The chefs and students at L’École Culinaire are working overtime this year to provide new opportunities for St. Louis residents.
Even after three years, the Presentation Room Restaurant is still an undiscovered gem to most local diners. Students literally work the Room during in the final phase of their culinary degree. We'll vouch for the quality of the food and the low, low prices. The only caveat is the hours: as staffing depends on that semester's enrollment, some forethought is required. This month, the Presentation Room is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday; starting early next month, it's Monday and Tuesday only. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and dinner between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. For more information and reservations, call 314-587-2433 or click here.
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One event to be held in the Presentation Room is the Winter Wine Dinner at L’École on January 24. Beginning at 7 p.m., the meal offers an applewood smokewood trout crepe, and both a pepper crusted rack of venison and a beef tenderloin medallion with red wine compound butter. The meal ends with a trio of chocolate desserts. The cost for the 6 course dinner with a paired wine for each course: $50 per person. That's it. Dinner organizer and instructor-chef Michael Damico explains that such events are "for exposure, not to make money." To reserve a seat, call 314-587-2433 or click here.
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L'École also teaches classes--50 of them--to both professional and amateur "chefs" in a separate facility called L'École Academy, located in Olivette. This January and February, choose from Soup & Chili, Knife Skills, Artisan Breads, Super Superbowl Snacks, Mardis Gras Favorites, the list goes on. Take the little ones to a sweet course for children called A Valentine’s Day Cookie Exchange on February 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Or go on a spicy date with the Date Night Spain course, February 11 and 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost for most courses is $75 per person. For the course schedule and more information, call 314-264-1999 or click here.
