SLM contributor Joe Bonwich weighs in on local food events, happenings, and dining news of note. Look for his observations every other week in On the Burner.
The End in Ellisville
Market master René Sackett and her husband, George, announced the recently (and prematurely) concluded season at Ellisville Community Farmers’ Market would be their last. “The volunteerism has significantly decreased each season. The customer base and market vendor attendance has also decreased,” they wrote on the market's blog. “We have decided that we can no longer continue managing the farmers market and keep it open. Market attendance always drops off after the community concert season is over and then gets another hit when school starts.” René founded the Ellisville market in 2009; with the extent of the Sacketts’ participation, her resignation marks the effective end of the market. She plans to continue at the Wildwood Farmers’ Market.
Some Pig
This one is sure to sell fast, so make plans now. Mac's Local Buys and Green Finned Hippy Farm have announced Swine & Dine: A Cajun Boucherie, October 3 and 4 at the farm, located at 256 Hickory Road in Pocahontas, Illinois. What’s a boucherie? Think of it as Woodpork, a whole bunch of people getting together on a farm for a giant festival celebrating peace, love, and hog-roasting. In fact, it’s a Cajun tradition of community transplanted north, in part by the St. Louis area’s own Louisiana ambassador, chef Josh Galliano. He and nine other local chefs (Josh Davis – Green Finned Hippy Farm; Ryan McDonald – Byrd & Barrel; Ryan Maher - The Cheshire; Adam Lambay – Union Station; Wil Volny - The Libertine; Brendan Kirby – Civil Life Brewery; David Sandusky – BEAST Craft BBQ; Kevin Willmann – Farmhaus; Andrew Jennrich – Annie Gunn's) will be assisting Toby Rodriguez from Lache Pas Boucherie in New Orleans. Prices range from $65 to $125, depending on whether you want to stay for one day or two; camping’s optional.
A New Event Venue
Butler’s Pantry has transformed the machine hall of the former power plant on the old City Hospital campus into a private event space. And they've given it a clever name: Joule (pronounced Jewel), which is a standard unit of energy in electronics. Joule is adjacent to Palladium St. Louis, the former City Hospital laundry facility that was also renovated by Butler's Pantry. The 4200 square foot Joule was designed to be a stand-alone venue, but since it's connected to Palladium by an outdoor plaza, it can also be part of a larger function. For more information about Joule, Palladium St. Louis, or Butler’s Pantry, click here or call 314-664-7680.

Sarah Ketterer