INSIDER TIP
Farmer’s Board at Defiance Ridge Vineyards
Besides killer views, live music, seven-day service, and a roster of wines that includes selections from Missouri and far beyond, one of the best reasons to check out Defiance Ridge Vineyards is the Farmer’s Board from executive chef Lucas Olson. It’s an imposing nacho-style charcuterie platter with several kinds of local meat (Volpi, G&W, Salume Beddu), three kinds of cheese (Marcoot, Milton, and house-made), dried fruits, olives, pickles, a demi baguette, and candied walnuts and grainy beer mustard, both made in house. It’s a sharable that you might want all to yourself. 2711 S. Highway 94, Defiance, 636-798-2288.
HOT SPOT
Zin din-din
Later this month, four of the most iconic Zinfandel makers in California will co-host a wine dinner, which is a rarity. On November 12, The Preston presents Zin Masters, featuring Joel Peterson (Once and Future Wine and founder of Ravenswood), his son Morgan Twain Peterson (Bedrock Vineyards), Mike Officer (Carlisle Winery), and Jake Bilbro (Limerick Lane). The menu features short rib rillettes, veal cheek ravioli, chestnut-crusted venison, and more. (Vegetarian options are available.) The price for five courses and four wines is $100 (exclusive of tax and tip). For reservations, call 314-633-7800. 212 N. Kingshighway.
MICRORANT
Chicago Dogs That Aren’t
Photography via Getty Images
Like the iconic Caesar Salad and Steak Oscar, the recipe for the Windy City classic is specific: all-beef hot dog, steamed poppy seed bun, and (in this order) yellow mustard, neon-green sweet pickle relish, chopped onion, tomato wedges, dill pickle spear, two sport peppers, and celery salt. The tomatoes are placed on one side of the bun; the pickle on the other. The Chicago Dog is iconic for a reason. Build as specified, and hold the improv.
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, Twitter, and Instagram.
