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Courtesy of Sandy Talley
2 of 2
Courtesy of Sandy Talley
If famed comedian Gallagher were ever to meet Sandy Talley, we'd wager he'd bestow his ultimate compliment and say: "He's got style."
Those of us who follow the local underground restaurant scene know of Sandy Talley; the rest of the dining public probably does not.
Talley's a restaurant chef hiding in an architect's body. Once a month, he and his partner Marie Jary hold an intimate, 14-person, tough-ticket underground dinner he calls Demitasse (even the story behind Demitasse is charming, but you have to attend a dinner to hear it).
Last fall, it was Talley who introduced St. Louis to the concept of "pop-up" restaurants, magically transforming the former John's Town Hall (665 S. Skinker) into Demitasse 665, a magnificent bar and one-table restaurant for a 12-night-only run...then, just as magically, it disappeared. Talley was so intent on recreating a homey ambience for 665 that he transported his living room furniture--as well as the paintings on his walls--just for the event. SLM's Dave Lowry found it memorable and our sister publication, St. Louis At Home, showcased the event in its May-June issue.
So it's no wonder we're excited at the announcement of a second pop-up, this one held outdoors in Forest Park, called "Dining Under the Stars."
The area of the park Talley secured is in a glen, just northeast of the Muny, a popular picnic area due to the preponderance of large, flat rocks and a meandering stream (a spot so picturesque that a certain Dining Editor proposed marriage there two years ago).
The logistics may seem tricky...for anyone but Talley. The dinner will be prepared on-site by Talley the chef, and guests will be served under a roofed pavilion built by Talley the architect (scale model, "on location," is at right). Talley designed the structure so it can be quickly disassembled and either donated to a cause or reused for another event. "I could see using the same building on a farm or on an overlook," he said, "but what I'd really like to do is float it someplace like the Grand Basin and serve dinner there." Style, indeed.
The particulars: six-nights, June 14-16 and June 21-23, 20 diners per night, seven courses for $125 pp (including wine pairings). Although this particular event has been slated for non-profit groups, there is one night--and only one--available to the public: Friday, June 22. (The menu for that night is above, at left.) A portion of the evening's proceeds will be donated to Forest Park Forever.
We'll let Eastwood's "Dirty Harry" Callahan take it from here: “You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya punk?'"
If you do, contact Talley at demitasseunderground@gmail.com and attempt to snag a reservation, one that may make securing one at Stone Soup Cottage seem easier than, well, a walk in the park.
