Brad Beracha recently signed a lease to expand by 800 SF his 8 year old Miso on Meramec. The additional space will accomplish several things: greatly expand Miso's street presence, allow for some operable cafe windows, double the size of the existing patio, and most importantly, add seating--quiet, non-smoking, ground level seating--that's tailored to a "different" (read: slightly older) clientele. Many of Miso's original customers have--dare I say it?--grown up and no longer feel comfortable descending into the abyss.
Plans are to stay a step ahead of Clayton's July 2010 indoor smoking ban by making the new patio 100% non-smoking as well. Look for dinner service in the new cafe space by early 2010 and lunch to begin anew next March, with Miso's aces sushi chef Eliott Harris at the helm. We hear there's still plenty up his sleeve. -- George Mahe
