Panorama's Executive Chef Ivy Magruder is the newest exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum and he's started a monthly series called Art at theTable, which combines the art of food with that which hangs on the walls. Whiskeys of the World: A Celebration of Art, Food and Whiskey on October 24th begins with a docent-led tour followed by a 4-course meal (oysters, pork belly, filet, and fudge) complete with whiskey pairings (single malts and ryes). We chatted with Ivy about heading up the restaurant and how the special dining series wants nothing more than to get his diners "drunk and fat."
What's the best thing about Art at the Table?
I don’t care how old you are, being at the St. Louis Art Museum after hours is so neat. Makes you feel like you are doing something you're not supposed to.
Why did Panorama want to do this series?
One of the challenges of this re-branding of Panorama was letting people know that we are different. We decided to do this series was to get more intimate with our guests and to change to change the preconceived perception of what Panorama is. We have to let St. Louis know we are here.
How was the last dinner you did with Schlafly?
We said our goal was to “get ‘em drunk and fat.” Let’s put it this way, we did our part.
You like beer, you like whiskey. So who does that mean your influences are?
Books & trends influence me. People from my grandparents, wife, co-workers, strangers have influenced my cooking. The Art Museum itself has influenced me. The Art Museum does things the right way.
Is it tough competing with the museum's priceless pieces of art for people's attention? How do you use Panorama's location/audience to your advantage?
We have the coolest Art Museum in the country. And then they build this beautiful restaurant and say “go cook.” I take that very seriously. Our pitch: Come try our food, and oh yeah you can enjoy millions of dollars in art and thousands of years of culture. If you are into that sort of thing.
What's up next at Panorama?
A new menu at the end of this month. Tons of events—weddings, private parties, special events. No events are the same around here, which is so much fun. I feel like what we are doing here is what St. Louis stands for: Class, Sophistication, Hospitality, Fun.
Art at the Table begins at 7 p.m. in the Museum's East Building for a docent-led tour of the galleries. At 7:30 p.m., diners will be seated at Panorama for the duration of their four-course meal. Tickets cost $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Seating is limited; find more information here, and call (314) 655-5490 to make a reservation.
Menu:
Fried Oysters, buttermilk marinade,
sweet potato puree, Andouille barbecue
The Tyrconnell Single Malt Irish Whiskey (Ireland)
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Braised Pork Belly, grilled asparagus,
apple mustard, poached egg,
Togarashi spiced cream-corn
Knob Creek Rye Whiskey (United States)
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Grilled Filet, smoked gouda-caramelized onion-porcini gratin,
glazed beets, whiskey–demi
Suntory The Hakushu 12 Year Single Malt Whisky (Japan)
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Candy Plate: Pecan pralines,
chocolate fudge, peanut butter fudge,
bacon fudge
Glen Garioch 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Scotland),
Canadian Club Small Batch Sherry Cask (Canada)
