HOT SPOT
Bixby’s is tops
Award season is in full swing, and Bixby’s just got in on the act: Food Network recently named the 7-year-old restaurant among the “Top Museum Restaurants” in the nation, the only establishment in Missouri to receive the honor. In 2013, Bixby’s was voted one of “America’s Best” museum restaurants by Travel + Leisure, and it was the only local restaurant featured on the "100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America" list by OpenTable in 2014. Located on the second floor of the Missouri History Museum, and boasting panoramic views of Forest Park, Bixby’s is open for lunch daily, as well as an award-winning Champagne brunch on Sunday. Of note next month is the three-course, prix-fixe Sweethearts Lunch, February 11–14, and a special after-hours romantic dinner and show on February 14th. Visit the restaurant's website for more information or to make reservations. 5700 Lindell, 314-361-7313.
INSIDER TIP
Dining in the Dark
On January 20, a memorable fundraiser for the Foundation Fighting Blindness is being held at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. During the 8th Annual Dining in the Dark Visionary Awards Dinner, guests experience vision loss firsthand by wearing blindfolds while dining. They must rely on the senses of smell, taste, hearing, and touch. Dining without the benefit of sight underscores the importance of the organization’s mission. The honorees at this year’s event include St. Louis Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter and R. Michael Lowenbaum, founder and managing partner at Lowenbaum Law. Individual tickets are available for $250 and can be purchased online.
MICRORANT
Fast-casual table “poachers”
When people secure a table before they order at busy fast-casual restaurants (especially smaller ones), they do more harm than good. Fast-casual diners must realize that availability of seating depends on several factors (read a complete explanation), and claiming tables ahead of time throws off the balance, which results in a lack of seating for those whose food is ready. Don’t game the system, or the system will not work.
Follow George on Twitter @stlmag_dining or send him an email at gmahe@stlmag.com. For more from St. Louis Magazine, subscribe or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
