HOT SPOT
Veritas Goes Hog Wild
There are pig roasts, and there are pig roasts. Every fall, for the past 14 years, Veritas Gateway to Food & Wine salutes its anniversary by hosting the latter. The star attraction is the same, but that’s where it ends. On Saturday, October 5, the festivities begin with an appetizer buffet at 5:30 p.m. (with deviled eggs, signature fried ribs, buttermilk fried chicken thighs, and more), followed at 7 p.m. by the Pig & Company buffet (onsite roasted pig with full taco bar accoutrements, pulled chicken slaw, street corn, green goddess slaw, bourbon baked beans, roasted garlic potato salad, and corn bread). A dessert buffet follows (with watermelon, cookies, house made cobblers, and birthday cake). The price: $65 per person, $55 for “Veritas Insiders” (VIN Members). The event is a time-honored tradition of celebrating fall, friends, and family. Call 636-227-6800 for reservations. 15860 Fountain Plaza, Ellisville.
INSIDER TIP
Clayton’s For Cow
If you’re in search of a value-packed steak dinner at an independently owned restaurant, then look no further than Clayton’s restaurant in O’Fallon, Missouri. The 3-year old restaurant features traditional entrées at lunch and dinner (Scallops St. Jacques, Chicken Marsala), but it’s the steaks that take center stage. The scene-stealer is the 8-ounce grilled tenderloin dinner with maître d’ butter, salad, and a side for $22.95. (A 20-ounce Porterhouse was just added for $27.95.) The star dessert is the Pimp Cheesecake, decked out with chocolate and caramel sauce, fresh strawberries, and bananas foster. No need to go it alone: Asking for several forks is a common request. 104 Triad Center West, 636-272-7474.

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MICRORANT
Overly Large Tables
After all the restaurants that have opened over the years, many with the utmost attention to detail, we’re amazed to still come across eateries with 2-top tables (and booths) that are entirely too large, to the point where guests have to lean waaay over to communicate. After one week of such silliness, you’d think the tables would have been replaced, yet they linger on—which is something we won’t be doing. We’re in search of a more appropriate balance, one where we don’t need to wave to get our companion’s attention.
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