Three Tidbits: Patios become dining rooms, Steve Ewing's behind the bar tonight, when to ditch the holiday decos

St. Louis Magazine dining editor George Mahe discusses topical dining subjects.

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INSIDER TIP

Patios As Sole Dining Areas

In the past, patios have been a pleasant restaurant amenity. In 2020, they became a must for survival. Today, in some cases, the patio has become the dining room—and not just a fair weather option. A few weeks ago, we mentioned that Peno’s Pepe Kehm is in the process of converting the covered outdoor space into four-season dining. (The inside room will become a lounge.) Last week, it was announced that Pizza Champ, the brick-and-mortar successor to the successful Elmwood X Pizza Champ pizza pop-up concept, will share a new building in Maplewood with Side Project Brewing. Onsite ordering will take place at two separate windows, and customers will be able to dine and drink on a 60-seat, all-season patio (complete with banquettes, plants, and outdoor TVs). Just as with Peno, there will be no inside dining.

HOTSPOT

Hey, Bartender!

Steve Ewing, the master marketer and indefatigable owner of Steve’s Hot Dogs, is at it again. On December 27, his new restaurant location on South Grand is hosting Raising the Bar: A Fundraiser for Feed the People. From 6–10 p.m., Ewing will be slinging drinks alongside South City Gin Club president Jen Kubiszewski. Feed the People was founded by Ewing in April 2020 and to date has more provided more than 5,000 meals to first responders and people in need. On Monday night, guests can order a beer or a Baby Yoda from Ewing or a signature gin cocktail from Kubiszewski, with tips going directly to the program. The goal of the evening’s festivities is to create awareness and generate much-needed funds, which can also be pledged on a per-meal or per-month basis. “Our goal is to always say yes when we're asked to support someone in need,” Ewing says. “We can only say yes when there are donations in the fund.” Bonus: December 27 is also Waffle Dog Monday, a once-a-month occasion when smoked all-beef hot dogs are cooked in waffle batter and served with a side of maple syrup. 3145 S. Grand, 314-932-5953.

MICRORANT

Outdated Decorations

Far be it from us to carp about Christmas decorations so close to Christmas day, but they do have a time and a place, and the time window closes shortly after the holiday. Now there are establishments that steadfastly remove the bedecked trees, wreaths, and garlands on December 26, but since it is the holiday season, we’ll be generous here. Christmas decorations (and we’re talking about for commercial businesses, not private homes) should come down immediately after the next holiday, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day—also known as the unofficial start of Valentine’s season. Now where did we put all those pink and red hearts?

Follow George on Twitter and Instagram, or email him at gmahe@stlmag.com. For more from St. Louis Magazine, subscribe or follow us on Facebook,  Twitter, and Instagram.

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