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Kevin A. Roberts
Vino Nadoz Wine Bar
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Kevin A. Roberts
Tripel Brasserie
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Kevin A. Roberts
Harvest
Mosaic
Last Meal Served: September 3, 2013
Why (We Think) It Closed: The recent proliferation of restaurants along Washington Avenue may have led to its demise, while the newer Des Peres location was an under performer.
Why We’ll Miss It: Mosaic was a prime contributor to both the understanding and solid execution of the small-plates style of dining.
Where to Go Now: See any number of similarly themed restaurants—from the super popular (Robust, Modesto) to the more nuanced (One 19 North Tapas and Wine Bar, Taste, Acero, Olio).
Vino Nadoz Wine Bar
Last Meal Served: January 13
Why (We Think) It Closed: The restaurants that have branded The Boulevard–St. Louis (Maggiano’s Little Italy, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro) attracted a different clientele than Vino Nadoz. There was never any symbiosis.
Why We’ll Miss It: Quite simply, it was one of the most under-appreciated restaurants in the city.
Where to Go Now: Recently opened New American restaurant Element has the same culinary style and attention to detail, plus a wider array of entrée-size offerings, which will attract a wider audience.
The Majestic Restaurant & Bar
Last Meal Served: April 6
Why (We Think) It Closed: After 50-plus years in business, the owner said he wanted to relax, travel, and spend time with family. Others thought the building was run-down and the food was overrated.
Why We’ll Miss It: There aren’t enough Greek restaurants in this town.
Where to Go Now: For the diner food aspect, options abound; for Greek fare, Spiro’s Restaurant rises above the fray. For the combination of both, the closest approximations are the two locations of Mario’s Donuts & Cafe.
Tripel Brasserie
Last Meal Served: June 14
Why (We Think) It Closed: In three words: It shouldn’t have. Shutting down just after its first anniversary, Tripel was an example of this city’s “too many good new restaurants” syndrome, as in, “We meant to try that place—we heard it was really good.”
Why We’ll Miss It: An unusual concept (Belgian–Northern French food), paired with a slew of not-just-Belgian beers, was served in a lively brasserie-type setting.
Where to Go Now: Since it was the only local restaurant serving Belgian food, you might reconsider that oft-postponed trip to Brussels.
Harvest
Last Meal Served: June 15
Why (We Think) It Closed: Nowadays, with so many good restaurants in town, tried-and-true ones—even legends like Harvest—drop off many go-visit lists.
Why We’ll Miss It: A bona fide trendsetter, Harvest taught us about flat-iron steak, day boat scallops, and airline chicken breasts, as well as to appreciate—and crave—bread pudding.
Where to Go Now: Sidney Street Cafe comes closest in combining progressive fare (lamb Wellington with sweetbreads and creamed nettles) with the approachable (filet béarnaise stuffed with lobster). And a near-exact version of Harvest’s legendary bread pudding can be found at Cyrano’s.
