‘Tis the season…
At this time of year every restaurant is crazy busy and every party seems to be a table of six or more...and all you want to do is take family or friends to a place that you can get into, one worthy of your time and dollars. It’s a tough assignment. One solution is to opt for a new restaurant, one so new it hasn't yet appeared on most locals' radar screens.
We mentioned a few of them on radio last week, and the subject seemed to resonate, so here’s the list again…
Look for pictures and greater detail in a future post, but in the meantime, make plans at one of the places below:
Update: Options for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day have been added.
DINNER:
Nathalie’s (opened December 13th)
4356 Lindell
314-533-1580
Dinner only, Wed-Mon
Closed 12/24 and 12/25; open 12/31, closed 1/1.
On Facebook: Nathalie’s
In a sentence: Owner Nathalie Pettus (of Clarksville's Overlook Farm) and chef Jimmy Voss (formerly of Duff’s) team up to bring the farm’s produce and proteins (hopefully year-round ) to a lovely restaurant in the CWE.
Final Cut Steak House (opened December 13)
777 Casino Center Dr
314-770-8248
Dinner only, Wed-Sun
Closed 12/24, open 12/25; closed 12/31, open 1/1.
hollywoodcasinostlouis.com/Dining
In a sentence: The Maryland Heights location is the ninth Final Cut Steak House (a restaurant brand unique to Hollywood Casino), many of them located in the Midwest.
801 Chophouse (opened December 20)
137 Carondelet Plaza
314-875-9900
Dinner nightly
Open 12/24, closed 12/25; open both 12/31 and 1/1.
In a sentence: “Green-coat” servers wheeling guéridon carts, USDA Prime proteins displayed tableside, simply prepared steaks with a myriad of side dishes, and a magnificent oval bar add up to another fancy—and pricey—addition to the local steakhouse scene, in ARAKA’s former space adjacent to the Ritz in Clayton.
Small Batch (soft opening last weekend, plus Fri 12/27 & Sat 12/28)
3001 Locust
314-380-2040
Dinner nightly, beginning January 2.
In a sentence: This may be the first ever marriage of a whiskey bar to vegetarian food, but if anyone can pull it off, four-time success story Dave Bailey can (Baileys' Chocolate Bar, Rooster, Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar, Bailey’s Range).
Bar Les Frères addition (opens December 23)
7637 Wydown
314-725-8880
Dinner Mon-Sat
Closed 12/24 & 12/25; open 12/31, closed 1/1
On Facebook: Bar Les Freres
In a sentence: We just posted news and pix of this opening in Relish today, here.
LUNCH OR DINNER:
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant (opened December 12)
1146 Town and Country Crossings
636-489-0059
Lunch and dinner daily
Open 12/24, closed 12/25; open 12/31 and 1/1.
In a sentence: Lots of menu choices and award-winning, yet inexpensive, branded wines in a combination tasting room/300-seat restaurant that feels half its size.
Five Star Burgers (opened December 20)
312 S. Kirkwood
314-394-2250
Lunch and dinner daily
Closing 4-ish 12/24, closed 12/25; open 12/31, closed 1/1.
In a sentence: Chef turned burgermeister Steve Gontram opens a second location in the former Culpepper’s in Kirkwood, which we much appreciate, as his flagship Clayton store is always packed.
SNACKS & DRINKS:
Planter’s House (opened December 4)
1000 Mississippi
314-696-2603
Cocktails and snacks, Tue-Sun
Closed 12/24 and 12/25; open 12/31, closed 1/1.
In a sentence: We summed up Ted and Jamie Kilgore’s cool new digs in the January 2014 SLM, here.
Taha’a Twisted Tiki (opens December 30)
4199 Manchester
314-367-1200
Cocktails and snacks, Mon-Sat, open 12/31, closed 1/1.
On Facebook: Taha’a Twisted Tiki
In a sentence: Especially since the city's first tiki bar is owned by Lucas and Derek Gamlin (SubZero Vodka Bar, Gamlin Whiskey House), expect good drinks and a lively atmosphere...and should you have an uncontrollable urge to welcome in the new year by knocking down a flaming Volcano Bowl, this be the place.
