editor’s letter

Sometimes, themes for the monthly Feast editions are conceptualized in a coffee-fueled brainstorming session in the office, after an hour (or hours) of vibrant discussion and hurried bulletpointing across the dry-erase board.

Other months come together effortlessly – inspired directly by the living, breathing entity that is the St. Louis culinary scene. When the subject of February’s theme came up, the response was a no-brainer: “Well, we have to spotlight all the incredible things happening here with Latin American cuisine.”

That sort of magazine-planning magic only happens once in a blue moon, but when you read the stories in this issue, you’ll understand why February 2023 was one of those moments.

To start, explore Cherokee Street on p. 21 with Feast editors Charlotte Renner and Emily Standlee. Known as La Calle Cherokee, find out why this local hot spot is home of one of America’s best Latin American dining districts. Next, meet Alex Henry – one of the innovating masterminds who can be found in City Foundry STL – on p. 31.

Feast digital editor Shannon Weber chats with Henry about his one-of-akind culinary concept Sureste Mexican,, which is single-handedly bringing the food of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula to St. Louis.

As we all know, the rich world of Latin American cocktails extend far beyond the simple margarita. On p. 26, Feast managing editor Mary Andino shares the wide range of drinks St. Louisans can try locally, as well as expert tips for crafting them in your own kitchen.

Our survey of this thriving local food segment doesn’t stop there, of course. There are so many other Latin American culinary perspectives, styles and recipes shared in the pages of this issue – and I hope you’ll enjoy reading about the exciting growth in St. Louis’ Latin American cuisine as much as we enjoyed creating the edition around it.

Cheers!

Emily Adams emily.adams@feastmagazine.com