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what's new BY WENDY SCHLESINGER
F
in the
eeling nostalgic? If you’re longing for the old days when comfort was found in a good book, a bowl of warm soup, or better yet a welltold story over a delightful meal fear not we have the answer.
Even though Duff ’s, the storied CWE eatery, has closed, former chef Jimmy Voss and his creations live on at Nathalie’s (4356 Lindell Blvd., Central West End, 314-5331580). The latest entry in farm-to-table restaurants combines the best of Overlook Farm, also run by the eponymous Nathalie Pettus, with some Duffs’ classics. Voss was recently executive chef at Clarksville Station Restaurant at Overlook Farm so he knows the food, the crops and the livestock from the ground up. The new menu puts a spotlight on the what the farm can provide. Consider selections like Pretzel Crusted Pork Chop, All-Kale Ceasar Salad and gluten-free Crispy Sesame Quinoa Crab Cakes. Add to that some of Duff ’s favorites like their onion soup, paté and black bean ravioli and you have a menu that caters to everyone. Just when you thought something was gone forever, it returns - even better. Located in the building vacated by Salt, they offer complimentary valet parking and an elevator serving all three floors. In the movie “You’ve Got Mail”, a remake of the 1940 classic “The Shop Around the Corner”, Meg Ryan’s character ran a small, intimate bookstore and always STL BOOKS & GIFTS offered the perfect recommendation. The store was a throwback to days gone by, before Borders came and went, and long before Amazon. STL Books & Gifts, (100 W. Jefferson, Kirkwood, 314821-3823, STLBooks.com) recreates that feel with Robin Theiss, former president of the St. Louis Writers Guild, at 46
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UPTOWN MAGAZINE
the helm. She’s passionate about books and hopes the feeling is infectious. The store specializes in children’s lit, St. Louis authors, graphic novels, literature and creative expression. Browse the selection of new and used books and you may get motivated to revamp your personal library by selling or trading in your own books. An extensive list of what the store is and isn’t currently looking for is on the website. In this A to Z e-commerce world it’s a gamble to undertake such an enterprise and Theiss’ passion, risk and entrepreneurialism is worth rewarding - and a lovely way to spend an afernoon. If you like food and stories, you’ll love Juniper (360 North Boyle Ave., Central West End, 314-3297696 junipereats. com). Chef John Perkins comes to us by way of a divinity degree, a course of studies JUNIPER in history, and a series of pop-up restaurants. He combines his love for food and his Missouri Ozark roots to serve up classic Southern dishes with a twist and a tale. Named for his daughter, one of five children, Juniper is a host of unexpected entrées like Chicken and Waffles laced surprisingly with Syrup, Pickles and Peanut Butter. Brussel Sprouts become appetizing to even non-sprout lovers when cooked with Cape Beans and Apple Butter. Along with Southern culinary delights you won’t find any where else is an eclectic cocktail selection. Drinks like Corn Milk Punch, Presbyterian, and Manila Hotel Julep are served at a massive bar made from 100-yearold wood. The real fun starts when Perkins regales his guests with the anecdotal history behind many of the menu items. Ask him about the Huguenot Torte and you’ll get a lesson on Truman, Churchill and Charleston, SC. Intrigued? Come in and judge for yourself which you like better - the stories or the food - or maybe you just can’t separate the two. Sounds like a perfect way to spend a wintry evening with friends. UT