The Purple Martin
Situated in a sleek rehab in Fox Park, The Purple Martin specializes in North African and Middle Eastern food. And it recently reinforced its commitment to quality food by hiring former Riddles Penultimate Cafe & Wine Bar chef KT Ayers. 2800 Shenandoah, 314-898-0011, thepurplemartinstl.com.
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Tree House
If you’re not already vegetarian or vegan, this brightly sunlit South Grand spot will nudge you toward a conversion—especially with its excellent cocktail list. 3177 S. Grand, 314-696-2100, treehousestl.com.
Death in the Afternoon
The team from Blood & Sand names a second restaurant after a cocktail, fills its website with illustrations of poisonous plants, and aims for another rousing success, lunch only–style, in Citygarden. 808 Chestnut, 314-621-3236, deathintheafternoonstl.com.
Giovanni’s Kitchen
The Gabriele family goes casual with its third restaurant, less formal than Giovanni’s on the Hill and business-casual Il Bel Lago. The Clayton spot is replete with from-scratch classic Italian food and a commendable wine list. 8831 Ladue, 314-721-4100, giovanniskitchenstl.com.
Bishop’s Post
A Rook (chef Dave) and a Bishop (co-owner Ben Jr.) serve upscale “classic comfort food” in the sprawling former home of Oceano Bistro, Aqua Vin, and Crazy Fish. Checkmate. 16125 Chesterfield Parkway, Chesterfield, 636-536-9404, bishopspost.com.
Salt + Smoke
The Delmar Loop lacked a barbecue joint until June of this year. Early on, aficionados are raving. 6525 Delmar, 314-727-0200, saltandsmokestl.com.
