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Insider Tip:
Din-Din on Macklind
When the weather gods are smiling, dining doesn’t get any better than on the lower patio at Russell’s on Macklind in SoHa,; when the gods frown, the space stays cozy thanks to a fire pit and pod heaters. Of course there’s seating inside, and on the expanded deck, which will get fully enclosed by this time next month. All to enjoy Russell Ping’s value-packed, local-seasonal dinner menu that chef/owner describes as “American Corner Bistro,” which translates to items like a Farmers Stand Salad ($5 and $10), BBQ Shrimp and Bacon Shallot Grits ($12), a Pot Roast Sandwich with Horseradish Pepper Cream ($12), and a Double-Cut Pork Chop with Cider Braised Greens and a Sweet Potato/Butternut Squash Mash ($22). Come ‘n get it. 5400 Murdoch, 314-553-9994, russellscafe.com
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Hot Spots:
The Cold Case at Winslow’s
We admit it. We were so busy ogling sweets in the display case at Winslow’s Home's front counter that we never noticed the grab-and-go cold case just a few feet away, a treasure trove of pastry chef Lisa Fernandez-Cruz’ baked pies (in two sizes), pot pies (in two sizes), a quiche that’ll feed two, and 7” cakes that are almost too cute to eat. We spied a chicken-kale lasagna, quarts of soup, side dishes, tapenade, jams and sauces, even homemade mayo (you’ll taste the difference). We consumed a pumpkin-hazelnut cheesecake parfait just taking it all in. 7213 Delmar, 314-725-7559, winslowshome.com
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MicroRant:
To-Go Orders at “Closing” Time
So we call at 8:50 with a pick-up order and are greeted with attitude. No stranger to that in this business, we placed our order anyway, and picked it up at the prescribed time. The restaurant was empty, staffers were sweeping and mopping. “Thought you were open till 10,” we said. “No, we close at 9, sir,” was the brusque reply. “Ah, well the website says 10,” we replied, “or else we wouldn’t have called.” “Oh,” was the unapologetic reply, like it was still our fault. Doubtful we’ll bother this establishment again…at any hour.
