The walkable nature of Maplewood’s business district makes shopping for dinner both easy and fun. After picking up produce at Schlafly Farmers Market on a Wednesday afternoon, visit these vendors—and then stop at Side Project Cellar for a brew.
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Start with dessert. Owner Jane Callahan’s pies come in a range of sizes; choose several smaller ones for variety or a regular-sized pie—and a mini to eat while shopping. If it’s spring, look for the strawberry-basil pie, made with Vom Fass’ balsamic vinegar. Or consider the lemon-lavender-blueberry pie, which absolutely must be topped with limoncello-infused whipped cream.
Co-owner Chris Bolyard once worked at Sidney Street Cafe and now practices whole-animal butchery. Along with his wife, Abbie, they’ve visited the farms that produce their products to ensure that the animals live and die humanely. And whether you’re cooking beef necks or turkey legs, the Bolyards will advise you on how to best prepare the meat.
Vom Fass offers an array of oils, vinegars, and spirits. Anita von Ballmoos and her staff will work with you to create the right marinades, dressings, and sauces for whatever meats and veggies you’ve amassed. The flavored olive oils could be used alone with spices from nearby Penzeys or mixed with one of the store’s flavored vinegars. And don’t forget some limoncello for that pie.
At Penzeys, you can choose from hundreds of spices. The Galena Street Rib & Chicken Rub would be a great accompaniment to those chicken thighs. And the Salad Elegant—Parmesan cheese, paprika, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, bell pepper, garlic, and celery—is all you need besides that oil from Vom Fass for fresh greens.
As the name suggests, your final destination is for stocking up on pantry essentials. Larder and Cupboard is owned by Kakao Chocolate’s Brian Pelletier. In anticipation of leftovers (maybe a pork tenderloin sandwich?), pick up a Missouri Wild Edibles mustard—caramelized
onion, Norton, or smoked ramp—made by local forager extraordinaire Ryan Maher.
