C H S P O T S OCCASION
10
Must-Try Bloody Marys
When You Want James Beard-Nominated Food for Breakfast: Half & Half Mike Randolph is one of the city’s most acclaimed chefs, and his restaurants are such hot spots they’re virtually synonymous with the term “date night.” But Randolph doesn’t save all of his treats for the p.m. set. At his Clayton eatery Half & Half (8135 Maryland Avenue, Clayton; 314-725-0719), the talented chef puts together breakfast and brunch-time feasts fit for white tablecloth dining while still maintaining an air of whimsy and comfort. With each selection more tempting than the next (we’re looking at you, “Clara Cakes”), you’ll be tempted to order a three-course breakfast.
When You’re Craving Something Spicy: Southwest Diner Brunch is fine and all, but where’s the flavor? The zesty, spicy, delicious heat? Southwest Diner (6803 Southwest Avenue, 314-260-7244) has you covered with its New Mexican-style breakfast burrito: Scrambled eggs, green chile and fries are stuffed into a tortilla with your choice of meat — bacon, sausage, chorizo or ham, or calabacitas for the herbivores. Make sure to get it with the ghost pepper jack cheese to really get your brow sweating.
When You Want Lunch Food in Your Breakfast Buffet: Three Monkeys One for all and all for brunch. Everyone has that friend who spills the haterade all over brunch because she doesn’t like eggs, or even bacon. The Sunday brunch buffet at Three Monkeys (3153 Morganford Road, 314-772-9800) will take care of that special snowflake in your group and the rest of you, too. While you stuff your face with breakfast classics, your friend can fill up on stuff like salmon, shrimp, pasta, t-ravs and even pizza. Everyone gets either a mimosa or bloody mary on the house, and the rounds after that are only 99 cents each. Total cheapskates should get there early: From 9 to 10 a.m., buffet access is just $15.99; at 10 a.m., that goes up to $18.99.
When You Want to Impress But Don’t Want to Look Like You’re Trying Too Hard: Winslow’s Home That first (or tenth) brunch with your potential in-laws can be stressful, but not if you take ‘em to Winslow’s Home (7213 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-725-7559). The restaurant/ general store curates a seasonal menu with everything from a meat-free breakfast burrito to a super-basic breakfast (two eggs, potatoes, your choice of bacon or sausage and toast or biscuit). It fills up quickly, especially on the weekends, but that gives you time to admire its non-edible stock. Winslow’s vast array of books, kitchen necessities, stationary and even a massive selection of candy are sure to spark a conversation about something more than the weather. It’s casual, cozy and a feast for your stomach as well as eyes.
Written by
SARA GRAHAM
B
loody mary connoisseurs know that the best ingredient in a perfect version of this cocktail is you. Fresh ingredients and top quality spirits are also key, but it’s putting them all together that is the true art. Then the recipe is limited only by the imagination. These ten brunch destinations have pulled out all the stops to concoct masterful must-try bloody marys in St. Louis. Note: We didn’t include bars that aren’t open in the morning, including Famous Bar; this list is exclusively focused on helping you find that hair of the dog you need to start your day.
BOUNDARY
7036 Clayton Avenue, Hi-Pointe At Boundary, housemade is the secret to this bloody mary haven. All infused vodkas, mixes, pickles and flavored salts are housemade with seasonal, local ingredients. The cocktail starts with a vodka of choice — either original or flavored with garlic, sundried tomatoes, cucumber or chili — and a flavored salt rim (choices include kosher, sriracha, chipotle, lime or Worcestershire). From there, guests can build the bloody mary of their dreams with mixes such as beef broth, shellfish broth and green tomato juice and condiments such as artisanal cheeses, hot sauces, stuffed olives, celery, housemade pickles, mild or habanero barbecue sausage, soused shrimp, regular or candied bacon, caper berries and horseContinued on pg 32 radish.
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JJANUARY 25-31, 2017
RIVERFRONT TIMES
27