Clayton, MO October 2021

O C TO B E R 2 02 1

Calling All Foodies

F O O D + B E V E R AG E AT T H E RI T Z- CARLT O N D ES SER T PERS O N LI F E + C U LTU R E M AYO R 'S M ES S AG E

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

OCTOBER 2021 PUBLISHERS

Kelley Lamm | kelley.lamm@lifestylepubs.com Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@lifestylepubs.com

Calling All Foodies

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@lifestylepubs.com

OCTOBER BRINGS US OUR MOST “DELICIOUS” ISSUE OF THE YEAR, FULL

Rachel Chrisman

OF SOME FUN AND UNIQUE WAYS TO ENJOY FALL, WHILE EXPERIENCING

L AYO UT DESIGNER

DELECTABLE FARE ALONG THE WAY.

Emily Lisenbee

Food brings us all together, and we couldn’t be luckier when it comes to the amaz-

Julie Brown Patton, Judy Peters

ing dining options we have right here in Clayton and the metro area…some you may

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

have yet to discover, such as the Café at Long Row Lavender, or Casa Don Alfonso

Barbi Macon

COPY EDITOR

AD DESIGNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

inside The Ritz-Carton. You can read about them on pages 16 - 19.

And, if you haven’t discovered the Netflix hit "Restaurants on the Edge" yet, you’ll want to put that on your fall to-do list, as former musician turned internationally renowned chef Dennis Prescott globe-trots around the world to share some of the most tantalizing treats you’ve ever seen (on page 30).

Meet a few locals in Clayton bringing dinner and dessert to our tables. And don’t forget to check out all the Local Experiences listed in this issue and online.

As always, we are inspired by you! Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

town as we’re enjoying the best FOOD and FUN this county has to offer.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

From our home to your home,

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Publishers, Gordon and Kelly 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Delectables await in Clayton at the Casa Don Alfonso ristorante located inside The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis 4

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

Proverbs 3:5-6 Clayton Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Clayton area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Clayton Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2021

FEATURES 16 At The Ritz-Carlton Buon Appetito At Casa Don Alfonso New Restaurant With Marvelous Mediterranean Menu

24 Dessert Person Clayton Native And Online Star Invites Everyone Into Her Kitchen

28 Long Row Lavender Farm & Cafe Family Farm Blossoms Into Successful Business

34 Mayor's Message Innovation And Collaboration

24 28

Are Hallmarks Of Clayton's Mayor Michelle Harris

34

16

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Local Experiences

16

Food & Wine

24 Local’s Choice 28 Road Trip 30 Culinary Creations 32 Lifestyle Calendar

IT ’ S TIME TO EN J OY

a remarkable senior lifestyle

Anthology of Clayton View is the perfect setting to continue your life story.

Lavish amenities, classic cuisine and uplifting activities combine with uncompromising care for a senior lifestyle beyond compare. Come build an aspirational future where you can have it all on your own terms.

Call 314-400-2504 / Let’s take the next step together Assisted Living / Memory Care 8825 Eager Rd. / St. Louis, MO AnthologyStLouis.com Continue Your Life Story With Us

GOOD TIMES

Kingside Diner: A Clayton Diner With A Twist This breakfast/brunch-themed restaurant revolves around diners as a quintessential element of American culture. Starting with a chic, chess-inspired interior and alluring patio, the beverage menu includes freshly ground espresso and creative cocktail specials. Known for their inventive, popular dishes, such as build-your-own breakfast burritos, caprese grilled cheese and griddle burgers, choosing may be difficult. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KINGSIDE DINER

1.

2.

3.

Saint Louis Crisis Nursery’s Celebrity Night Fundraiser Yields Total Success Assembling local restaurant partners, generous corporate and philanthropic sponsors, and nearly 100 celebrities from St. Louis area media, business, sports and public service communities, the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery’s “Celebrity Night for the Crisis Nursery” raised a record of $120,000, far surpassing the goal of $75,000. Clayton Lifestyle co-publishers, Kelley Lamm Montgomery and Gordon Montgomery, participated as celebrities.

4.

5.

6.

1. Miss Missouri Callie Cox, Snow White, Belle | 2. Gordon Montgomery and Kelley Lamm Montgomery | 3. Crisis Nursery CEO DiAnne, Mayor Dan Borgmeyer | 4. St. Charles County Plolice Officers Chad Thorpe, Ron Neupert, Robot Bailey | 5. Jahidi White, Miss Missouri Callie Cox | 6. Bruce Sowatsky, CCRB, Missy Palitzcsh, First Branch Home Loans, Tom Dempsy, Former Mo Senator, Molly Dempsey, Comm Rel Mng, St. Chas. Co.,Tim Lohmar, St. Chas 8

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

Unexpected.

Inspired.

Joyful.

New location—same awesome design team.

Marcia Moore Design will soon be located in Clayton!

Stop in to see our new interior design studio at 7404 Bland Dr. 63105

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AROUND TOWN

JFS ST. LOUIS TO HOLD 150TH ANNIVERSARY GALA CELEBRATION Jewish Family Services (JFS), which provides

served as vice president of operations, chair of property management and president-elect. In 2020, she recorded more than 1,000 hours of volunteer service.

mental health and social services for all St.

“Yolanda’s strategic planning abilities, focused

Louisans, will host "The Masks We Wear: A JFS

energy and excellent people skills will help our

Gala Celebrating 150 Years" on Nov. 21 from 5:30-9

organization continue to move forward," says out-

p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza in

going AL President Dawn Thomas.

Clayton. Gala proceeds will benefit all JFS programs and services.

The gala includes a reception, meal and entertainment. The evening also will pay tribute to the Harvey Kornblum Foundation along with trustees

LADUE POLICE OFFICERS NOW ALL HAVE BODY AND IN-VEHICLE CAMERAS Ladue Police Department officers now are fully equipped with body worn and in-car cameras.

Gay Kornblum, Kathy Kornblum, Laura K. Silver and

Ladue Mayor Mayor Nancy Spewak says this

Michael Silver. The Foundation enabled JFS to

technology is critical to increasing transparency and

meet the St. Louis community’s need for food

accountability of police officers' actions, to holding

assistance during the past 20 years, including pro-

offenders more accountable and also to captur-

viding critical support and nourishment throughout

ing the great service the officers provide on a daily

the ongoing pandemic.

basis. "Not all police departments have cameras, so

Tickets are $200 per person, and gala sponsorships are available. For more information, call 314.993.1000 or visit JFSSTL.org.

we are very grateful for the police and community support it took to secure these tools," she adds.

"We implemented a community policing pro-

Founded in 1871, JFS serves individuals and

gram in 2019, and I am pleased to say that this

families in crisis, as well as helps seniors remain

collaboration between residents and our police

independent and connected to the community.

officers is critical to our ability to keep crime low in

JFS supports the emotional and physical well-be-

our community," the mayor adds.

ing of more than 50,000 area children, families and seniors annually.

BLOOD DONATIONS NEEDED Blood donations have plummeted since the beginning of the pandemic, and hospitals are increasingly challenged by trauma emergency visits and drug overdoses. Red Cross representatives indicate the need for blood donations is acute. All types of blood donations are needed, but there's an especially large demand for Type O, which has dipped to as low as a one-day supply.

People who've received a coronavirus vaccine can donate blood so long as they are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer's name, according to the American Red Cross. There's no waiting period after getting a vaccine dose.

Donors need to meet certain height and weight

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF ST. LOUIS NAMES LONG-TIME VOLUNTEER AS PRESIDENT Assistance League of St. Louis named Ladue

17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health.

To peruse dates and times to make a specific

donation

appointment,

visit

online

resident Yolanda Perez-Cunningham president for

RedCrossBlood.org. Appointments also can be

2021-22. Prior, Yolanda held several AL leadership

made via the American Red Cross Blood Donor

positions, including chair of Operation School Bell,

App or by calling 1.800.RED.CROSS.

a program that provides school clothing and other basic items to deserving students in St. Louis. She 10

requirements; in general, donors need to be at least

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

The Caleb Nehring Memorial Blood Drive will occur Oct. 1 from noon to 7 p.m. at 5200 Shrewsbury Ave.

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LOCAL EXPERIENCES

FOODIE FROM FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTINGS TO PUMPKIN PATCHES AND APPLE ORCHARDS TO ADULTS-ONLY WINE TASTINGS AND SEASONAL DINNERS, THERE'S PLENTY TO OFFER DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR.

BREWERIES + WINERIES + DISTILLERIES

Louie's Wine Dive

+ Clayton Winehouse: Shop -- Enjoy -- Celebrate! The staff claims to incorporate hospitality into wine buying experiences. They also offer snack assortments, including local charcuterie.

7911 Clayton Road, Clayton, MO 63117 + Heavy Riff Brewing Company: As first brewery thought to have opened in Dogtown, they craft ales and lagers; newly available is "Beware of Darkness" stout.

6413 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139 + Louie's Wine Dive & Clayton Kitchen: They admit being obsessed with good grapes, gourmet comfort food and providing a funky fun (not pretentious) atmosphere.

14 S. Bemiston Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105 + 2nd Shift Brewing: Tasting room and merchandise located in the Hill neighborhood with patio and live music; ask for Change Of Art and their OKTOBERFEST. 1601 Sublette Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 + Robust Wine Bar: Where passion for life, love and wine comes alive in award-winning cafe and bar; retail shop is open Mondays through Saturdays.

227 W. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119 12

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

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FOOD & WINE

At The Ritz-Carlton

BUON APPETITO AT CASA DON ALFONSO NEW RESTAURANT WITH MARVELOUS MEDITERRANEAN MENU ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

16

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

" W e're t ruly blessed, and we want our guests t o h ave amazing food experiences in t he heart of C l ayt on, ones wit h t he vibe and comfort able, f amily home elements of t he Sorrent o Co ast."

ONE OF THE REASONS ST. LOUIS WAS

new dining spot for both its food and décor via an

INCLUDED IN A RECENT “WORLD’S GREATEST

article “America’s Best New Italian Restaurant Is

PLACES” LIST COMPILED BY TIME MAGAZINE

In St Louis.”

STAFFERS WAS DUE TO THE NEW CASA DON

Bringing international experience to the restau-

ALFONSO RESTAURANT -- THE FIRST STATE-

rant, Chef Sergio grew up in Sardinia, Italy, and

SIDE OUTPOST OF MICHELIN-STAR ITALIAN

has worked around the world, including Germany,

RESTAURATEUR MARIO IACCARINO. Located

the United Kingdom and the Caribbean. Before

in Clayton within The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis,

working in Clayton, he was chef de cuisine at

this upscale casual establishment features a

The Ritz-Carlton’s restaurant in Riyadh, Saudi

menu with a charismatic approach to traditional

Arabia. His definition of Italian fare is anchored

Mediterranean dishes.

by organic ingredients and day-of preparation.

The culinary offerings at Casa Don Alfonso tell

With the goal of being a neighborhood repeat

stories of traditions passed down for generations

dining location as well as a broader, sought-out

in the family homes of Southern Italy and the

restaurant destination, Casa Don Alfonso’s ambi-

charm of the Sorrento Coast. Timeless recipes

ance starts with décor that reflects the enjoyment

come from this magical place, ripe with culture

of a Mediterranean sea breeze, such as 600 hand-

and beauty, inspired by the Iaccarino family’s hos-

blown glass leaves hovering over the main dining

pitality. Chef de cuisine Sergio Chierego honors

room and custom curtains. A large, open kitchen

the culinary customs of Italy’s Campania region

sports a hand-painted tiled backsplash and

with carefully chosen ingredients that closely

copper-clad ceiling. Seating and sound-proofing

resemble the sun-kissed produce harvested at

millwork is handled in a manner that provides

the Iaccarino family’s farm.

connectivity but quiet acoustics.

In creating this new menu, Mario says he spent

“We’re truly blessed, and we want our guests

hours paging through his grandmother’s recipe

to have amazing food experiences in the heart

books for inspiration to ensure the outcome

of Clayton, ones with the vibe and comfort-

represents 2,000 years of Mediterranean history,

able, family home elements of the Sorrento

spices, wine, pasta and vegetables. The restau-

Coast,” assures Alen Tanovic, Casa Don Alfonso

rant opened at the end of this March.

general manager. “That’s why we’ve chosen to

Others, even outside of the St. Louis region,

wow our guests with true-to-Italy adornments,

notice this restaurant’s Italian authenticity.

such as wisteria chandeliers, which are like those

During June, Forbes also paid compliments to this

actually seen in the Iaccarino’s family garden, CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

17

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

CURRENT HOURS OF OPERATION Reservations are required.

Tuesdays-Fridays A La Carte Breakfast: 6:30-10 a.m.

Saturday Signature Breakfast Buffet: 6:30-10 a.m.

Sunday Signature Breakfast Buffet: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday Lunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesdays-Thursdays Dinner: 5-9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday Dinner: 5-10 p.m.

Mondays: Closed 100 Carondelet Plaza 314.719.1496 CasaDonAlfonsoStLouis.com

18

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

It’s not just a hearing problem It’s a health problem

and even weaving in wisteria-inspired leaf garnishes for cocktails along with wearing lavender and pastel uniforms.”

He says they pay attention to authentic details, such as using saffron rice, for example, as a nod to the influence that the Arabic world had on Italy.

Alen witnessed engaging hospitality from his parents and his upbringing in Croatia.

His firsthand knowledge of handmade cuisine and the food industry started at an early age. His goal at the restaurant now is to ensure the highest service levels create an unforgettable atmosphere.

With the restaurant only being six months young, Alen says diners already have traveled from both U.S. coasts to soak up the

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elevated service and experience.

“We’re in the midst of testing and developing some new, one-of-a-kind recipes for this fall, and as always, Chef Sergio is doing it in collaboration with the Iaccarino family,” reveals Alen. “All of our Casa Don Alfonso ambassadors are waiting with smiles to welcome guests warmly and to encourage everyone to feel like part of our family.”

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19

ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

HERE'S T H E BE E F 20

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

MISSOURI-RAISED CATTLE FOR MISSOURI MEAT LOVERS

FRESH, TASTY, SUSTAINABLY RAISED BEEF IS JUST A CLICK OR CALL AWAY FROM A NEARBY FOURTH-GENERATION FAMILY FARM. The Pierce Creek Cattle Company, located in Lonedell, Missouri, offers grass- or grain-finished beef direct to consumers. The company’s cattle graze lush fields with a mixture of grasses, and have access to abundant supplies of freshwater from four natural springs on the farm, assures Clayton resident Kent Evans, whose great-grandparents bought the farm in 1943.

Kent took over operating the farm in 2018, partnering with a neighbor to replenish pastures. He purchased two cattle herds in April 2019.

He then spent hours learning how to be a knowledgeable grass farmer, given Missouri’s topography in Franklin County, using detailed rotational grazing patterns. He also invested time, energy CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

21

HERE’S THE BEEF (CONTINUED)

and money into getting enough critical mass of healthy cattle to stay ahead of meat demands.

“Our mission is to make ethically raised beef without hormones, or unnecessary antibiotics, available to people in the St. Louis metropolitan region. We don’t ship it. We deliver it directly to you. Everything is raised locally, to be eaten locally,” he says.

“The meat is processed 15 minutes from the farm, so the cattle don’t lead stressful lives and our customers are getting tasty, flavorful meat,” explains Kent, who says he deliberately approaches his operation in this manner rather than sending younger cattle to a different Midwest location/auction to be finished out and the meat shipped back to be sold.

Kent says he gets numerous requests from folks who grill frequently or who compete in barbecue contests.

While he started selling the meat in quarter, half or whole packages, the model was adjusted to offer beef bundles of small, medium or large sizes, especially when it became difficult for people to purchase freezers during the pandemic. Bundles include a variety of steaks, roasts, ribs, brisket and ground beef; organ meats and soup bones are additional, if available. All beef is sold by weight.

It’s delivered within the St. Louis area to a mutually agreeable location and time. “Anyone interested should call, and we’ll work it out,” assures Kent.

He says they get compliments on flavor, the meat’s taste profile and even the packaging. They also offer organ meats and a recipe for making freshly prepared dog food, along with broth, rice and vegetables -which can be frozen to maintain freshness.

Pierce Creek Cattle Company meat also is offered for sale online through the food delivery service, Find Your Farmer. This St. Louis-based online farmers market connects shoppers with local farmers and artisans with fresh, seasonal goods, fruits, vegetables, meats, breads and cheeses. Officers of this new culinary startup have grassroots ties to Washington University. Details can be secured at Find-Your-Farmer.com, on the group’s Facebook page or by emailing findyourfarmer1@gmail.com. piercecreekcattlecompany@gmail.com 314.420.8696 PierceCreekCattleCompany.com

22

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

D e s s e r t Pe r s o n ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

CLAIRE Claire Saffitz; photo courtesy of Penguin Random House

24

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

who

CLAYTON NATIVE AND ONLINE STAR INVITES EVERYONE INTO HER KITCHEN

Claire Saffitz

title freelance recipe developer, video host, YouTube personality

where the Internet's favorite pastry chef

sources of pleasure. This book empowers reluctant

advice "Anyone can be a dessert person, even people who think they're not."

home bakers to bake with more confidence and approach food with greater joy.”

Claire currently lives in New York City, and she’s

SAFFITZ

IS

AN

UNAPOLOGETIC,

she was senior food editor at Bon Appétit magazine,

SELF-DESCRIBED DESSERT LOVER. In fact, she

where she worked for five years in the test kitchen.

titled her first cookbook, Dessert Person.

She hosted the series “Gourmet Makes” on the Bon

She says the cookbook celebrates baking, pastry

Appétit YouTube channel, where she used her clas-

and all things sweet. But this St. Louisan says being

sical pastry knowledge to reverse engineer popular

a “dessert person” is also an attitude. “It’s about

snack foods and candy.

embracing cooking and eating as fundamental

This

culinary

adventurist

attended

Clayton

High School, graduated with honors from Harvard University in 2009, studied classic French cuisine and pastry at École Grégoire Ferrandi in Paris in 2012, and completed her masters degree in history at McGill University in 2014.

“I believe no meal is complete without something sweet at the end. When a server asks me if I saved room for dessert, the answer is always, emphatically, ‘yes.’ Whipped cream is my favorite food of all time,” Claire confides.

She says she wrote this cookbook to toast and defend the love of desserts. “The recipes represent my attempt to demonstrate just how versatile and flexible baking can be.”

This

New

York

Times

best-selling

cook-

book was published during October 2020 by Clarkson Potter. It can be ordered online at PenguinRandomHouse.com/books/609892/ dessert-person-by-claire-saffitz.

One baking ingredient that Claire recommends for this fall is quince (a pome fruit that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple/pear and tastes a bit spicy and citrusy). “Quince are one of my favorite fruits, and their window is short. I poach them, which is necessary to make them edible, and brings out their incredible tropical aroma.” info@dessertperson.com Photo courtesy of Penguin Random House

SAFFITZ

contributed to NYT Cooking. Before freelancing, CLAIRE

DessertPerson.com CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

25

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Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

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ROAD TRIP

Long Row Lavender Farm & Cafe FAMILY FARM BLOSSOMS INTO SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS DOWN A PRETTY COUNTRY ROAD IN WRIGHT CITY

in the College Hill area of St. Louis. “They purchase the

IS AN UNEXPECTED DELIGHT CALLED LONG ROW

plants from us wholesale, we provide knowledge and help

LAVENDER. What started as a 15-acre family farm in

in getting the beds ready and growing the lavender, then

2007 has blossomed (literally) into a growing business,

we purchase the harvested lavender to sell in our bou-

with a café, boutique, classes and beautiful lavender beds.

tique; they use the proceeds from the lavender sales to

In addition to growing several varieties of lavender

28

ARTICLE JUDY PETERS

help their community,” she explains.

there, owner Tracy Smith says they have partnered with

When the family purchased the property, Tracy says she

Women on Mission to grow lavender plants in vacant lots

and her husband and four children went over ideas on how

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

they would steward the land and do something together outside as a family. “We started planting vegetables but soon found that the area critters liked to eat everything we planted. After reading about U.S. lavender farms, and seeing how gorgeous they were, then visiting a lavender farm in Eureka, we became enthralled with it, especially

It’s been a three-year learning curve, finding out where to source

with the fact that animals will not eat lavender.”

locally, but people are really enjoying it.”

So, in 2009, they started taking the lavender they grew to local

In the café, you’ll find specialty espresso drinks, tea, homemade

farmer’s markets, and people loved it. “They would come to the booth

desserts, and lunch items, such as sourdough grilled cheese, chicken

and say they could smell us from the parking lot, it was so fragrant.”

salad and quiche.

They sell bundles of lavender to the public, and also debud the

Tracy says plans for the near future call for a large patio on the

lavender to make sachets and other products. “People enjoyed the

North side of the building. “We want folks to come out, enjoy the

gift shop, but they would tell us that they’ve traveled a ways to get

beauty of nature, music, lingering with friends. We’re planning to

there and were asking where they could get something to eat. Since

plant daffodils along our walking trails; it would be gorgeous to see

there’s not much in the area, and they really didn’t want to leave

them blooming in the spring.”

the farm, we decided that, since we actually needed more storage

For more information and directions to Long Row Lavender:

and work space, we would develop a building to also house a café.

LongRowLavender.com.

CityLifestyle.com/Clayton

29

CULINARY CREATIONS

Br i ng i ng Joy B ack i nt o t he K it chen

WHETHER YOU KNOW HIM FROM THE NETFLIX HIT RESTAURANTS

CHEF DENNIS PRESCOTT TALKS FALLING IN LOVE WITH FEEDING PEOPLE AND THE CONNECTION FOOD CREATES

ON THE EDGE OR FROM HIS ABSOLUTELY MOUTH-WATERING FOOD PHOTOS AS @DENNISTHEPRESCOTT ON THE ‘GRAM, THIS FORMER-MUSICIAN TURNED INTERNATIONALLY-RENOWNED CHEF IS AN AMAZINGLY TALENTED, THOUGHTFUL, AND GLOBE-TROTTING FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis

T r avel R ecom mend at ion s for Food ies

The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on.

S c a n fo r t h e f u l l article online.

“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are

a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.”

Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland.

“Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.”

30

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

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31

OCTOBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

2-3

15

FRIGHT FEST

29TH HISTORIC SHAW ART FAIR

PARTY IN THE PATCH

Zombies and ghouls take over Six

east of the Missouri Botanical Garden

Celebrate fall with candy hunt, hay

Flags through Oct. 31. Fright Fest

Advance tickets are $8 each; $10

rides, inflatables, crafts, games and

offers family-friendly

and

at-the-gate, with at-the-gate ticket $1

activities.

attractions during the day, plus sev-

off option with canned food donation.

departments of Clayton, Maplewood

eral haunted houses and scare zones

Tickets are valid both days; age 14

and Richmond Heights are host-

located throughout the park during

and younger free with adult. Artwork

ing. Advance registration is $8 per

evening hours.

includes: Ceramics, Digital Art, Drawing

youth (ages 14 years and younger)

/ Pastels, Fiber Art, Glass, Jewelry,

or $13 at event via The Center of

1

Metalwork, Mixed Media, Painting,

Clayton; 314.290.8500; hot dog din-

Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture,

ner included with child's registration

MOVIE IN THE PARK: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

Woodwork. Info at: ShawArtFair.org

or $5 per each additional meal.

– Facebook.com/historic.shaw.art.

Six Flags St. Louis

Flora Place & Tower Grove Avenue, just

shows

fair – or phone 314.771.3101.

AB Green Park Field

City of Richmond Heights staffers host this experience at the intersection of Dale Avenue and Laclede

5

Shaw Park

Parks

and

Recreation

16 ST. LOUIS BEER FEST

St. Louis Science Center

RH NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME

The inaugural St. Louis Beer Fest

Richmond Heights neighborhoods

will take over the St. Louis Science

chasing for those 21 and older by

This event runs through 9 p.m. as a

Center to feature more than 40

Side Project Brewing and a viewing

night for neighborhood block parties so

breweries, 100 beers and access

of “The Greatest Showman." $10/

residents get to know each other bet-

throughout the museum. Admission

person (children 2 and younger are

ter, which has been found to increase

will include unlimited samplings, plus

free). 7:30 p.m./Circus Performances:

community safety. City police officers,

some unique surprises in addition to

7:45-8:15

Showing:

firefighters and elected officials try to

access to the museum’s exhibits. All

8:30-10:30 p.m. Register by calling

stop by organized parties and chat. For

attendees of this Fest must be fully

314.645.1476.

more details or to request barricades

vaccinated related to COVID-19.

Station Road: Live circus performances, concessions, tasting/pur-

p.m./Movie

to block traffic in select street portions,

2 COMMUNITIES' MULTI-HOUSEHOLD ANNUAL GARAGE SALE

call 314.645.0404.

13

APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL Kimmswick

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS BBQ

The

Clayton City Hall Fire Station

Kimmswick's largest celebration of

City staffers of Richmond Heights

Clayton Fire Department Community

the year. More than 100,000 visitors

and Maplewood join forces through

Outreach Committee members will

fill Market Street and the city park to

PARC to organize an annual com-

host an annual barbecue at the fire-

sample apple butter and dozens of

munity garage sale event. Residents

house, 10 N. Beminston. All proceeds

other foods. Hundreds of craft ven-

of Richmond Heights or Maplewood

are donated to the David C. Pratt

dors sell their goods at booths around

who wish to have their address on the

Cancer Center. Scheduled entrée

town from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

online map could submit it. A map of

options include pulled pork plates,

For

all the participating addresses will be

hamburgers, large franks, chicken,

or Kimmswick Visitor Center at

available on Oct. 1 on the Richmond

veggie burgers and choice of sides

636.464.6464.

Heights city website.

(potato salad, coleslaw, chips, baked

Richmond Heights and Maplewood

beans). The barbecue likely will conclude between 2-3 p.m.

32

30-31

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

Apple

Butter

questions,

Festival

is

call 636.467.1436

. r e h t e og T y p Hap

travelleaders.com/stlouismo

636.778.1081

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33

PARTING THOUGHTS

Clayton Mayor Michelle Harris // Photo by Barbi Macon

MAYOR'S MESSAGE INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION ARE HALLMARKS OF CLAYTON'S MAYOR MICHELLE HARRIS ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

ONE MAINSTAY OF CLAYTON'S CURRENT

value hosting locals, regional visitors and

MAYOR, MICHELLE HARRIS, IS LONG-

out-of-towners. We're eager for offices and

TERM COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.

hotels to be full and adding to our down-

"Clayton is a great place to be. I encour-

town's vitality. Elected leaders and business

age everyone to enjoy our parks, restaurants

owners continue to work together to navi-

and unique small shops," she proclaims.

gate these challenging times," she adds.

Michelle knows the city's diversity from

Michelle says with the current down-

being a 31-year resident of Clayton. Among

turn in revenues, city leaders face tough

community efforts that Michelle participates

decisions but will maintain a vision for

in, she's currently a board member of the

the future.

Metropolitan Zoological Park & Museum

"Some of our priority and future ini-

District and the Municipal League of Metro

tiatives are already in motion, such as

St. Louis. She served on the founding boards

our Community Equity Commission and

of the Shakespeare Festival and the Clayton

Commemorative Landscape Task Force,

Century Foundation.

which will make Clayton an even more

She began as mayor in April 2019, follow-

welcoming city to all. We've made major

ing 11 years of service as an alderwoman.

accomplishments in environmental sustain-

Her professional background encompasses

ability, and improvements in energy usage

18 years at Nestle and DuPont, as well as

and control of invasive species," she says.

11 years with her own consulting firm. She

Citywide surveys attest that residents

holds a bachelor's degree in art and edu-

are happy with above-norm city services for

cation, as well as a master's degree in busi-

public safety, streets, parks and facilities,

ness administration.

such as the Center of Clayton. "We're lucky

She says the city is still dealing with COVID-19's impact.

"Clayton has a well-earned reputation as 'the' destination for dining, and we greatly 34

Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021

to have an engaged, informed residential and business citizenry who continually bring good ideas and give their time and experience generously," says the mayor.

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