stl now / Dining
Hot For Fall Restaurants Just as temperatures are cooling down, the St. Louis food scene is heating up. by CHristopher Reilly
They’ve been on our radar all summer, and at last they are arriving. ALIVE previews five of the hottest fall restaurant openings that have had local foodies salivating through the dog days of summer. Pastaria
Pastaria 7734 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton The Concept The culinary concept behind Pastaria was inspired by Chef Gerard Craft’s travels in Italy and the meals he shared in people’s homes there. Look for the same inviting, laid-back atmosphere at Pastaria, featuring high-quality Italian food at reasonable prices with a focus on letting guests in on the kitchen experience. The Space Patrons enjoy an open view of the kitchen, as well as the pasta machine and prep area, which creates an atmosphere reminiscent of hanging out in the kitchen while dining with friends or family. The rustic Italian warehouse feel is realized through an open, airy layout and design touches like salvaged barn wood with distressed finishes and mismatched kitchen chairs. The Food Although it’s made with American ingredients, the food is thoroughly Italian, featuring house-made pastas, pizzas and gelatos. The menu offers a “taste of the Italian countryside,” including everything from Bolognese-style ragù to wood-fired Margherita pizza—all with low prices to keep it family-friendly. Must-Try Dish: Ricotta tortelloni with lemon and artichokes. Drink: Ice-cold Lambrusco. Scheduled open date as of press time: Sept. 16.
Bar Les Frères
7637 Wydown Blvd., Clayton The Concept “I am all about the tiny restaurant,” says restaurateur Zoé Robinson, whose Bar Les Freres is a petite bar and café that redefines the concept of intimate dining. Located across the street from her equally diminutive I Fratellini, Robinson says the restaurants will complement each other
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Alivemag.com
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perfectly, allowing patrons to combine both venues into one very classy evening. The Space The historic charm of the 84-year-old building has been retained as much as possible, starting with the original storefront. The interior, which seats 25, features an enormous antique chandelier and mirrors, both French, evoking the feeling of stepping into a jewelry box. For diners who prefer to enjoy their meals under twinkling stars, the outdoor patio seats an additional 25 guests. The Food The kitchen is just as small as the dining space, so the menu is focused. Choose from up to six entrées and eight appetizers, plus a few salads. Robinson says the food, while not full-on brasseriestyle, has “a French accent.” Menu items will continually rotate to keep things au curant. Must-Try Dish: Saffron bouillabaisse, made from the freshest
seafood available in a saffron-infused broth. Drink: Any of the classic champagne cocktails or French aperitifs from the extensive line-up. Scheduled open date as of press time: early October.
Circle 7 Ranch Taphouse and Grill 14412 Clayton Road, Ballwin The Concept As the name implies, Circle 7 Ranch fits the category of taphouse and grill—but oh, what a taphouse it is. Nine tables in the restaurant feature three private taps, so guests can draw their own draft beers (regulated and paid for by the ounce). This is the first restaurant in Missouri to offer table taps—here’s hoping the trend catches on. The Space The ranch house feel is achieved with
photoS by Matthew Ström