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, SLM's dining e-newsletter.
Heart and Seoul
The Kimcheese in Creve Coeur has changed format to become an all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurant called Seoul Garden. Yup, the same Seoul Garden (with a shorter menu) that’s been a staple in St. Ann for more than 20 years. The new Seoul Garden menu (not yet online) is posted in the gallery below. For more details, check Twitter, Facebook, or call 314-569-4123.
For those keeping score, the flagship Kimcheese in Chesterfield will remain open, a new store is slated to open at The Eatery (a food hall at #1 Metropolitan Square) in the fall, and a food truck will launch soon as well.
A Perennial Winner
Here’s a St. Louis Craft Beer Week event for which you really need to get tickets in advance: Perennial Artisan Ales hosts its sixth annual Midwest Belgian Beer Fest from 1–5 p.m. Saturday, July 29, at the Local 36 Union Hall, located at 2319 Chouteau. (We’d love to list all of the breweries that will be sharing their wares that week, but there are—wait for it—60 of them. And proceeds go to St. Louis Public Radio. Tickets are $75.)
Pat's in 1942. Photo courtesy The Pat Connolly Tavern
A Toast to Pat's
The Pat Connolly Tavern, a.k.a. Pat’s, was founded in 1942, which means at least four generations of St. Louisans have raised a glass (and chomped on fried chicken and other specialties) there. In any event, it claims to be the first full-service restaurant in Dogtown, and it’s certainly one of the oldest continuously operating bars in the metro area. Celebrate the local institution starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 29. There will be ’40s jazz and vintage cars, and classic attire is encouraged. Tickets are $35.