Kirkwood, MO June 2024

The All-New Audi Exchange Kirkwood is Now Open

We didn’t just build a new dealership, we built a new team too. With a dedication to all things Audi and an enthusiasm to go above and beyond, our staff is excited to welcome you in. Even while working from a temporary location, we earned the highest service satisfaction of any Audi dealer in the St. Louis area. Now in our new facility, we’re ready to deliver an Audi experience like no other.

Come experience our new dealership and meet our staff. We’re looking forward to offering you the best customer service experience of any Audi dealership in St. Louis. We live by our motto “Expect the Exceptional,” and we’re excited to exceed your expectations.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Men

Think of any man in your life and identify one exceptional aspect about him. In my case, it’s the fact that my husband, Jay, can flawlessly perform a slow-motion cartwheel. He’ll be walking one moment and then seamlessly transition into a cartwheel. He makes me laugh every time he does it. It’s not his claim to fame, but it is undeniably cool, timeless, funny, and classic Jay.

Men are often known for their significant achievements and prestigious positions. Amidst the grandeur of careers and accolades, seemingly inconsequential yet charming traits genuinely define the essence of individuals. In this issue, we celebrate the men whose coolness transcends beyond their professions. What sets these men apart is their perspective on life and their willingness to foster community through shared experiences. Their impact on our community, their refreshing blend of coolness, timelessness, humor, and authenticity, shape them into classic figures within our community.

I dedicate this issue to Jay, who makes flipping out look cool.

RENEE MOORE, PUBLISHER @KIRKWOODCITYLIFESTYLE

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Maria Eilers

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adam Betz, Lucy Rogers, Maria Eilers, Julie Patton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Aaron Hardebeck, Maria Eilers, Carey Campbell,

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

WHY CHOOSE WOOD

Wood is Healthier

Because wood flooring requires fewer chemicals to make and install, it helps promote healthier living and work environments.

The EPA found that hardwood floors improve air quality because they are less likely to harbor dangerous microorganisms, pesticides, and allergens, such as dust, mold, or pet dander.

Wood is Durable

Vinyl flooring will last only a decade or two, while quality wood flooring can last more than 100 years.

Wood floors will stand up to foot traffic and will maintain their color finish with proper maintenance. Vinyl flooring, however, will last only a decade or two and fade dramatically over time when exposed to sunlight.

Wood floors are easy to maintain and can be repaired with relative ease. But vinyl typically needs to be replaced completely if it’s damaged.

Wood is Sustainable

Wood is a zero waste product. For example, old wood from flooring can be turned into other products or simply bio-degrade.

Other flooring types, such as vinyl, are made from plastics or synthetic fibers that take multiple decades to break down and decompose. Recycling companies typically reject old vinyl flooring because it’s not profitable for them. And, the alternative form of disposal - burning - releases harmful phthalate chemicals into the air.

Wood Makes Sense Economically

Many homeowners love the look of hardwood flooring and other features in their home. But they are also concerned about the initial expense of installing wood.

Putting wood floors into your home is truly a good investment. Real hardwood floors add to the resale value of your home. The average return on investment is 70 to 80%!

inside the issue

Play Your Best

ARTICLE BY ADAM BETZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON HARDEBECK

Family Golf and Learning Center creates an encouraging and positive learning experience for all golfers. Regardless of experience or age, we have every resource necessary to help you reach your golfing goals through programs, clinics, camps, and leagues. We make St. Louis play better.

Our nine professional golf instructors assist individuals, from beginners to experienced players. We love hosting our couples series, ladies’ leagues, and, most of all - our parent/child scrambles. Let us help you improve your game.

LEARN, PRACTICE AND PLAY.

IT’S

NEVER TOO EARLY OR TOO LATE TO START.

“WE LOVE PROVIDING FAMILIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR JUNIORS INTO THE BEST GOLFERS THEY CAN BE THROUGH OUR DEVELOPMENTAL APPROACH AND OPERATIONS 36 PROGRAM.”

IMPROVE YOUR WEDGE GAME

In a round of golf, a player will hit a shot within 100 yards 70% of the time. Improving your wedge game can be your ticket to lower scores. Consistently hitting your wedges is the most important factor in hitting your yardage. Your setup and impact position factor in promoting good, solid contact. Start by placing the ball in the middle or slightly back in your stance with your grip or hands slightly ahead of the club head. Your club and upper body turn off the ball together or as one. I like my students to feel close enough to the ball with a sufficient bend from their waist so that their biceps and underarms feel close to one another and their arms hang softly below their shoulders. This encourages the connection of the upper body, club, and arms. As we turn off the ball, the wrists hinge to create a right angle, and your lead arm first reaches parallel to the ground. As we return to the ball in our downswing, we promote the pressure in your feet transferring to your forward leg as your upper body’s rotation leads the club through impact. We need to ensure the handle or grip end of the wedge remains ahead of or forward of the clubhead to impact. The rotation of your body promotes this. The most common mistake we see with wedge play is the player trying to scoop or throw the clubhead with their hands and wrists. Avoid that by keeping your wrist angles constant, moving down into impact while feeling a good transfer of pressure in your lower body, and good rotation with your upper body to your finish. Done correctly, you will see more consistent contact, and your body will be rotated to face the target while you watch your ball finish near the hole.

Junior Golf Roadmap

Our Junior Golf Clinics have a new curriculum this year with the introduction of Operation 36 Golf. OPS 36 will help to improve our Junior Golf Clinics with clear and concise goals for golfers at every stage, helping teachers and parents track each student’s progress. Our goal at Family Golf is to have a developmental model that moves your junior through our clinics based on their improvement. We offer Birdie Bandits, Fundamentals, and Learn to Play along with the new 8-week, hour-long classes and play days on the golf course!

Birdie Bandits

3- 6 Years Old | Beginning Golfer

Fundamentals

6 - 8 Years Old | Beginning Golfers

Learn To Play

9 - 12 Years Old | Intermediate Golfers

OPS 36

8 Years Old and Up

Intro to Golf Course and Individual Play

PGA Junior League

6 - 13 Years Old  | 14 - 17 Years Old

More Competitive, Team League Format

Competitive Junior Program

Advanced Junior Golfers

MY FAVORITE SHORT GAME TIPS:

1. A lways land the ball on the green if you can. You can better predict the ball’s reaction on a green than the fairway or rough.

2. Play the low shot around the greens and the high shot only when you have to.

3. K eep your hands consistently soft throughout the entire shot.

4. D on’t ever let your arms outrace your body’s rotation.

5. A lways pick the spot you want to land the ball and take practice swings to gauge the length of swing you’ll need to produce that distance.

Test your skills at our Virtual Practice Center. Available only on Trackman Simulators, this practice center creates the ultimate practice session. Create and practice any type of shot that you can imagine!

JUNIOR GOLF AT FGLC

We’ve created a developmental, skill-based approach that includes instruction, practice guidance, and on-course game improvement. Our newly implemented approach in Operations 36 allows our juniors to play and learn on the golf course, starting from a short distance. To advance through the program, each junior must shoot 36 on nine holes, making each hole a par 4 starting at 25 yards. We graduate them to a longer distance (50yds, 75yds, White, and Blue) once they shoot 36 from the previous distance. We do this through sanctioned play days, but it can also be done outside class. This teaches juniors the skills necessary to get the ball in the hole from a short distance, and this will undoubtedly serve them well as they get older, build skills, and begin playing longer distanced golf courses. Operations 36 involves the student and parents developing their junior’s game. It is an app-based program that allows the junior golfer and the parents to see, in real-time, the skills the junior has learned, how well they are progressing, and the level they are currently at in the program. The app provides practice drills and videos to help students improve outside our clinics, camps, and play days. We absolutely love providing families with the opportunity to develop their juniors into the best golfers they can be through our developmental approach and our new Operations 36 Program. We welcome you to explore Junior Golf at FGLC and register online.

Learn more at familygolfonline.com

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

More Than Beer

The corner of Argonne and Clay is changing, and that’s good news for Kirkwood and the entire St. Louis community. Kirkwood City Lifestyle magazine loves sharing a good origin story of a local business, and we are beyond excited to watch as this next chapter of 4 Hands Brewing Co. unfolds.

Kevin Lemp, the founder of 4 Hands Brewing Co., shares his story about venturing into the craft beer business, his family, his team, his newest location in Kirkwood - The Station, and his proudest project, City Wide, the brand that is more than beer.

Kevin Lemp. Photo by Heidi Drexler

THE EPIPHANY

My first beer epiphany was in college when I tasted a New Belgium Fat Tire. I was shocked at the flavor that came out of that bottle. I didn’t know beer could taste that way. I thought, “This is interesting.” I quickly fell in love with the narrative around small-batch craft beer. It was more than the product being produced and the storytelling around the brand. Craft beer suppliers are engaged in philanthropy and community. I wanted to do that. I wanted to build a team, tell a story, and get involved in a community. After college, I spent a decade at E. & J. Gallo Winery. I used my extensive training in wine as a catalyst to better understand beer.

THAT MOMENT

Leaving Gallo and starting my own business was the hardest decision, even though I had been working so hard for that moment. It’s hard at the beginning of a business. We had two kids: Rowan was three, and Fischer was a newborn. My wife, Maegan, supported me in taking that leap. It was brave of her to allow me to do that. It also showed she believed in me. It’s made us strong, and that’s really special to me.

THE LOGO

Hop is an essential ingredient in beer. If you turn the hop upside down, the leaves, called lupin, open up. Lupin provides the flavor, bitterness, and aroma of beer. We wanted our hands in that, so we integrated my family’s hands into those leaves for the logo. The logo is everything that is important to me.

THE NAME

4 Hands is a brewery inspired by family. Although my last name is Lemp, I have no affiliation with Lemp Beer, and I had no interest in naming the company after me. I liked our story of Maegan, my two kids, and me coming together to build something. The name 4 Hands refers to our family. It’s funny, I was picking my son Rowan up from school, and he said, “Dad, what should I major in to do what you do?” I have told both boys that if they become hyper-passionate about what I do, they need to go work for a much bigger company than us. They should learn everything they can and then come and make us better. But more importantly, I want them to find what makes them happy.

KEVIN LEMP

Maegan, Rowan, Kevin and Fischer Lemp

THE TEAM

Our team is a family. We look out for each other, support each other, and push each other. We have done an excellent job surrounding ourselves with players with tremendous depth, real-life experience, and reputation. We do our best to carve the responsibilities around the talent, not the job description. It’s important for us to stay innovative and creative. No one on the team is interested in doing the same thing today as they did yesterday. I’m proud of our employees and the partners we consider part of the team. Enterprise Bank & Trust has been unbelievably supportive. It’s fun when you are in a banking relationship, and they see and understand your vision and cheer you on.

THE PERSONALITY

We wanted to be unapologetic, and we wanted our personality to shine. We wanted everyone to know we were having a lot of fun. When we launched Chocolate Milk Stout, we bought one-gallon glass milk jars for the growler.

4 Hands beer bottles and cans offer food pairing suggestions on the labels, such as, “Hey, this is Single Speed. It’s a blonde with Jasmine and pairs beautifully with Camembert cheese or poultry.” We also wanted to tell a story on the label with the artwork.

As a kid, I wasn’t great at drawing, but I loved being able to tell a story through art. I spent a lot of time creating stories in my mind. Growing up, I didn’t watch much TV, but every Saturday morning in 1983, I never missed an episode of the cartoon “Voltron.” I’m so excited to relive that piece of my childhood through a new cartoon 4 Hands is developing with NBC/Universal Studios. The cartoon will be a throwback to everything great about the eighties.

THE MOST IMPORTANT PROJECT

City Wide is the most important project we’ve ever done. We were five years into the business, and the foundation of the brewery was established. Nick Kanter, our On Premise Sales Director, and I were driving back from Chicago, discussing how to make a difference in our hometown. What could we do to give back to the community we call home? We wanted to help St. Louis to be the very best version of St. Louis it can be.

C ITY WIDE

City Wide is our philanthropic project. We’re not interested in raising money and then only writing a check. Our goal is to engage and build a long lasting relationship with City Wide nonprofits. We do book drives, build bookshelves, help create new parks, and support local startups. We highlight the nonprofits we support, hoping that our 60,000 Instagram followers might be interested in getting involved. That has nothing to do with beer and a lot to do with humanity.

I went to De Smet Jesuit High School, and the one thing that really stuck was their motto: “Men, for and with others.” We’re only as strong as the community we surround ourselves with, and it is very important for us to be pillars of our community.

We donate a dollar from every case of City Wide. That equates to over $400,000. Eventually, that number will be over $1 million. I can’t wait for that.

THE STATION – KIRKWOOD EXPANSION

We got really excited about the opportunity to come to Kirkwood because of what the location offered. It’s such a cool building with a caboose on the end, which is so romantic. We are creating something unique for this property and for Kirkwood.

We will be super family-friendly, and the outdoor area will be completely transformed. We’re planting new trees and a native prairie and building outdoor restrooms. Essentially, we’re creating a park for kids to run around while their parents sit on our patio and have a direct line of sight to their child. We’ve added a huge three-season room with collapsible glass doors for guests to enjoy an open-air experience.

Peat “Eyez” Wollaeger, a local artist, is creating a stencil on one wall. Jason Spencer’s art will be on display in the dining room. David Stein, a local woodworker, is creating the furniture. Mwanzi, a local woodworker, is creating the bar stools. I got in the weeds on this project, but our food partner, Kevin Nashan - the owner of Peacemaker Lobster and Crab, and I felt we owed it to Kirkwood to build The Station right. I’m not interested in just putting a business on the curb. We want to be a part of the community.

THE LESSONS LEARNED

We never wanted to be big. We just wanted to be innovative and creative. I’m happy, and I feel my team is happy. So, we will keep doing things that make a difference, which was always important to me. At the end of the day, we have our integrity.

I’ve been reflecting on parenting and the lessons learned , and one of the things I read recently is that your job as a parent is to give your children memories and experiences. Maegan and I have done a good job of giving them a foundation they can build on. Hopefully, our boys will allow us to experience those memories with them as they age and have their own families. My company is not my legacy. Our legacy is our kids.

City Wide branded beers will outlive me; I’m passionate about making that happen. City Wide is so important because we’ve always been about more than beer.

These Guys Mean Business

MEET THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF TWO CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

Have you engaged with your local Chamber of Commerce recently? If you haven’t, you would be impressed with the support and resources they provide to help our local businesses succeed. The Kirkwood - Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce and the Webster Groves/Shrewsbury/Rock Hill/Brentwood Chamber of Commerce hired new Executive Directors at the beginning of 2024. Chris Ley and Jerry Rosen bring a wealth of business expertise to their new roles as they focus on helping their chamber members thrive. As champions of the local business community, Chris and Jerry embody the spirit of collaboration and progress, ushering in a new era of growth and opportunity through their visionary leadership.

Chris Ley

Kirkwood - Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce

WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR POSITION?

It’s leveraging my experience while embracing new challenges. My guiding principle is simple: members first. Having owned businesses emphasizing sales, I understand what members need to grow their businesses, which allows me to approach our work with deep understanding and add value to their membership.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST 90 DAYS?

I familiarized myself with the Chamber’s operations, identifying areas for growth. I immersed myself in the Chamber’s procedures to understand ongoing and upcoming activities, and I prioritized gathering insights from various member groups.

WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR THE REST OF 2024?

It revolves around two key commitments: meeting members’ needs while optimizing internal processes for efficiency and growth. Because of the tremendous efforts of my office team and our Board, we can ensure that the Chamber remains a dynamic and indispensable resource for our community.

WHAT ARE A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS?

Professionally, it’s collaboration over competition. In life, it’s family; my granddaughter is my pride and joy. We love hiking. I also love all things Peanuts and keep several collectibles in my office.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA EILERS

Chris Ley Kirkwood - Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce

Jerry Rosen

Webster Groves - Shrewsbury - Rock HillBrentwood Area Chamber of Commerce

WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR POSITION?

It’s providing development and growth for members, creating forums for strengthening connections and giving back. I have a passion for business and find working with owners and managers gratifying.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST 90 DAYS?

My first month was like a honeymoon: I could ask questions since I was new to the Chamber world. Everyone was warm and welcoming. My goal was to hear from as many members as possible. As I met members and participated in events, I gained knowledge and confidence, which allowed me to identify strategic opportunities.

WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR THE REST OF 2024?

I want to ensure that the Chamber remains relevant, especially among younger members. I also want to grow our membership; I know many businesses within our communities could benefit from our mission.

WHAT ARE A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS?

My wife and I love weekend hikes with our dog, Skye. I am also a Washington University entrepreneurship program mentor. I believe in helping others because in business, like life, no one achieves their goals alone.

As champions of the local business community, Chris and Jerry embody the spirit of collaboration and progress, ushering in a new era of growth and opportunity through their visionary leadership.

Jerry Rosen Webster Groves - Shrewsbury - Rock Hill Brentwood Area Chamber of Commerce

A Banking Partnership That Empowers You and Your Business

An Interview with Steve Albart, Regional President

Enterprise Bank & Trust is committed to building deep relationships with clients in order to understand their business goals and help them navigate financial ups and downs. Steve Albart, Regional President, exemplifies our commitment by leading his team of bankers as they guide people to a lifetime of financial success. Read on for a Kirkwood City Lifestyle exclusive interview with Steve:

Why were you drawn to Enterprise Bank & Trust?

I have been with Enterprise for 26 years. I spent the early part of my career in a non-traditional banking role with a local economic development agency. I was looking to become a traditional banker and the opportunity presented itself to join an early stage bank in Sunset Hills.

Describe your current position.

As a regional president, I help lead a team of bankers who partner with multi-generational family or privately owned businesses to help guide owners toward their financial goals. My day-to-day responsibilities include assisting owner-families with capital allocation, cash flow analysis, treasury solutions, strategic planning, succession planning and acquisition analysis.

What has been your greatest accomplishment at Enterprise?

There are two great accomplishments I’d like to highlight. First, the consistency and stability of our team. Our culture has remained the same for 26 years, and I’m very proud of the growth and success of our team. Secondly, seeing our clients’ accomplishments with their businesses and families. We get a front-row seat to watch amazingly smart people achieve great success.

How do Enterprise’s mission and values align with your own?

My education and training in personal financial planning and business management completely align with Enterprise’s mission of guiding people to a lifetime of financial success. I’ve spent my whole career preparing to help families build wealth and help companies be successful. Knowing that we were able to make a difference is an experience that I will always carry with me.

What are the challenges facing the banking industry and how is Enterprise countering these challenges?

Every year is a new challenge for the banking industry and our business clients face similar challenges. Enterprise is committed to helping our clients and business owners manage natural economic cycles. Whether it’s navigating a recession, pandemic, inflation or periods of growth, our team provides resources and education to help owners navigate a variety of business challenges.

In today’s business landscape, how can a strong relationship with your bank be a game-changer for St. Louis’ small and midsize businesses?

The right banking partner is critical to the long-term success of privately owned businesses. From acquisitions to major business problems, a good banking partner will ensure a business can capitalize on growth opportunities at the right time, while providing patience and calming advice during difficult times. A strong banking relationship can help give business owners confidence to make necessary investments to grow.

What would you say to a business owner looking to learn more about Enterprise?

Every business owner should be surrounded by a team of professional service providers (banker, CPA, attorney and insurance) who are trusted partners and advisers to your business. If your banker is not a trusted partner, Enterprise would like to earn the privilege to be a part of your financial team.

Ready to form a financial partnership that helps you bring your business to the next level? Let Steve and Enterprise guide you to a lifetime of financial success. Contact us through the website below.

The Power of Perspective

Enlightening Conversations with the Recon Electric Residential and Commercial Team

WHAT’S YOUR “POWER MOVE” THAT KEEPS YOU GOING AND MOTIVATES YOU?

You drag the puck, dipsy do, between the legs of the defenseman, drive to the net, top shelf, he shoots, he scores! (Sorry, that’s a different kind of power move. I used to play hockey.) My wife, children, and faith keep me going. They are the only motivation I need.

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPRESSIVE ELECTRONICS PROJECT YOU’VE EVER COMPLETED?

For me, putting up Christmas lights every year without falling off the roof is impressive.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER RELATED TO ELECTRICITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would harness the electrical current of the Earth to provide a clean and endless supply of affordable electricity.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE POWER TOOL IN YOUR WORKSHOP?

The chainsaw, hands down. There’s a certain satisfaction to bucking a fallen tree, splitting those rounds into firewood, and burning them in your fireplace.

IF YOU COULD DESIGN YOUR OWN SMART HOME, WHAT WOULD YOU INCLUDE?

My smart home would have an interior lighting system that changes colors and brightness throughout the day to mimic the circadian rhythm.

A super smart home would have a solar backup power system monitored at a circuit level.

IF YOU COULD UPGRADE ONE ELECTRONIC DEVICE YOU OWN TO BE TEN TIMES MORE POWERFUL, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?

The hot water heater. As a husband and father of three girls, I would like to have enough heat for a hot shower.

reconelectricmo.com  (314) 337-2907

Cool, timeless, funny, classic, and perfect for Dad.

Three French Hens in Wildwood has unique gifts and designs for Dad.

ARTICLE BY JULIE PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL

Looking for a unique gift for Dad? Three French Hens in Wildwood is infused with unique furniture, home décor, and delightful gifts for dad.

“I pull inspiration from many different places and periods,” says the store’s general manager and designer, Rae Sutton.

Located at 16935 Manchester Road, Three French Hens is a one-stop, full-service design business. “We help clients design custom looks for their homes, opening their eyes to new ideas throughout the process. We also work on renovation projects from interior finishes to custom furniture for new or existing spaces,” says Rae.

The store features a 12,000-square-foot showroom with 12 themed rooms, displaying a revolving mix of European antiques, reproductions, home furnishings, accessories, and memorable gift items - with particularly cool things for dad. Rae explains, “The careful blending of unique finds sets us apart.”

One “must-have” Rae likes to incorporate into interior design projects is a unique décor piece, family heirloom, antique or special artwork from travels.

“2024 preferences are transitioning from gray-colored selections to richer palettes. We bring in rich textures through accessories, such as new lamps, art, vases, rugs, and updated floral arrangements,” Rae says.

An exciting preference that Rae says is emerging is the use of more saturated tones for timeless and classic looks. Think deeper terra cotta, emerald greens, tones of black charcoal, sapphire blue, chocolate browns, and stone rather than steel.

Rae’s recommendation for freshening home interiors is to update lamps, swap out artwork, update bookshelves with greenery, or layering with baskets. “You don’t have to change core pieces of furniture every quarter if you make timeless selections,” she says.

The Three French Hens offers on-site, 1-hour consultation, measurements and photographs, and an in-depth presentation of offerings in the studio.

Consider joining Rae at the store for once monthly “Mondays and Mimosas” design workshops at 9 a.m. She covers a different topic each time.

Local shoppers might meet the Three French Hens clients who drive in from coast to coast. “We have clients nationwide who monitor our events calendar and plan their trips around a stop with us,” beams Rae.

ThreeFrenchHensWildwood.com

Smokey, Sweet, & Savory

GRILL LIKE A PRO: DALIE’S SMOKEHOUSE DELIVERS ST. LOUIS BBQ MAGIC STRAIGHT TO YOUR BACKYARD.

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DALIE’S SMOKEHOUSE

Dalie’s Smokehouse brings the best St. Louis BBQ to your backyard.

As one of three restaurants in the Pappy’s Smokehouse family, Dalie’s offers traditional Pappy’s favorites, along with specials like Brisket Chili, Creole Wednesday, Smokehouse Chicken and Dumplings, Vegan Sub, BBQ Ham ‘n Cheese, the Ultimate Reuben stacked high with two types of pastrami, and, of course, wings. Chef Craig Basler shares his world-famous recipe for Dalie’s Smoked Chicken Wings. The secret for these savory and sweet wings is Pappy’s unique blend of spices and Dalie’s Smokehouse Cranberry Cayenne seasoning - available in gift sets or as individual jars. Now you know what to get Dad for Father’s Day.

ingredients

• 10 lbs. Chicken Wings - Jumbo, disjointed

• 2 cups - Dalie’s Smokehouse Maverick Rub

• 2 c ups - Dalie’s Smokehouse Cranberry Cayenne

Seasoning

prep immediately before cooking

1. Place wings in a perforated Lexan pan. Clean and rinse under cold running water.

2. Allow the wings to drain well.

3. Place 5 lbs of wings at a time into a 12” mixing bowl and add 1 cup of Maverick Rub.

4. Toss wings to coat evenly with the rub.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining wings.

smoke the wings for 1 to 1 ½ hours

1. Starting with the top rack of the rotisserie, place seasoned wings directly on the smoker’s rotisserie rack. Do not overlap wings.

2. Set the smoker at 250 degrees and add one stick of fruit wood for smoking.

3. Set the timer for 90 minutes.

4. Using a stemmed thermometer, check for a cooked temperature of 165 degrees. Check the thickest part of the drummies and the largest wings.

5. Leave the wings on the smoker and check every 15 minutes if the wings still need to be cooked.

finish the wings

1. Place wings in a single layer on a sheet tray.

2. Crisp the wings with a roofing torch in a slow, sweeping motion.

3. Flip the wings and repeat step 2.

4. When finished, toss in Dalie’s Smokehouse Cranberry Cayenne sauce.

Dalie’s Smokehouse, located at Big Bend and Dougherty Ferry Road, has rubs, spices, and sauces to bring the best BBQ in St. Louis directly to your backyard.

www.daliessmokehouse.com

DALIE’S SMOKEHOUSE SMOKED CHICKEN WINGS

Dalie’s Smokehouse Chef Craig Basler

Embracing Life’s Canvas

“I’m in my happy place,” says Gene O’Hara, describing how he feels when painting. He also uses those words to describe living at Cape Albeon Retirement Community. After his wife of 58 years passed away, Gene wanted to find a place where he could meet people his own age and be inspired to paint. The 84-yearold mused, “I’m actually young compared to many people here.” Gene’s intricate watercolor paintings hang on the walls throughout Cape Albeon. “I’m inspired by the lakes and the beautiful trees here,” says the self-taught artist, whose work has been admired by both the St. Louis Watercolor Society and the executive team at Barnes Hospital. “There is no better place to be than watching someone smile when they see one of my paintings.”

Gene O’Hara Finds Color and Community at Cape Albeon Lakeside Retirement Living.

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS |

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

CAPE ALBEON

Gene O’Hara