar to Lester’s flagship Ladue location, though the new spot will feature an outdoor patio, according to assistant manager Stephen Belevins.
  
  And Kye Pietoso, co-owner and general manager of Café Napoli, confirmed that the Clayton eatery and lounge will also launch a western counterpart, this one in a new development at the corner of Woods Mill and Clayton roads. Though plans are still being tweaked, Café Napoli’s second location will be similar in look, feel and menu to the original. Watch for an opening in mid-October.
  
  Changes afoot
  Changes are afoot at Scape and Crepes, etc. in the Central West End. Levy Restaurants is turning over management of both restaurants to partner Maryland Plaza Restaurant Group. The official story from both Levy and MPRG’s Ted Koplar is that this was the plan from the beginning: “The Levy Restaurants arrangement has been one [that] allowed Maryland Plaza Restaurant Group to open a world-class culinary facility in St. Louis,” Koplar said. “Maryland Plaza Restaurant Group has been the 100 percent owner from inception and will continue in that capacity moving forward. The team from Levy Restaurants has been instrumental in positioning these concepts and putting the right team in place to operate them at a local level. With the hiring of Eric Kelly as executive chef, that team is finally in place.” Kelly, who previously oversaw the culinary direction at a number of restaurants as Levy’s (get this title) Area Chef for the Restaurant Group and was consequently involved in both Scape and Crepes, etc.’s menu development, will remain at the stove here in St. Louis.
  
  New spot for Belleville
  Co-owners Brian Besse, Stephen Kezirian, Ted Quinn and Luke Reynolds opened Seven, a new restaurant and lounge in Belleville, last month. (Three of the four are industry veterans: Besse and Kezirian were principals in Lafayette Pub, and Reynolds operates Molly’s in Soulard.) Seven, which will be open seven days a week and is housed in the historic property at 7 S. High St., will feature two bars, WiFi, a patio and a menu designed by another industry vet, Blake Brokaw, the mind behind now-shuttered Tangerine, Hungry Buddha and Lo. Look for items such as Rock Shrimp Grinder, Bistro Mussels, Real Deal Gumbo, and BBQ Spaghetti and Meatballs.
  
  Lunch in the park
  Reggie’s Backstage, at 522 N. Grand Blvd., is now serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; chef Peter Barken said that on nice days, the Midtown restaurant will serve its salads, omelets and paninis (including smoked ham and Fontina, Caprese, and grilled portabella varieties) in the picturesque setting of Strauss Park.
  
  A new chapter
  After 13 years in the kitchen at Trattoria Marcella, Mike Risk has left the St. Louis fine-dining institution to concentrate on his 9th Street Deli full-time. Risk co-owns the Soulard sandwich shop with Brian Tracy and John Been Jr.
  
  Now open
  
  • Bridge and Tunnel Pizza is serving up New York-style pies (both whole and by the slice) at 1131 Washington Ave.
  
  • Vito and Michelle Racanelli’s new spot, Onesto, is now serving its Italian family-style pastas, pizzas, calzones and sandwiches at 5401 Finkman St. The South City spot also offers a prepared foods case that sells Vito Racanelli’s homemade sauces, salad dressings and desserts.
  
  • House of Savoy, located in Hotel Lumière, is the latest eatery at downtown’s Lumière Place, providing diners with Tuscan-style dishes under the direction of executive chef Robert Flowers, who came to St. Louis from the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
  
  • Stratton’s Café has launched a second location, this one at 190 Carondelet Plaza in Clayton. The café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (and gelato!) seven days a week.
  
  • After a recent renovation, Soulard Preservation Hall held a grand re-opening last month to celebrate its new status as an event venue. The space, at 1921 S. 9th St., now includes a full-service bar and lounge complete with TVs and sound system, a catering kitchen, an auditorium that seats 350, and conference rooms.
  
  A toast is in order
  The Sauce team is raising a glass to one of our own this month: Glenn Bardgett, certified sommelier, wine director at Annie Gunn’s and Sauce’s wine columnist, has been selected as one of 40 recipients of the Passionate Wine Service Award, a new award established by Napa Valley’s Trefethen Family Vineyards. Recipients were selected for their “enthusiasm for wine and sharing that passion with customers, excellent knowledge on the subject of wine and [the] ability to communicate that to customers, and unmatched service ethic.” Congratulations, Glenn!

• The Shaved Duck debuts
  Good news for fans of the Scottish Arms' owner-chef duo of Alistair Nisbet and Brendan Noonan: The pair's new spot, The Shaved Duck, will welcome dinner guests beginning tomorrow. Stop by 2900 Virginia Ave. after 5 p.m. for a taste.

• Just in time
  Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Amigo's Cantina, the new venture from chef Roberto Trevino we first told you about in early April, is now open at 120 W. Jefferson Ave.
  
  
• One to watch
  Greg Stevens and Frank Robbins are hard at work, transforming what used to be the press room at Peace Institute Printing into a wine bar. The space, which is located at 4436 Olive St. in the Gaslight Square neighborhood, is currently under construction but will eventually house The Wine Press, a self-described "middle-brow wine bar with an exceptional beer list."
  
  
• Food N Fermentation is now catering to wine- and beer-lovers in Godfrey, Ill. The new wine shop offers more than 300 wines, including those from a few Illinois vintners; over 175 microbrews and domestic beers; chocolates; and more than 160 imported and domestic cheeses. Check out the wares for yourself at 6017 Godfrey Road.

• Get it while you can
  Busch's Grove will close its doors for good sometime soon -- though exactly when (some reports say in about a month) and why remains unclear, as the Ladue restaurant's manager would say little else beyond confirming the news. We'll share details as soon as we have them, so watch this space for updates.

• Closed
  Clayton's Carondelet Grill has shuttered.
  
  
  
  
• Hola Beso
  Beso Mexican Restaurant will serve up affordable Mexican fare at 1130 Washington Ave., the former home of Red, when it debuts on May 2. General manager Rick Anderson says the new spot will offer "authentic" Mexican items (i.e., burritos, tacos, et al - though not Tex Mex), cheap Margaritas and live music, and will boast a new look, including a new color scheme and a tin ceiling designed to impart a cantina feel.
  
  
• Lights out?
  The lights are out, the shelves bare and calls go unanswered at Celebrity Chef Kitchens in Olivette. The erstwhile meal prep service and cooking class venue is certainly closed, the question is for how long. Mark Ebling, president of CCK, says the company is in the process of buying the store back from franchisees; negotiations are in progress.

• Congrats!
  Hats off to Butler’s Pantry. The catering company recently garnered three awards from the St. Louis Chapter of the International Special Events Society, including Best Off-Premise Catered Event (under $200 per person) and Best Off-Premise Catered Event (over $200 per person).
  
  Three cheers to chef Pierre Chambrin, executive chef at the St. Louis Club. Chambrin has been named the 2008 Chef of the Year by the Maitres Cuisiniers de France (or the Society of Master Chefs).
  
  Now open
  The long-awaited West End Grill & Pub is now serving its American fare, which is under the direction of chef Alan McReynolds. Stop in to 354 N. Boyle for a look-see.
  
  Also long-awaited, Winslow Home is now serving up carryout breakfast, lunch and dinner at 7213 Delmar Blvd. The U. City spot also serves as a neighborhood general store, offering house and garden wares, paper products and a variety of prepared foods.
  
  False alarm
  Don’t worry, cupcake fans! Contrary to the word on the street, Jilly’s Cupcake Bar has not closed; lunch hours have changed, however: Brisket and cold sandwiches are still available all day, but the lunch menu is now served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  
  Bring on the booze
  Friar Tuck, a liquor shop that bills itself as “The Bigger, Better Beverage Store,” will open its first St. Louis-area location at 9053 Watson Road in Crestwood sometime soon. The company has four locations in central and downstate Illinois.
  
  Burrito, anyone?
  Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch? Diners who stop in to the brand new Chipotle Mexican Grill at 6318 Delmar Blvd. next Thursday, April 24, can pick up a free burrito or burrito bowl. The Loop spot officially opens the following day, April 25.
  
  
  

• Surf's (almost) up Surf Dogs, a restaurant featuring themed hot dogs, is set to open later this month at 137 Chesterfield Towne Center. Some of the specialty hot dogs include the Surf Dog (a Vienna Beef hot dog with pineapple), a Chicago-style dog, a chili dog and a dog topped with sauerkraut, among other creations. Assistant manager Dawna Barnhart said her favorite is the house dog, which is topped with just about everything. "They call it the house dog 'cause after you eat it you'll probably be in the doghouse," she said with a laugh. Surf Dogs also will offer burgers, sandwiches and bottled beer.
  
  'Cueing up
  Look for the third area outpost of Dickey's Barbecue Pit to open May 6 at Manchester and South Mason roads in Ballwin. The 70-seat restaurant will feature eight different meats -- from Southern pulled pork to spicy Polish sausage -- and all the free ice cream you care to eat. And you can easily grab some BBQ to go 'cause this location, which once housed a Wendy's, will have a drive-thru.
  
  Babalu's hits the streets
  Industry vets Dana Holland and John Kekeris are gearing up to make your shopping day. Babalu's Snack Shack is slated to open at the Kirkwood Farmers' Market on April 26. Don't think popcorn and peanuts. Think street food with street smarts -- nachos in a bag, Caribbean gyros and an assortment of seasonally inspired entrees for shoppers who've worked up an appetite.
  

• Eastward expansion
  SqWires in Lafayette Square has closed its market, but the flip side is that the dining room just got bigger. Manager Jerry Juenger said diners should be able to grab a table on the east end of the restaurant sometime next week. SqWires also plans to remodel its menu.
  
  Smile for the camera
  The Art of Entertaining's Ann Lemcke took a Food Network Challenge last week in Denver. Her task: dish up the best cocktail party hors d'oeuvres. The owner of the Webster Groves catering company placed second in the popular vote, but find out if she won over the judges when the episode airs in the next couple of months.
  
  Bon voyage
  Advanced sommelier Chris Hoel reports that he's accepted a sommelier position at Thomas Keller's famed French Laundry restaurant in Yountville, Calif. Hoel is one of two St. Louisans to have earned the advanced designation from the Court of Master Sommeliers.
  

• Closed
  Veteran restaurateur Richard Perry has closed his Farmer's Inn & Prairie Kitchen in Millstadt because of financial concerns. He will continue to operate Chef Richard Perry Delivers, his healthful meal delivery business. Perry promised to keep The Scoop updated on his next adventure; watch this space for updates.
  

• We've always known he's one of the best
  A Saucy congratulations to Niche's chef and owner Gerard Craft, who has been named one of Food and Wine's Best New Chefs in America 2008. (This title will come as no surprise to St. Louis diners, who have in recent years selected the young chef as one of their favorites in several local readers' choice polls.) We can't wait to see Craft and his fellow Best Chefs on the magazine's July cover!

• From horses to hooch
  The old Lemp stables will soon be home to the hard stuff, when the Amalgamated Brewing Co., which also owns The Rotten Apple in Grafton, debuts The Stable, a microbrewery, distillery and pizzeria, at Cherokee Street and Lemp Avenue next month. Owners Jesse Jones and Paul Pointer will brew a lager and distill absinthe, grappa, vodka, rum, gin and moonshine (a corn-based liquor) under the brand name Hytest; the spirits will be served at The Stable, and the pair intend to distribute the hard stuff eventually. But Hytest won’t be the only brand at the Benton Park spot; Jones said that other spirits and brews, including local suds, will be available, including a large Belgian selection. There’ll be items for teetotalers, too: handcrafted Neapolitan-style pizza, sandwiches and salads.
  
  Shaw to get sweets and art
  Local sweet tooths will be pleased to hear that, come summer, Reine Bayoc’s Moon Day Soul Treats will be selling its all-natural, from-scratch cookies, brownies and cakes at its own retail location. The space, dubbed Sweet Art and located at 2203 S. 39th St. in the Shaw neighborhood, will house both the bakery and the studio of local artist (and Bayoc’s husband) Cbabi Bayoc. Moon Day Soul Treats will also continue to be sold at Local Harvest Grocery.
  
  Expanding the market
  The Tower Grove Farmers’ Market is expanding its locavore reach with a kitchen incubator program, which will provide two local food start-ups with kitchen space to develop their products and assistance with business plan development and marketing planning; the products will be sold at the market and at Local Harvest Grocery, explained market master and Local Harvest owner Patrick Horine. Already on board is Mark Sanfilippo, who will be producing salamis and other cured meats under the name Salume Beddu. Look for Sanfilippo’s products when the Tower Grove Farmers’ Market opens for the season on May 10.
  
  Do they ever sleep?
  Horine also reports that Local Harvest will expand with the addition of The Annex. Located across the street at 3137 Morganford Road, the new space will house the local grocer’s bakery and deli; Horine promises an expanded menu, including soups and salads, plus a variety of baked goods and outdoor seating. Watch for The Annex to debut in May.
  
  The more the merrier
  Midtown is now home to a newlocal microbrewery, this one called Buffalo Brewing Co. The brewhouse began serving its American pub grub at 3128 Olive St. last month and is now pouring its six beers, including Buffalo Drool, an American brown ale with a slight chocolate flavor; Chili Beer, a light ale with a spicy kick; and a Rye IPA, a medium-bodied brew with a peppery taste.
  
  Hola!
  Finally, Kirkwoodians won’t have to leave the neighborhood for south-of-the-border flavors. Chef and co-owner Roberto Trevino reports that Amigo’s Cantina will offer a small menu of traditional Mexican peasant foods when it opens at 120 W. Jefferson Ave. around the middle of the month. But while classics like burritos and enchiladas will be featured, Trevino is quick to point out that this is not Tex-Mex: “We’re using traditional fillings like pork tenderloin marinated with chiles – no ground beef at all.”
  
  When it rains …
  After a spate of Midtown openings recently, there’s yet more good news for SLU students: The U is scheduled to debut at 3108 Olive St. early this month and will offer classic and healthy sandwiches and salads. Although owner Adam Kustra describes the atmosphere as “a true college hangout,” The U’s debut is also good news for anyone looking for expanded late night dining options: The Midtown eatery will serve food until 3:30 a.m.
  
  Gelato times two Gelato di Riso owner Susan Reis has announced that she’ll be bringing her frozen treats to a second location in the Central West End, at 4663 Maryland Ave.
  
  
  
  
• No foolin'
  Effective today, ownership of the Adams Mark Hotel has converted to The Chartres Lodging Group; the downtown hotel is now known as the Hyatt Regency St. Louis Riverfront. A $63 million renovation is planned; as a result, Faust's will be closed during the project, and Chestnut's will discontinue its weekend brunch (brunch will be offered on special occasions however).

• Last chance
  Wondering where to go to dinner tonight? Consider heading to Zinnia; it'll be your last chance to dine at the "Purple Gem of Webster Groves." Owner David Guempel confirmed to The Scoop that the restaurant is closing after tonight's dinner service.
  
  New digs
  On a happier note, Mosaic is now open in its new digs at 1001 Washington Ave., just a few doors east of its old home.

• Wow!
  The 2008 James Beard Foundation Journalism Award nominees were announced on Monday, and we were thrilled to find our Prep School column on the list. An extra Saucy congratulations to columnist Julia Usher!
  

• It’s almost shaved ice time Tropical Moose Shaved Ice owners Jack and Pat Williams have checked in with The Scoop to report that the popular snow cone stand will open for the season on May 10, at the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market.
  
  The answer is near
  Pi, the new pizzeria at 6144 Delmar Blvd., will host a soft opening this weekend, which means that curious diners will be able to determine just what “San Francisco-style” pizza is when Pi opens its doors to the public next Monday.
  
  Closed
  The downtown location of Dierdorf and Hart’s has thrown in the towel, but the West Port location remains open.
  
  Both St. Louis area locations of Carrabba’s Italian Grill have closed. No word from the corporate types on the reason for the closings.
  Great Harvest Bread Co. has closed its Chesterfield and Kirkwood locations; the St. Charles and Olivette stores remain open.
  
  After three years in business, Sofia Bistro in University City shuttered early this month. A sale is reportedly in the works but has not yet been finalized.
  
  Was closed, now reopen
  After closing for a few days, Nel’s Pub has reopened.
  
  For sale
  Legendary Clayton burger joint The Fatted Calf is up for sale, according to its Web site.
  
  

• More gelato Paciugo Gran Cafe will open a St. Louis location at 173 Carondelet Plaza this spring. The Dallas-based chain specializes in gelato and will also serve coffee drinks (some made with the frozen treat), salads and sandwiches.
  
  So long
  Nel's Pub owner Sean Scott has announced that the South City spot has closed.
  
  Parties and po boys Blues City Deli is now serving up its signature po boys for dinner - at least on Thursday nights, when the Benton Park deli hosts its Thursday Night House Party featuring special beer pricing and live blues.

• Keller, part deux
  After a VIP Grand Opening last night, the second Lumiere Place eatery from chef Hubert Keller, Sleek, is now open. The steakhouse and ultralounge will offer traditional steakhouse fare, including Kobe beef and Alaskan king salmon, though management promises items for vegetarians and vegans, too.
  
  Coffee, salads – and beer!
  SLU students have one less reason to doze off in class, now that the Laclede Coffee Co. is serving up caffeinated beverages at 3722 Laclede St., in the University Heights Lofts. The new coffee house also features a small market – perfect for stocking mini-fridges with dorm room staples such as milk, bread and, of course, beer; fresh baked goods; and a menu spotlighting crepes, sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps and smoothies.
  
  Ole!
  Senor Julio’s Mexican Grill and Cantina, which, interestingly, bills itself by the tagline “fiesta, tacos, tequila, bull rides,” debuted in its Union Station location on Wednesday.
  
  New to the team
  Sommelier John Sears has been named the new wine director for Randall’s Wine and Spirits.
  
  Marianne Moore has been named the new director of nightlife catering at St. Charles’ Home Nightclub.
  

• Chirco’s is back
  Owner Josephine Chirco has resurrected her family’s Chirco’s Italian Restaurant, which longtime Chesterfield residents may remember from its heyday in the late ’70s, this time in St. Charles. Chirco, whose family is also behind the local chain Krieger’s, says she’s “dusted off several old family recipes to bring [customers] simple yet rustic Italian dishes.” Look for Chirco’s Italian Grill at 2893 S. Veterans Memorial Parkway.
  
  Three squares a day
  Van Goghz is now catering to early risers and the lunch crowd with new hours and an expanded menu that now features a variety of coffee drinks, breakfast items and soups, sandwiches and salads. The South City eatery opens its doors at 7 a.m., seven days a week.
  
  New at the helm
  Finninger's Catering Service has a new president, Susan Akscin, and a new executive chef, Clarence Franklin Sr. The pair is behind the catering company's new menu and expansion into private catering (the company had previously worked primarily with nonprofit organizations such as Meals on Wheels).

• Triumph motors into Midtown
  Midtown residents, SLU students and theater-goers will be able to enjoy a new dining destination by the end of the summer. That’s when Triumph Off Grand is slated to open at 3441 Lindell Blvd., in the same building as The Moto Museum. The new eatery is a collaboration between building and museum owner Steve Smith, who is also president of The Lawrence Group, and Culinary Architects, the restaurant development and management company owned by Lori Dolan and Chris LaRocca. Yes, that Chris LaRocca. (The one who owned now-shuttered Crazy Fish in Clayton and Chesterfield and Tomatillo Mexican Grill, for those who don’t know.) Smith will own the restaurant; Culinary Architects will develop the concept and menu, hire and train staff, and, after opening, operate the venture. Though it’s still in the planning stages, LaRocca reports that Triumph (named after a brand of motorcyle) will feature “a lot of familiar items on the menu, but with a twist. You’ll recognize the food, but we’ll tweak things so you’ll say, ‘that’s interesting.’”
  
  Benvenuto!
  Revelers of all sorts will soon have another place to celebrate, when Catering St. Louis debuts the newest feather in its cap of event venues: Oliva, located at 4915 Daggett Ave., the Hill spot that most recently was home to Space. After a gut rehab, which unveiled architectural gems like leaded- and stained-glass windows and multiple archways and added a permanent pergola to the courtyard, the space has been transformed into something resembling a small Mediterranean hotel, explained company President Mark Erker. Permanent rectangular tables and new Italian and tapas-heavy menus further the Mediterranean theme. Erker and his staff will begin welcoming guests by the middle of the month.
  
  From hemp to dim sum
  As The Scoop first announced a couple weeks ago, Grateful Inn owner Greg Perez sold his Maplewood eatery to local über-restaurateur Mike Johnson. Perez will focus on producing his hemp oil vinaigrette and other salad dressings in St. Louis, with plans to market them nationally. And, as promised, more info on Johnson's plans for the space: After shuttering the Inn on March 1, Johnson is transforming the space, at 7336 Manchester Road, into Fu Manchu, which will feature pan-Asian dim sum; an early April opening is anticipated.
  
  Konnichiwa, Tani Sushi Bistro
  An eagle-eyed reader alerted The Scoop to some remodeling activity under way inside the old Candicci’s location at 16 S. Bemiston in Clayton. Turns out it’s the work of Eric and Eunkyung “Jenny” Heckman, the husband and wife co-owners of the upcoming Tani Sushi Bistro. The casual eatery will feature a sushi bar, an appetizer/entrée menu of Japanese- and Korean-inspired dishes, and a full bar spotlighting specialty drinks, including some creative libations made with sake, all set in a sleek, modern décor, reported Eric Heckman. The Heckmans are aiming for a May 1 opening date.
  
  Help for the hung over
  It’s breakfast; it’s lunch; it’s long and lazy – there’s not much we don’t like about brunch. The folks at Off the Vine are of similar mind, apparently, because the South City bistro will launch its casual weekend brunch this Sunday. From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, chef Andy White will offer brunch basics like eggs, biscuits and gravy, burgers, and salads with White’s twist (think pulled pork grits in poached eggs) – “what I make for myself at home when I’m hung over,” White explained.
  
  Good for the Goose
  South Grand stalwart Absolutli Goosed is under new ownership. New owner Greg Hesting purchased the popular spot late last month – but never fear, Goose fans, there are no plans to make major changes. “I love the atmosphere, love the place. It’s very well-executed, and we intend to keep that going,” said Hesting. “We might broaden the appetizers and freshen up the décor a bit, but we’re looking to build on what’s already here.” No word yet on what’s up next for AG founder Melissa Spear.
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Get your hemp on while you can
  News from Maplewood today: Greg Perez has sold his Grateful Inn to restaurateur Mike Johnson. Perez's hemp-heavy eatery will remain open until March 1, when he'll host a farewell shindig featuring Jake's Leg. Check the March issue of Sauce Magazine for details on Johnson's plans for the space.
  
  Almost ready to go live
  The Gramophone is on track for a March 14 debut, reports co-owner Kim Yawitz. The new music venue, located at 4243 Manchester Road in The Grove, is already booking acts; visit www.thegramophonelive.com to view the lineup.
  
  
• More Maplewood news
  Mike Johnson's El Scorcho, also in Maplewood, has expanded and now offers a nonsmoking section.

• A second spot for 10th Street 10th Street Italian debuted its second location yesterday, this one at 2951 Dougherty Ferry Road in Kirkwood. The suburban spot offers the same menu as the original downtown location.

• Good news, pizza fans!
  The STL now has even more possibilities for pizza: Traditionalists, Mizzou grads and anyone who loves Columbia's Shakespeare's Pizza will be pleased to hear that the famed pies are now available at The Domain Street Wine Bar in St. Charles, which opened at 3301 Domain St. late last year. And those looking for a fresh take on a classic (toppings include capers, kalamata olives, Gorgonzola, fingerling potatoes and parsnips) will want to check out Katie's Pizzeria at 6611 Clayton Road in Clayton, which is now open.
  
  Welcome to the team
  Chef Mark Vachon has been named the new sous chef at The Ritz-Carlton Restaurant and Grill. Vachon will also oversee the Cigar Club, Lobby Bar and room service.
  
  Marianne Rogers has joined The Westin St. Louis as director of catering.
  
  
  

• Lawyers who lunch
  The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis has inked a deal with Patty Long Catering to provide catering services at the former Lawyer's Club located on the 30th floor of downtown's Laclede Gas building at 720 Olive St. The restaurant, dubbed Point of View, will offer BAMSL members weekday lunch and special event catering.
  
  
• Ringing in a Revival
  Revival, the new eatery from renowned restaurateurs Cary McDowell, Charlie Downs and Michael Johnson that's housed in the old King Louie's space, will begin welcoming customers tomorrow. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday and dinner on Saturday.
  
  
• Notes from the underground
  Clayton's Miso on Meramec will roll out its new Underground Sushi Menu this week. Look for chef Richard Almgren's menu, which is available only by request, to include items such as the Meramec Alli Roll, which features alligator, enoki mushrooms, sprouts and carrots topped with spicy pumpkin seeds; and the Giant Python Roll, comprised of tempura python, cucumber, sprouts, enoki mushrooms, wasabi mayo and sesame seeds.

• Closed-ish
  Dan Brown, owner of Tanner B's, confirms that the restaurant is "closed for the winter." Brown wouldn't say when or if the South City spot would reopen; several readers report that blinds are drawn and brown paper covers some windows at the eatery.
  
  
• Two squares a day
  Far West County residents have a new option for the first eats of the day, now that the chain Rise and Dine has opened two locations, one at 2480 Taylor Road in Wildwood and the other at 1814 Wentzville Parkway in Wentzville. The restaurants serve breakfast and lunch from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.

• Closed ... but not gone, exactly
  Kyo has shuttered, but its owners plan to transform the nightclub's home, at 1405 Washington Ave., into a new venture. The first floor of the space will house Solace Cafe and Wine Bar, with a contemporary American menu under the direction of chef Matt Malone, and the second floor will be home to a new club, Sugar Lounge, according to general manager Nico Romano. Plans call for a March 1 opening.

• Now open
  Chef Karen Hoffman is now serving up "exquisite ingredients prepared simply but perfectly" for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Cielo, the restaurant inside the brand-new Four Seasons Hotel, which opened today. The Chicago native was most recently at the stove at the hotel's San Francisco location; here in the Lou, Hoffman will oversee an upscale Italian menu -- that's ox tail ravioli and cioppino, not t-ravs and red sauce.

• Rumor mill run amok
  Now, everyone just calm down, OK? Because, Sage fans, the news is good: Managing partner and executive chef Jack MacMurray firmly denied that the überpopular Soulard restaurant is for sale. “The person who put up the listing was ill-advised,” he said. “Sage is not for sale, it’s not closing. This is everything I dreamed of for 17 years, and we’re going strong – we haven’t even had a January slowdown.”
  
  Local Harvest goes whole hog
  Take note, meat-loving locavores: The folks at Local Harvest Grocery are now selling that king of all charcuterie, bacon. Made in-house with Missouri pork, the organic and local grocer is offering three varieties, all applewood-smoked: salt-cured, maple-cured, and black pepper and garlic. House-made Italian and breakfast sausage are also available, with more varieties in the works.
  
  New from Zoë
  Local restaurateur extraordinaire Zoë Robinson tells The Scoop that her newest venture, an Asian noodle house located at Forest Park Parkway and Skinker Boulevard near Washington University, is on track for a May 1 opening. Construction will start this month on the as-yet-unnamed spot, which will offer a small menu under the direction of Robinson’s longtime kitchen collaborator, chef Ny Vongsaly. “Ny’s from Laos, so it’s his home cooking,” Robinson said. A modern décor, designed by Space LLC, is planned, as is counter service and a selection of wine, sake and Asian beers. “It’s a tiny, tiny space,” Robinson said. I Fratellini is one of the smallest restaurants in town, and this is smaller than that!”
  
  Brandy Alexander, anyone?
  With the art deco murals complete and chef Natalia Penchaszadeh in place, Joy Grdnic Christensen is set to make a splash on the local restaurant scene by opening The Fountain on Locust on Feb. 19. Penchaszadeh will oversee a light menu of “simple, healthy, made-from-scratch food,” Christensen said – think soups, salads and sandwiches, though premium ice cream will also star in desserts and retro cocktails.
  
  Games and grub Ivory Coast Bistro debuted in late December, to the delight of local pool sharks and dart hounds. In addition to a game room that features pool tables, dart boards and video games, the Carondelet spot, at 7637 Ivory St., offers a full bar and serves up classic American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
  
  Where garlic is king
  Garlic-lovers will be pleased to note that Salim Hanna plans to open the doors to his new Saleem’s West at 14560 Manchester Road this month. The menu may induce a bit of déjà vu; Hanna reports that it will be similar to that of Simon’s, his former West County restaurant. Though he wouldn’t completely commit to the idea, Hanna did say it’s possible he’ll resurrect his annual garlic festival at the new Manchester location.
  
  Two closings, an opening and one to come
  Two closings to report: The Cabin Inn at the City Museum and After 24 Hour Diner & Games in The Grove both shuttered late last month. But there’s some good news, too: After purchasing Panama Red’s last winter, Mike Headrick, Josh Alt and Rob Burke have transformed it into a second location of their popular Tin Can Tavern; check it out at 1909 Locust St. And a second location of Webster’s Stratton’s Café is in the works, this one at 176 Carondelet Plaza in Clayton.
  
  
  
  

• Zoinks!
  Several concerned readers have e-mailed the Scoop this morning with the news that Balaban's has closed until further notice, citing a note on the Central West End restaurant's front door. The reports appear to be true, as the eatery's Web site pops up with the same message and calls to the restaurant result only in a voice mail message. Watch this space for updates.

• A Plush expansion
  A second location of Clayton-based Lampert's Plush Pig BBQ is slated to open this spring in Columbia, Mo. Angie and Larry Lampert plan to add "familiar American family favorites" to the menu at their new restaurant, which will be located in Grindstone Plaza.
  
  
• More to love ... and more often
  South Grand's Erato Wine Bar, now owned by Three Wine Guys Inc., is offering an expanded menu for both lunch and dinner.

• Lights, camera ...
  Barbecue-lovers looking for their 15 minutes of fame might want to head to 17th Street Barbeque for lunch tomorrow. A crew from the Travel Channel's new show, Food Paradise, will be at the O'Fallon, Ill., location during the lunch rush; word has it that they'll be interviewing diners for the show.
  
  
• It's official
  It was a long time in the making, but Everest Cafe is now serving up its signature Nepalese, Korean and Indian dishes in its new location at 4145 Manchester Road in the Grove.
  
  
• Grand opening Tsunami, Chesterfield's new self-described "steak and sushi lounge that turns into an upscale club" after 9 p.m., will hold a grand opening celebration tomorrow evening, complete with drinks, dinner and DJ. Revelers should report to 280 Long Road at 7 p.m.
  
  
• Closed
  It appears that St. Charles' Canoe Regional American Fare has closed. In a message on the restaurant's Web site, owner and chef Benjamin Anderson says he has "decided to pursue other challenges."

• A bit more info
  Scottish Arms owner Alistair Nisbet has checked in with The Scoop, offering a bit more info on his upcoming eatery in Tower Grove East: Dubbed The Shaved Duck, the restaurant will feature a seasonal American menu heavy on small plates, though soups, salads and entree portions will be offered so that diners can "experiment with different meal structures, from modern tapas-style ... to classical multi-course dining." Only American craft beers will be offered, though the wine list will include an both Old and New World varietals. The new venture will also allow Scottish Arms executive chef Brendan Noonan and sous chef Wes Johnson (who will each assume the same roles in the South City kitchen) to prepare a variety of cured meats and charcuterie in-house. Fans of The Scottish Arms needn't worry, however: Noonan will still oversee the pub's kitchen, with help from new chef de cuisine Carl Hazel, formerly of Sqwires. Look for The Shaved Duck to debut in March.

• Cooking for a cause
  Beginning in February, L'Ecole Culinaire will offer cooking classes to the public. Dubbed Kitchen with a Mission, the program will feature one class per month, with a portion of the class fee going to charity. Aspiring cooks can view the schedule at the culinary school's Web site.
  
  

• New to the team
  Gretchen Morfogen has joined the team at Straub's Markets. As director of culinary operations, Morfogen will assist in prepping the grocer's Ellisville store for its summer opening. The new store, the chain's fifth, will include a full-service cheese department, an indoor/outdoor cafe and a cooking school.
  
  More lunch choices downtown
  Diana Slay and her father Dennis Slay opened the doors to their new downtown eatery yesterday. Zaytoon, which serves Lebanese sandwiches and salads, is located at 711 Olive St.

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