A Decade of Decadence
Clementine’s Ice Cream celebrates 10 years of dreamy summer treats.
JULY 2025 • VOLUME 25, ISSUE 6
OWNER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND SPONSORSHIPS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Chris Keating
Lauren Healey
Kelli Jones
Cathleen Criswell
Haimanti Germain
Aspen Smit
Lauren Healey, Jenna Whitmore
Amanda Bretz, Lauren Healey, Salem Prestien
Sauce was founded by Allyson Mace in 1999.
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PHOTO
PUDDING
PHOTO BY JENNA WHITMORE
It might seem surprising that one of the best things at a seafood-focused spot is ribs, but Indo’s palm sugar ribs are literally the best we’ve ever had. Chef Nick Bognar’s signature fish sauce caramel (used as both marinade and glaze) creates the perfect balance of umami, sweetness and depth. Finished with a touch of honey, a bright herb salad, and candied peanuts, these fall-off-the-bone fried ribs are a must-order every time. While you’re there, be sure to try the funky and herbaceous Garden of Words cocktail made with edamame syrup. Indo also recently debuted its brand new sunroom, so book your reservation there instead of the dining room for immaculate vibes.
1641D Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, indo-stl.com
It’s officially spritz season, and Casa Don Alfonso is celebrating with a refreshing Spritz Tower perfect for summer sipping. This dreamy lineup includes a zesty Limoncello Spritz, a classic Aperol Spritz, a bubbly Peach Bellini, and the standout favorite: the Garden Spritz. Made with St. Germain, Hendrick’s Gin, cucumber juice and Fever Tree Cucumber Sparkling, the Garden Spritz is like summer in a glass: crisp, floral, and endlessly refreshing. Grab your friends, claim a patio table, and toast to spritz season in style.
3 new places to try this month
Five Iron Golf
Grand Bistro's cocktails
GRAND BISTRO
After nearly two years, the beloved space at 3195 S. Grand Blvd. has reopened its doors. Grand Bistro, the reincarnation of longtime Vietnamese favorite Pho Grand, quietly debuted this spring – no fanfare, just the familiar aroma of simmering broth drifting into the South Grand air.
Pho Grand’s 2022 closure after 33 years left a deep void in the community. “It was like the neighborhood losing a child,” Rachel Witt, executive director of the South Grand CID, told Sauce previously. Now, under the direction of Andrew Trinh – son of original owners Michael and Tami Trinh –Grand Bistro honors that legacy while offering a fresh chapter.
The menu is expansive and familiar, and while we already know the pho delivers, we ventured into new territory. The Vietnamese chicken lettuce wraps are a great starter, light and savory with perfect crunch. The pan-fried noodles impress with crispy edges and tender vegetables, and the rice dishes are equally satisfying. On the cocktail side, the mezcal-based Passion Project is a creamy, sour flavor bomb with fruity passion fruit. The Grand Bistro Old Fashioned was also nice with a hint of pho notes mixed in.
With Vietnamese-inspired cocktails and the same family recipes behind the food, Grand Bistro feels both new and nostalgic.
Five Iron Golf has officially opened its first St. Louis-area location in downtown Clayton, bringing a highenergy, all-skill-levels-welcome vibe to the ground floor of Emerson Tower. Spanning 8,300 square feet, the space is filled with cutting-edge golf simulators, lounge seating, and a full bar and kitchen – but don’t let the sleek design or golf tech intimidate you. This spot was built just as much for casual hangouts, birthday parties and happy hour crews as it was for serious golfers.
Five Iron is built to meet you where you are, whether you’re a pro or just in it for the vibes. Yes, there’s instruction, leagues, and Callaway fittings, but the real fun comes from games like putt putt-style challenges and dodgeballstyle competitions. It’s approachable, social and flexible: Mornings are mellow with solo practice and complimentary breakfast for members, while afternoons and late nights buzz with groups, cocktails and music.
The menu highlight? The hot honey whipped ricotta with warm pita triangles, which we’d go back for alone. There’s also a solid cocktail list featuring crowd-pleasers like the Spread Love (of golf) Spritz, a sweeter riff on an Aperol spritz, alongside beer, wine and zero-proof options.
8027 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, fiveirongolf.com
FIVE IRON GOLF
3195 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis
Five Iron Golf's pro bay
Grand Bistro mi xao mem
After two years of pop-ups as The Robin Project, chef Alec Schingel has opened his first brick-and-mortar, Robin Restaurant, now open in the former home of The Benevolent King in Maplewood. The 36-seat space offers a $75 four-course prixfixe menu rooted in Midwestern seasonality, presented with fine-dining polish but grounded in warmth and approachability.
Dishes are thoughtfully portioned and beautifully plated – you’re paying as much for the experience as the food. During our visit, highlights included a light, verdant green garlic soup over creamed spinach, smoky asparagus on savory farm cheese with cured egg yolk, and ultra-creamy mushrooms in a rich broth that even won over the mushroom-averse diner in our party. The pork featured a crispy exterior with sweet apple accents, while the chicken was juicy and tender, and desserts like the Baked Alaska and a heartier, less-sweet riff on gooey butter cake rounded things out. The portions are smaller than what you’ll find at most places around town — a welcome change. We left feeling fully satisfied but not overly stuffed, a rare and refreshing shift from the typically excessive portions in America.
Note: the menu changes seasonally, so these specific dishes may not be available when you go, but they reflect the kitchen’s creativity and balance. Expect fresh silverware with each course, attentive service and a space designed to feel just a bit better than home.
7268 Manchester Road, Maplewood, robinrestaurant.com
Robin’s spring chicken with sugar snap peas, ramps and morels
ROBIN RESTAURANT
Robin's baked Alaska
Robin's pork schnitzel
PHOTO COURTESY OF SCHLAFLY
PARTYPatty
Where to find the best burgers in St. Louis
St. Louis knows how to build a great burger. From classic smash patties to over-the-top creations stacked high with bold toppings, the city’s burger scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you’re after something simple or a little more indulgent, these local spots deliver the goods.
Basso
Basso is serving delectable burgers at both its longtime location at The Cheshire, as well as the brand-new spot at Westport Plaza. Each features a wood-fired patty layered with giardiniera relish, fontina, crispy onions and rich marrow butter, served with truffle fries, ketchup and aioli.
Multiple locations, basso-stl.com
Carnivore
At Carnivore, the burgers start with a hefty half-pound of prime beef cooked to order and served on a soft, flavorful bun from Pete’s Italian Bakery. You can customize your build with toppings like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled onions, then choose from seasoned fries or another side to round out the plate. Simple, high-quality ingredients and attention to detail make this a standout spot for a classic, no-nonsense burger done right.
5257 Shaw Ave., Suite 100, St. Louis, 314.449.6328, carnivore-stl.com
D’s Place
D’s Place has built a loyal following thanks to its creative weekly specials, including an over-the-top Burger of the Week and crispy Wontons of the Week that keep regulars coming back. The dog-friendly patio offers outdoor TVs, yard games, and plenty of seating, making it a popular spot on nice days. Inside, wall-to-wall TVs and full sports packages make it easy to catch every game. A generous happy hour runs Monday
through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with $15 buckets from 4 to 7 and $4 wells, adding to the laid-back neighborhood bar appeal.
900 Barton St., St. Louis, 314.659.8314, dsplacestl.com
Schlafly Beer
Schlafly brings the burger love with a lineup as bold as its brews. Keep it classic with the Schlafly Smash, featuring double smashed patties, American cheese, caramelized onions, and pickles. The Bottleworks Burger goes big with cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and house sauce. Craving something smoky? Try the BBQ Turkey Burger with beerbraised onions and tangy BBQ sauce. For heat seekers, the Chorizo Burger blends beef and chorizo with pepper-jack, spicy mayo, and a crispy fried egg. Each one is served on a toasted brioche bun and pairs perfectly with a pint.
Multiple locations, schlafly.com
Westport Social
Westport Social keeps things lively with three burger builds. The House Burger stacks a sirloin, brisket and short rib blend with cheddar, roasted tomato, bacon and garlic aioli. The Smokehouse leans into barbecue flavor with a smoked patty, white cheddar, pickled onion and sweet sauce, while the Veggie Burger offers a black bean chipotle patty topped with pico, lettuce and avocado crema.
910 W. Port Plaza Drive, Maryland Heights, 314.548.2876, westportsocial-stl.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF D'S PLACE
CARNIVORE // PHOTO BY ED ALLER
Italian Butter Cookie
By Salem Prestien
Ten years ago, Tamara Keefe traded corporate boardrooms for ice cream scoops, turning a small Lafayette Square parlor into a nationally celebrated microcreamery empire built on flavor, innovation and relentless drive.
This spring, Clementine’s Ice Cream celebrated a decade of scooping happiness with a weeklong birthday bash, a brand-new line of flavors and even a limited-edition vinyl record. The collection, called “Songs About Ice Cream: Tasty Tracks on Wax,” features original music by St. Louis artists and is available at all Clementine’s locations (excluding Kirkwood) and online. The city joined the festivities in official fashion, declaring May 17 “Clementine’s Ice Cream Day” in honor of the shop’s 10-year legacy. While the anniversary marks a major milestone, Keefe’s road to success didn’t follow the usual playbook. A former global brand executive who once ran a $70 million business, Keefe walked away from the corporate world after what she describes as an emotional reckoning. “I was 38, crying over coffee at a girls’ weekend,” she recalled. “Everyone thought I had this glamorous life, but I was miserable. I knew I had to do something different.”
That something turned out to be ice cream. A kid who grew up making ice cream with her family, Keefe poured her savings into launching Clementine’s in 2015. She began making batches in her kitchen, eventually upgrading to a shared city-owned incubator
The Flavor Temptress How Tamara Keefe Turned a Dream Into a Microcreamery Empire
kitchen before landing her first brick-andmortar spot in Lafayette Square. The lines soon stretched around the block, prompting her to open a second location. “I thought that would shorten the lines,” she laughed. “And so, when we finally got the second one open, we had the same lines and it was kind of at that point, I was like, ‘Oh, I think I have something here’.”
Today, Clementine’s operates nine scoop shops across Missouri and Illinois, with Kansas City and Bentonville expansions on the horizon. The company also ships nationwide through Goldbelly and offers private event ice cream catering. As Missouri’s only microcreamery, Clementine’s churns every batch with hormone- and RBST-free dairy from local, grass-fed cows, achieving a decadent 16-18% butterfat.
The flavors are as imaginative as they are
indulgent, earning Keefe the nickname “The Flavor Temptress” and a nod from Oprah, who declared the brand’s Gooey Butter Cake the “sexiest ice cream alive.” From cocktailinspired scoops to the new Golden Age of Hollywood collection, ice creams inspired by the favorite desserts of old Hollywood stars, Keefe keeps creativity at the core.
At Clementine’s, it’s not just about the scoops; it’s about escape. Keefe and her team carefully choreographed every detail to deliver what she calls a “15-minute vacation” for guests. Think vintage French decor, curated music playlists that shift from day to night and local art woven into the design. “People can’t always describe why they love being here,” she said. “They just know they do.”
The brand draws its name, and much of its spirit, from Clementine, Keefe’s grandmother’s stylish and unforgettable best friend. Known
PHOTO BY JENNA WHITMORE,
Triple Scoop (Lemon Poppyseed, Honey Lavender, Strawberry Balsamic)
From left: Justine Doiron, Reine Keis, Tamara Keefe, Fany Gerson and Abi Balingit
Look for the Holiday Cookie Exchange Collection later this Fall, a collaboration with celebrated female pastry chefs, restaurateurs and recipe developers.
for her sweeping silver hair and trademark red lipstick, Clementine left a stylish legacy that Keefe now carries forward in both look and spirit. “I’ve always said I’d raise a daughter just like her,” Keefe shared. “Clementine’s became that daughter.”
Scaling the business wasn’t without its trials. Keefe self-funded Clementine’s for years, forgoing a paycheck and relying on friends for meals. “I ate Top Ramen for a good two and a half years,” she said. “No one sees those years.”
As Clementine’s enters its second decade, Keefe is laying the groundwork for major growth – franchising, grocery partnerships and a first-time capital raise. For all the expansion and accolades, staying connected to the community that shaped her remains Keefe’s constant.
“We’re part of every neighborhood we’re in,” she explained. “From the chandeliers in Southampton to the local bits in every shop, this is for St. Louis.”
With 98% of leadership positions held by women, Keefe celebrates Clementine’s as a female-driven business. For aspiring women entrepreneurs, Keefe’s advice is clear-eyed: “Know what you’re sacrificing. Everything takes twice as long, and costs twice as much. But if you have that fierce passion, no one can get in your way. Every ‘no’ is just a path to a better ‘yes.’” As Clementine’s looks toward its next chapter, Keefe’s vision is simple: “Clementine’s for all.”
Gooey Butter Cake
Key Lime Pie
Abi's Pandan Polvoron Raspberry Cheesecake Cookie
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLEMENTINE'S
PHOTO BY JENNA WHITMORE
PHOTO
Reine's Thick Mint
PHOTO BY JENNA WHITMORE
stuff to do JULY
BY AMANDA BRETZ
Fourth of July Celebrations
Downtown St. Louis will once again come alive this summer with the return of the Celebrate Saint Louis July 3 and 4 event, delivering two exciting days of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and the city’s most dazzling fireworks show, all set against the iconic backdrop of the Gateway Arch along Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard.
In St. Charles, Frontier Park situated along the Missouri River will be the site of the city’s annual Riverfest celebration from July 4-6. This Fourth of July festival features a parade at 10 a.m. on July 4, plus a multiple day celebration that features live music, great food and drinks, children’s activities, a carnival and a fireworks display on the Fourth.
Sauce Food Truck Friday
July 11 – 4 to 8 p.m., Tower Grove Park, saucefoodtruckfriday.com
Tower Grove Park is the site of Sauce’s Food Truck Friday, a monthly event that brings together more than 20 food trucks serving up a variety of cuisines, as well as dessert and drink offerings. And with live music performed by St. Louis’ best Grateful Dead
band Alligator Wine, you’ll want to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair, along with a group of friends, to make the most of this spectacular evening outdoors.
Citrus in Sorrento Afternoon Tea
Multiple days and times, Casa Don Alfonso, The Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza, St. Louis, casadonalfonsostlouis.com
Casa Don Alfonso is hosting afternoon tea with an Italian twist on the second and fourth Sunday of each month throughout the summer. The Citrus in Sorrento Afternoon Tea experience is inspired by the bold, sunny flavors of the Amalfi Coast. Reservations are required and guests will receive a welcome teainfused specialty cocktail, choose from a selection of classic teas, and enjoy a tower of savory and sweet bites sure to delight. Reservations can be made online.
Silk Road Dinner Series
July 16 – 6 p.m., Madrina, 101 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, madrinastl.com
Madrina, the Italian-American neighborhood restaurant in Webster Groves, will host the Silk
Road Dinner Series, a ticketed event that celebrates diversity in the St. Louis culinary space. Madrina will donate 20% of proceeds from the series to the International Institute of St. Louis. For one night only, on Wednesday, July 16, chef Tim Adams will collaborate with guest chef Nick Bognar of Indo and Sado, on a menu that’s a fusion of Southeastern Asian cuisine and Italian-American recipes. Tickets can be found online.
Touch a Truck
July 14 – 4 to 8 p.m., Pizza Ranch, 4732 Mid Rivers Mall Dr., St. Peters, Facebook: Touch-a-Truck Event
Located in St. Charles County, Pizza Ranch, a pizza and wing buffet restaurant that also has a selection of family-friendly arcade games, is hosting a Touch a Truck event in its parking lot. Kids will get the opportunity to see, and touch, large-scale vehicles like firetrucks, construction trucks, emergency response vehicles, tractors and more. Get more details at the Facebook event.
Denotes a Sauce event.
Wurst Festival
July 19 – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Das Bevo, 4749 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, dasbevo.com
Das Bevo and Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. have joined up to bring St. Louis the Wurst Festival, a free one day event that celebrates food, beer and polka. Head to Das Bevo’s biergarten to hear live music, try a delicious variety of sausages from G&W Meat Co., sip beer from Urban Chestnut and test your strength in the stein holding contest.
Science Center Up Late
July 19 – 6 to 10 p.m., St. Louis Science Center, 5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, slsc.org Science Center Up Late is a new event series exclusively for ages 21 and up. These premium, after-hours events feature themed activities, unique cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks for purchase, as well as opportunities to engage with local STEM experts. The event series kicks off this month with Experience Sound, an event that will explore the STEM in sound, from music to nature. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.
National Ice Cream Day Sundae Pawty
July 20 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Zoomies Pet Cafe, 5838 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, zoomiespetcafe.com
Zoomies Pet Cafe and the Humane Society of Missouri are putting a cuddly twist on National Ice Cream Day. Stop by the cafe for Sugarwitch ice cream sandwiches for humans and a dog-friendly ice cream bar for canines, as well as kiddie pools where pups can splash, play and beat the heat. The Humane Society will be onsite with adorable, adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes.
St. Charles County Fair
July 22 to 26 – 2577 W. Meyer Road, Wentzville, stcharlescofair.org
Rotary Park in Wentzville is the site of the St. Charles County Fair, an annual five-day event that features food, carnival rides, livestock shows, a demolition derby, rodeo, motor sports and more. Get more information, including admission prices, online.
ACOTAR Trivia
July 24 – 7 p.m., Frankie Martin’s Garden, 5372 St. Charles Street, Cottleville, frankiemartinsgarden.com
Frankie Martin’s Garden in Cottleville is hosting a trivia night based on the best-selling fantasy romance book series “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by author Sarah J. Maas. Test your knowledge of the characters, plot twists and other elements associated with the book series set in
SLAM Jam
July 25 – 5 to 8 p.m., Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, slam.org
For one afternoon, the Grace Taylor Broughton Sculpture Garden at Saint Louis Art Museum will transform into a backyard celebration. Step into a 1920s garden party themed in honor of the closing weekend of the museum’s exhibition “Roaring: Art, Fashion, and the Automobile in France” which focuses on the time period from 1918–1939. The event will feature live music, games and dining options provided by a variety of food trucks. Learn more online.
Schlafly’s Sunset Cinema
July 26 – Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., St. Louis, schlafly.com/events
This summer Schlafly’s Bottleworks location in Maplewood is hosting a Sunset Cinema event in its parking lot once a month. In July, the Sunset Cinema movie showing is of the animated film “Ratatouille.” Admission is $3.50 per person, but kids 10 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the event. Schlafly Beer, canned cocktails, kids’ drinks and movie snacks will be available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to watch the movie to ensure seating.
the faerie lands of Prythian at this free trivia night.
