reclaimed wood floors, large European concrete tiles around the bar and bathrooms, and a big wrap-around patio that seats up to 100 diners. Inside, old hardwood wall-cladding salvaged from a Louisiana plantation adds to the rustic appeal, as do the oversized booths, bar and a private dining room equipped, of course, with its own set of table taps. The Food Fun appetizers warm up appetites for hand-patted hamburgers and sandwiches on signature buns, house-made pizza, hearty soups and salads, pasta and steaks. Fresh cobblers and ice cream sweeten the deal—try one of the creative ice cream shakes, some of which come spiked. Completing the synergy between décor and food, dishes are served in crock pots, cast-iron skillets, tins, baskets and other creative containers. Must-Try Dish: The Longhorn Burger—two beef patties topped with Texas Smoked Beef Brisket, whiskey barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, creamy cole slaw and two pickle slices, served with Circle 7 Ranch’s seasoned, natural-cut french fries. Drink: Draft Budweiser, Stella Artois or Shock Top from the table taps. Scheduled open date as of press time: Sept. 24.
5 Star Burgers
also find pork, lamb, veggie, turkey and mahi mahi burgers, with sides including fries, sweet potato fries and side salads. The full bar offers wine, cocktails and local craft beers. Must-Try Dish: The Ozark Forest Mushroom and Swiss Burger or the Green Chile Cheeseburger. Drink: Any local draft beer. Scheduled open date as of press time: Oct. 1.
Marcella’s Mia Sorella
14464 Clayton Road, Ballwin The Concept Jamie and Steve Komorek of Trattoria Marcella are stepping into a new casual-classic Italian venture with Marcella’s Mia Sorella. Serving simple, lighthearted fare, the restaurant won’t be tied to any particular region of Italy and won’t shy away from, say, an Italian take on chicken wings. The Space The casual atmosphere is established in the 90-seat main dining room with pedestal tables made of cast iron and butcher’s blocks, and lots of glass. French doors open onto a 50seat patio overlooking a private lake and waterfall. In the separate bar area, a 100-year-old walnut bar presides over five tables of additional seating.
8125 Maryland Ave., Clayton The Concept Owner Steve Gontram created this incarnation of 5 Star Burgers based on his father’s restaurants in New Mexico of the same name—but the similarities end there. Gontram’s menu has a Midwest slant, offering gourmet burgers with fast sitdown service, so it’s perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. The Space The 2,200-square-foot space goes organic with a mixture of rich woods and earth-tone paints on the tables and walls. Gontram calls the vibe upscale but comfortable, with tables seating 72 people and, in nice weather, a brick front patio. The Food The beef served at 5 Star is grass-fed and “never, never”— meaning the cows have never been given antibiotics or hormones. You’ll
The Food Some traditional Italian dishes are offered at Mia Sorella, but the emphasis is firmly on house-made pastas (created with an imported Italian pasta extruder) and hand-thrown pizzas baked in a 700-degree brick oven for a superior crust. There are surprises on the menu, too, like Wings Siciliano, dipped in arborio rice, crispy fried, coated in an Agra Dolce sauce with fennel and red chilies, then dusted with toasted almonds. Must-Try Dish: House-made maccheroni with Sunday gravy, salsiccia, braised pork and meatballs. Drink: Intro Aperol, with orange liqueur, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. Scheduled open date as of press time: Sept. 19.