10 fall dinners in St. Louis celebrating the bounty of the season

It's that time of year when the foliage begins to drop, the air grows crisp, and the St. Louis culinary world embraces the harvest season. Here are a few events to check out around town this fall.

Bistro La Floraison
The charming and elegant Bistro La Floraison, operated by the Take Root Hospitality team, is known for its refined French cuisine. This fall, wine director Kevin McKay will lead guests through a three-part wine dinner series with wine pairings highlighting a different region of France.

On Sept. 25, owners Tara Gallina and chef Michael Gallina will kick off the series with a three-course Basque-inspired wine dinner, drawing inspiration from their recent travels to the region. The dinner will feature flavors from both France and Spain, including a first course of grilled squid and octopus, followed by grilled T-bone steaks in the second course, and a build-your-own Basque cheesecake dessert. 

The dinner on Oct. 30 will take guests on a culinary journey to the French Mediterranean, known for some of the world's best wines. Tickets for this Southern French-inspired meal are $150 plus tax.

The final dinner, scheduled for Nov. 13, will honor the Jura region of France. Known for its rolling hills, deep valleys and lush landscape, this eastern France-inspired dinner will feature unique wines that are completely different from those made anywhere else in the world.

Dinners will be served communally, with snacks upon arrival, a three-course menu and beverage pairings for the first and second courses. Additional drinks will be available for purchase.

To secure your seat at these unique and immersive dining experiences, visit Resy to book your reservation today.

7637 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, 314.725.8880, bistrolafloraison.com

Nudo House x The Wine Merchant Ltd.
Nudo House in Creve Coeur is partnering with The Wine Merchant Ltd. to host a premier wine event celebrating the La Paulée tradition. This upscale gathering on Oct. 3 will feature renowned Rhone wine expert John Junguenet of Alain Junguenet Selections, who will guide guests through a multi-course dinner highlighting the French reds of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Lauded chef Qui Tran of Nudo House and Mai Lee will serve dinner family-style, encouraging conversation and collective enjoyment at tables of 10. Guests will enjoy a reception and the first three courses, with wines like Clos des Papes, Le Vieux Donjon, Clos des Brusquieres, and Chateau Fortia beginning at 7 p.m.

The final course is the highlight of the event – La Paulée, a Burgundy-themed BYOB celebration. Guests are asked to bring one bottle (one per couple or individual) of their favorite Rhone wine to share with the group, allowing everyone to taste and discuss their latest vintages or favorite bottles.

This unique event is a must-attend for wine aficionados and enthusiasts. Ride-sharing services are encouraged for the ultimate experience. Tickets are available online.

11423 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, 314.274.8046, nudohousestl.com

Homie Hospitality
Homie Hospitality in De Soto, Missouri, has organized a series of sought-after farm-to-table dinners and events, thanks to the partnership between Dave Blum and Autumn Sij of Such and Such Farm and Ryan McDonald and Ashley Batiste of Farm Spirit. These events showcase the finest local agricultural offerings of the season.

The upcoming Occult Night Market on Oct. 26, starting at 5 p.m., is a family-friendly Halloween-themed event everyone can enjoy. Local vendors specializing in supernatural items will be selling their handmade goods with a DJ and food from Homie Hospitality, including vegan chili, smoked turkey legs, cornbread and gumbo. Tickets are available online and at the door.

Their seasonal dinner series takes place in their rustic open-air barn. Guests are encouraged to arrive between 5 and 5:30 p.m. to check in, enjoy welcome appetizers and cocktails, and explore the farm and its animals, all while listening to live music and watching the sunset over the forest. Seating begins at 6 p.m., with the meal starting at 6:30 p.m. and the event concluding around 9 p.m. All dishes are prepared in the outdoor kitchen over live fire, with menus released the week of each dinner.

The upcoming dinner schedule includes an Oktoberfest-themed menu on Oct. 6, featuring Farm Spirit's Ryan McDonald and the in-house team. On Oct. 13, the team will welcome guest chefs from Temperance Kitchen, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Ben's Friends (@bensfriendshope), an organization supporting culinary professionals struggling with addiction and substance abuse disorder. 

The Oct. 20 dinner will feature chefs Elliott Brown and Brandon Panosh from Dinner at the Loft and The Biscuit Joint. The final dinner of the season on Nov. 3, will feature French cuisine with a modern twist from the Homie Hospitality team.

Address provided upon reservation, Such and Such Farm, DeSoto, homiehospitality.com

Parker’s Table x Switchgrass Spirits
Popular for its exceptional wine and food selection, Parker's Table is teaming up with  Switchgrass Spirits to host an evening dedicated to whiskey cocktails and barbecue on Oct. 18.

Based on the northside of St. Louis, Switchgrass Spirits is committed to distilling high-quality whiskey and brandy using Midwestern labor and ingredients. These premium spirits will be the highlight as they are served alongside dinner in the intimate Oakland Room event space. 

Dinner will be prepared by chef Steve Caravelli from Parker's Table, and distiller Kate Pogue from Switchgrass will be available to answer any questions about their products. Tickets are available online.

7118 Oakland Ave., Richmond Heights, 314.645.2050, parkerstable.com