First Look: Little Fox in Fox Park

During their time in New York, Craig and Mowgli Rivard mostly worked as private chefs, but when they moved back to St. Louis two years ago, they set their sights on opening a brick and mortar. Now, their dream is a reality – on Dec. 10, the Rivards will infuse the Fox Park neighborhood with a bit of Brooklyn flavor as Little Fox opens its doors in the former home of The Purple Martin.

Taking the corner space at 2800 Shenandoah Ave., Little Fox aims at a cozy, approachable vibe with its light colors, wood paneling and exposed brick; in a time when dark and shadowy restaurants are hitting hard, the Rivards offer something inviting and warm, open and flowing. The space’s mood is expressed in everything from its happy hour to its sophisticated but approachable menu.

Shareable items are a priority, as Little Fox will offer a large menu of bar snacks like crispy chickpeas, crostini, riblets and clams, and small plates like a shaved Brussels sprouts and kale salad and a delicata squash set. Entrees include a tomahawk pork chop, grilled trout and more.     

Bar manager Kelly Nyikes has prepared a dazzling wine program with about 100 natural wines. The bar will have five local beers, a Spanish cider and a rotating chilled red wine all on draft. Locking in the Brooklyn-meets-St. Louis concept, there will also be Bud Light and Stag.

The cocktail program is heavy on apéritifs, including a unique vermouth service, but lead bartender Chris Voll assures they’ll have something for everyone with cocktails strong in gin, bourbon, vermouth and more. 

Adam Rothbarth is a staff writer at Sauce Magazine.