Chesterfield Food Scene

The term “brunch” first appeared in print in 1895 in an article penned by British author Guy Beringer in a publication called Hunter’s Weekly. In his column, “Brunch: A Plea,” Beringer made an impassioned argument for a new meal that provided a kinder Sunday wake-up for Saturday-night partiers.

Beringer extoled the benefits of this “hospitable meal.” “Brunch…is cheerful, sociable, and inciting. It is talkcompelling. It puts you in a good temper…it sweeps away the worries and the cobwebs of the week.” He ended with, “I submit it is fully time that the old regime of Sunday breakfast made room for the ‘new course’ of Sunday brunch.” Brunch enthusiasts would certainly agree but even those who don’t regularly brunch might be looking to share this “hospitable meal” on two spring holidays that seem synonymous with this breakfast-lunch merger: Easter and Mother’s Day. West St. Louis County offers plentiful options for brunching, including some enticing offerings at a few of our Chamber-member restaurants.

Defiance Ridge Vineyards

“This Easter and Mother’s Day, Defiance Ridge Vineyards will be offering a limited `a la carte brunch menu featuring a variety of low-country style cuisine, such as pork belly and grits and biscuits and sausage gravy. Defiance Ridge reflects

It’s Brunch Season!

By Carol Enright

our combined passions for wine, vineyard-totable cuisine, unique events, warm hospitality and an authentic celebration of people and place. Breathtaking views of the sweeping Missouri River Valley are captured year-round from our terraces and veranda surrounding our historic farmhouse.” – Trevor Gillentine, general manager, Defiance Ridge Vineyards For reservations, call 636-798-2288. To view the menu, visit defianceridge.com/calendar.

Satchmo’s Bar & Grill

“Our made-from-scratch brunch menu features favorites like eggs Benedict, pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, and more — along with a bottomless mimosa special.” – Benjamin Brown, owner and general manager, Satchmo’s Bar & Grill Weekend brunch, Sundays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For reservations, visit satchmosgrill.com. Eggs Benedict at Satchmo’s Bar & Grill

Vito’s in the Valley

“Enjoy a beautiful brunch at Vito’s in the Valley, with bottomless bubbly and happy hour drinks every weekend in our vibrant bar, family friendly dining room or spacious patios.” – Jessica LaFata, co-owner, Vito’s in the Valley Weekend brunch, Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Now accepting reservations for Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day weekend. Call 636-536-3788 or visit vitosinthevalley.com. Mixed-berry pancakes at Vito’s in the Valley Sundays, along with our bottomless mimosas and our signature bloody mary! We also have all-day happy hour every Sunday in our bar and patio.” – Eric Vogel, owner, Walnut Grill Visit eatwalnut.com.

UKraft Café & Smoothie Exchange

Looking for a more casual option? UKraft Café & Smoothie Exchange recently opened a Chesterfield location. Known for its sandwiches and wraps, salads and bowls, avocado toast and smoothies, this former food truck serves brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. The signature bloody mary at Walnut Grill

“We offer a great selection of both breakfast and lunch items and a complete menu of smoothies — as well as mimosas and bloody marys during our weekend brunch. And we do it in a fast-casual setting, so it’s very convenient. No reservation necessary — just show up.” — Matt Ratz, co-owner, UKraft. Visit Ukrafteats. com. Brunch offerings at UKraft Café & Smoothie Exchange

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

Walnut Grill

“Brunch at Walnut Grill is always a fun and energetic time. We have our full breakfast menu available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and