HOT SPOT
Carondelet Avenue in Clayton
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The occurrence was an unintended anomaly perhaps, but a block-long stretch of Carondelet Avenue in Clayton has recently become home to five of the city’s finer dining restaurants. Tony’s/Anthony’s Bar and Casa Don Alfonso, both of which opened their doors last week, are a study in contrasting Italian food styles and ambience. They join The Capital Grille, 801 Fish, and 801 Chophouse. As the spring weather tempers, consider taking a post-prandial stroll along the boulevard to check out the impressive array.
INSIDER TIP
Fetch This Cheesy Dog Treat
Throughout the pandemic, many St. Louis companies have come up with innovative ideas to help them survive. In February, Marcoot Jersey Creamery, a seventh-generation, woman-owned farm in Greenville, Illinois, introduced a product designed to broaden its customer base. Although known for its artisan and farmstead cheeses, Marcoot’s other products include honey, grass-fed beef, and fruit and whey ices. The newest offshoot product, a ring-shaped dog treat called Dog O’s Cheesy Chompers, is made from shaped and dried cheese. Available in two sizes (for large and small dogs), the locally produced, all-natural treats are available on Dog O’s website.
MICRORANT
Decline of Table Service
Because of the decreasing supply of restaurant workers, the switchover of a local Steak ‘n Shake from table service to self-serve kiosks is the latest example of a model that will surely become more common in the future. While some customers welcome the convenience, order accuracy, and speed of the technology, others lament the personal touch. There are times when you just want to sit down, experience friendly service, and enjoy the arrival of properly paced food and drink. Full-on table service in fine dining establishments will surely remain, but similar service in more casual eateries may not.
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