Mike "Talayna" Faille, founder of Talayna's Pizza and owner of Mike Talayna's Juke Box Restaurant and the not-yet-open Frontenac Grill, collapsed on Sunday, and at this writing remains in critical condition at a local hospital.
The Frontenac Grill has survived one setback after another, the most recent delay stemming from issues involving the liquor license. Then there was the name: Up until a few weeks ago, the restaurant was to be called Old Blue Eyes until representatives from the Frank Sinatra estate objected. The project experienced its longest down time while Faille recovered from a heart attack a year and a half ago.
Relish has learned that the Grill's friends and family event scheduled for tonight and tomorrow night will proceed as planned, but any further opening plans have been put on hold, pending Faille's recovery.
This project has been under construction for over three years. It's been in Faille's head for far longer. If anyone deserves to open a set of restaurant doors and see the completion of a dream, it's Mike Faille. Godspeed to you, sir.
Editor's Note: For an entertaining look at one of St. Louis' more colorful characters, see Jeannette Cooperman's conversation with Mike Faille in the November issue of SLM or check it out online here.
