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Photo by George Mahe
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Courtesy of Demitasse
Ever since I attended an "underground" dinner event hosted by Sandy Talley and Marie Jary, I've maintained contact with the couple, mainly because the food is that good, the experiences that memorable, and Talley and Jary that genuine.
Since the fall of 2009, they've held monthly themed dinners in their home (which stretches the definition of the word "underground" as it relates to dining), adding in an occasional, attention-grabbing offsite "pop-up" restaurant to switch up the venue.
The couple calls the series of dinners "Demitasse" after the cups used at each event (left) but mum's the word as to why demitasse cups are used... that honor is reserved for Talley, who explains the genesis at every dinner.
In the fall of 2011 there was Demitasse 665, St. Louis' first pop -up restaurant, twelve dinners held over a three-week period at the former John's Town Hall restaurant at 665 S. Skinker. To create just the proper homey ambiance, Talley painted the walls, schlepped living room furniture from his home in U City, and even placed art on the walls, much of it of his own hand. SLM's Dave Lowry attended on the same evening a local dining editor volunteered to be part of the wait staff. (His critique of both is here.)
Courtesy of Sandy Talley
Photo by George Mahe
Last summer, for Dining Under the Stars, Talley, an architect by trade, built a temporary dining pavilion in a glen in Forest Park (scale model above, actual structure at right), the first time an endeavor like that had ever been attempted. Over the course of six perfect nights, a small group of guests supped on seven brilliant, flavorful courses plus paired wines. It was a superlative dining experience, one attendees will not soon forget. (Read more about it here.)
In the fall of 2012, Talley took his show to the road, hosting a one-night dinner at Sugar Creek Winery in Defiance, Mo.
His first pop-up event for this year will take place in the fall.
For two weekends in September, Talley will take to the field--literally--and reconstruct the pavilion, this time in a vineyard where Chambourcin grapes are grown. Talley informs us that "the seats are within an arm's reach" of vines bearing grapes that will soon be sold to nearby wineries. The location will be at Augusta Hills Vineyard just outside of Augusta, Mo.
As several of the dates for Dinner in the Vineyard have already been reserved, at this time only two nights-September 14 and 15-are open to the public (see details below). The menu has not yet been announced but rest assured that both Missouri produce and Missouri wines will be featured.
Those who may not want to return that same evening may want to consider reserving a room at one of several B&B's in the area. And that bike trip from Augusta to Defiance along the KATY trail? Flat as a flounder and highly recommended as well.
