Do you have any dining recommendations for Memorial Day weekend? —Chris F., St. Louis
Local restaurants, most of which are jam-packed with customers despite being stretched and strained of late, could be even busier this weekend, with some people staying home due to the high cost of gas. Our advice to those planning to visit a restaurant this weekend: “go where they ain’t,” namely one of the several recently opened restaurants that are still largely undiscovered. Among the options:
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Blue Violet (6108 Shoger, Ste. B): The newest eatery from restaurateur Michael Del Pietro opened May 3. Located in Edwardsville, it joins the Illinois outpost of Sugo’s Spaghetteria, the lynchpin of MDP Restaurants, and is purposefully not Italian. Asked to pigeonhole the culinary approach, partner Ryan French pegged the “New Americana” approach as “worldly, clean comfort food.” Expect small and large plates such as blue-crab deviled eggs, pickled shrimp tostada (effectively a ceviche), white cheddar cornbread, and Nashville-style hot cod. The restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday, with weekend brunch coming soon.
Arzola’s Fajitas & Margaritas (2730 McNair): The Arzola family (of Chuy’s in Dogtown fame) opened the much-anticipated Benton Park restaurant on Cinco de Mayo. We heartily endorse the family’s signature fajitas, margaritas, queso, chips (those seasoned chips!), and Papa Chuy’s Jalapeño Hush Puppies. The restaurant and cozy patio are open for dinner Thursday through Monday.
Station No. 3 (1956 Utah): The third restaurant from Frida’s/Diego’s owners Natasha Kwan and Rick Roloff opened May 10. Featuring “flexitarian gastropub” fare, such as Costra Tacos and the Mean Ass Turkey Burger, the Benton Park restaurant (located in the former Utah Station space) is open for lunch Thursday through Saturday and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Fariñas Kitchen + Bar (1001 Washington): Boasting steaks cooked on a stone “grill,” the downtown restaurant opened Tuesday and serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Taqueria Morita (4260 Forest Park): The casual, all-outdoor spinoff from the team at Vicia opened last night and serves dinner Thursday through Saturday, weather permitting.
Salve Osteria (3200 S. Grand): Tonight marks the opening of the restaurant from the owners of the former Café Natasha. The eatery serves Italian, Spanish, and Mediterranean fare, in addition to sharing the space with The Gin Room, Natasha Bahrami’s gin-focused cocktail bar. The restaurant is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday.
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