Foodie
FOOD + BEVERAGE
INTIMATE DINING, LODGING
MACADOODLES IS MISSOURI
PURE INGREDIENTS, INTENTIONS, FOOD
Foodie
Welcome to the season of cozy sweaters, crisp leaves and heartwarming flavors. October's Foodie edition is here to tantalize your taste buds and ignite your senses.
From the moment you take that first sip of pumpkin spice latte or savor the aroma of simmering chili, fall's culinary delights transport us to a place of comfort and nostalgia. Join us as we explore the best local restaurants and discover hid den gems that will satisfy your cravings.
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or prefer to dine out, this edition offers something for everyone. From family-friendly recipes to gourmet creations, there's a dish to suit every palate.
So, grab your favorite cookbook, gather your loved ones, and embark on a culinary adventure this fall. Let the flavors of the season warm your soul and create lasting memories.
As always, thank you for reading, and we look forward to seeing you around town!
GORDON AND KELLEY, PUBLISHERS @STCHARLESCITYLIFESTYLEMAG
October 2024
PUBLISHERS
Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com
Kelley Lamm
kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Guldalian, Robin Seaton Jefferson, Julie Brown Patton, Angela Broockerd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mike Winslow, Kaddouri Photography, Epic Photography, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Magic Eraser” Treatment
STAFF MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Cheryl is an aesthetic nurse injector and laser specialist with 13 years of experience in the industry. She is part of the creative mind behind Renu Med Spa. Cheryl began her nursing career in 2005 working in the hospital setting, then transitioned to working for a well-known board-certified facial plastic surgeon for 12 years where she learned to perfect her craft in the aesthetic industry. She also trained for two well-known laser companies teaching offices how to utilize laser technology. Cheryl prides herself on creating a personal relationship with clients, getting to know them and understand their aesthetic goals. She is continuously educating herself and immersing herself within the industry to bring you the most up-to-date treatments. Cheryl will work with your lifestyle and budget to get you the most refreshed look, and then teach and assist you in maintaining it.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support’s new comfort room for families in St. Peters. 2: Sister Cities International Festival celebrated German, Irish and French Sister Cities at family-friendly festival. 3: O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce & Industries reps celebrated Nothing Bundt Cakes Wentzville’s first business birthday. 4: Sugarfire Smokehouse announced Name, Image and Likeness/(NIL) partnership with University of Missouri quarterback Brady Cook. 5: Oak Street Inn & Lounge celebrate with a ribbon cutting in Cottleville. 6: St. Charles Riverwalk Market’s Picnic & Watermelon Eating Contest. 7: St. Charles 4th Annual Jewish Festival 2024 provided cuisine, Jewish culture, music, family fun.
CITY OF ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI
CITY OF ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI
CITY OF ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI
O’FALLON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRIES
KADDOURI
business monthly
Yuppy Puppies Forever Rescue Gala, Oct. 19, 6-10 p.m.
Join YPFR in their mission of giving rescued dogs "A Whole New World." Start off with CockTAIL hour, mingling on the veranda with some of the dogs available for adoption. Then they will move onto an open bar with sit-down dinner, silent/live auctions, raffles and dancing to live band: Steve Ewing. All proceeds go to YP4Ever 501(c)(3) Rescue. This event will be held at Whitmoor Country Club, 1100 Whitmoor Drive in Weldon Spring. Tickets: my.cheddarup. com/c/a-whole-new-world-gala-2024
Photography by Yuppy Puppies Forever Rescue
St. Charles Master Naturalist And Youth Educator Publishes New Book
Tracy Bono, a St. Charles resident, Missouri Master Naturalist, community college educator, youth Scouting executive, disability advocate, writer/ producer, published a new book titled: Riding Lessons. She summarizes the book's plot: Navigating life as a young person with autism has its challenges. When a young neurodivergent boy starts riding lessons with a kind, sensi tive horse named Hoppy, he discovers much about himself. The book is avail able via the St. Charles City-County libraries, local bookstores and Amazon.
Congrats, Captain Hall
Congratulations to Eric Hall on his recent promotion to Captain of the St. Charles Fire Department. Eric moved to B Shift stationed at Fire Station 4. The Operations Division is directed by Deputy Chief Joe Gragnani, which is composed of 91 full-time personnel organized into three platoons. This division is responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical services, and special operations activities. St. Charles Fire Department crew members respond to 11,000 calls for help each year.
Photography by St. Charles Fire Department
Mastering Arthritis Management:
Strategies for Pain Relief and Improved Mobility.
By: Dr. Beth Templin
Have you been told by your physician that your arthritis is due to years of "wear and tear"? Are you worried it’s not safe to exercise because it may make your arthritis pain worse? Do you think the only way to manage your arthritis is by taking pain pills and getting painful injections? Are you trying to delay joint replacement surgery as long as possible? If y es, you're not alone. Arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain and debility in older adults. Unfortunately, it is very common for people to feel hopeless and helpless when it comes to arthritis. Often, it stems from a belief that your arthritis pain will only get worse over time. Luckily, those beliefs tend to come from information that is outdated and incorrect!
I've put together a FREE guide explaining that even though you're living with arthritis, it does not mean that you should expect to lose your independence or live with pain for the rest of your life.
Inside this guide you'll find: T he top 6 myths of arthritis! Why we lose cartilage and what you can do to prevent it Tips on how to reduce your arthritis pain. The positive impact of exercise. AND much more!
Most people realize their arthriti s won't magically go away on its own, but they still don't take action. It might be because they don't know what steps to take to improve their arthritis pain OR they don't truly believe they can improve arthritis "at their age". Fortunately, there are several options to help manage your arthritis pain and to keep you active as you age.
I want to make this guide available to you absolutely free of charge! To claim your copy, simply call (314) 9391377 or visit our website housefitstl.com/arthritispain to download the report. If you’re ready to manage your arthritis pain and lead an active lifestyle, this guide can help you get started with confidence!
INTIMATE DINING, LODGING
Harmonic Hospitality Partners: Oak Street Inn & Lounge Plus Pink Willow Café
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE WINSLOW
"We prepare fresh foods we love and brew coffee we love for the community we love," pledges Terry and Allison Tonsing, owners of Pink Willow Café, an eatery specializing in chef-prepared foods and ethically sourced handcrafted coffee in historic Cottleville at 5523 Oak St.
Oak Street Inn & Lounge / Epic Photography
“Pink Willow Café is like stepping into the magic of our own local, happy European-style bistro.”
Terry says they partner with locally owned and operated Grillo Chop & Barrel for fine meats, as well as Messenger Coffee Co., to offer "a superior coffee program for guests."
The Café’s rotating coffee menu features seasonal java in a variety of handcrafted styles. "We always offer our signature Pink Willow Café custom roast, embodying rich flavors of cinnamon, hazelnut and vanilla," Terry explains.
With a menu curated by chef Alicia Henry, the Café is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. All-day menu items include selections such as fried egg sandwiches and breakfast burritos. Breakfastspecific options cover biscuits and gravy, omelets, hash bowls, French toast, pancakes and fresh fruit. Lunch menu items include salads, BLT, grilled cheese, chicken sandwiches and burgers.
Beverages are celebrated at Pink Willow Café, starting with espresso, cortado, cappuccino, Americano,
latte and mocha, with syrup additions. Teas include chai, matcha, black tea and premium herbal teas. Additional beverages are orange juice, milk, lemonade, Pellegrino, Fitz's rootbeer, Mexican Coca-Cola and hot cocoa. In addition to wines, choices include Bloody Marys, sangria, a screwdriver twist, beers and perhaps a caramel apple cider Mimosa flight for this fall. Irish Cream liquor can be added to any of the Café's coffee beverages as well as elevated cold brew and espresso martini.
"Diners can join our online waitlist, with the waitlist for parties of seven or less. However, the rooftop is on a first come, first served basis," shares Terry.
Instagrammable 'Love At First Sip' interior is reminiscent of a cozy retreat, adorned with hand-painted willow trees and gradients of pink with warm gold and green accents. Allison says a family friend created their 35-foot custom mural: St. Charles County resident/artist Christina Hummer with Sweet Dream
The Pink Willow Cafe Owners Terry and Allison
Tonsing / Photo by Mike Winslow
Murals, LLC. She says they worked with St. Louisbased architect firm The Lawrence Group to bring her interior design vision to life and to procure corresponding furniture.
"Willow trees are said to bring good luck, so we hope everyone who walks in is blessed with luck as well," Allison quips.
Pink Willow Café is physically connected directly to Oak Street Inn & Lounge, a boutique hotel with an upscale dining experience, rooftop lounge and speakeasy.
Chelsey and Nick Sweeten co-own the recently opened Oak Street Inn & Lounge in the building at 5521 Oak St., with Chelsey's parents, Chris and Millie Shreves. The family also owns Public School House, an event space in another historic property in Cottleville, an operation that also frequently hosts pop-up bars.
"We saw a need in the community for lodging. All private events now can take advantage of a close place to stay," explains Chelsey.
Since 1862, the historically remarkable Oak Street building played various roles, including a hotel, post office and general store. "By implementing extensive renovations, such as lifting the entire structure, installing a new foundation, expanding the size, and incorporating a third floor, we successfully revitalized Oak Street while infusing a sense of modern luxury," says Chelsey.
Chelsey says leasing space to the Café made an immediate, great fit. Together, the two business teams created and offered the first rooftop patio in Cottleville, which can hold about 50 people. Rooftop dining offers its own menu, including sushi and flatbreads.
She explains that within the building's 12,500 square feet, they have seven/eight hotel rooms, plus a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath penthouse suite on the third floor, open for bookings.
Top: Cocktail by GM, Michelle Branch
/ Photo by Mike Winslow.
Bottom: Owners Terry and Allison Tonsing
/ Photo by Mike Winslow
Pink Willow Cafe,
Photo by Allison Tonsing
“Look forward to the hidden gem of an underground, luxury and comfort-inspired speakeasy coming this winter!” quips
Chelsey Sweeten, co-owner, Oak Street Inn & Lounge.
"The restaurant on our main floor is elegant and upscale, modeled after a historic European hotel I visited last year," says Chelsey.
Oak Street Inn & Lounge is open to the public for dining and drinks Wednesdays through Saturdays. On Sundays through Tuesdays, it acts as a private event rental venue for birthdays, bridal showers, rehearsals and other special occasions. The restaurant and lounge has space for about 80 people.
Chelsey confirms their speakeasy is scheduled to open this winter in the building's basement.
"The speakeasy will be a classy spot for nightlife, featuring vinyl records, low-lit vibes, cocktails and small bites. Its capacity is 50 guests."
Terry says private events with whimsical flair can be planned at Pink Willow Cafe. "Our dining room seats 35, with an additional 16 on the front patio. And guests can plan overnight stays, happy hours and special events next door at Oak Street Inn."
“Oak Street wholeheartedly welcomes locals for dinner, cocktails or staycations, however we also want to serve as a premier destination for visiting tourists,” says Michelle Branch, general manager for the inn and lodge.
636.720.1901
OakStreetInnAndLounge.com
636.733.6896
PinkWillowCafe.com
Owners Chelsea Sweeten and Chris Schreves /
Photo by Mike Winslow
Macadoodles Is Missouri
ARTICLE BY ROBIN SEATON JEFFERSON
Former Hockey Goaltender Opens
First Location In St. Louis Area
Build out of Macadoodles in Ofallon
“Teamwork makes the dream work.” The popular hockey slogan still reigns true for retired goalie, Mike McKenna. After playing goaltender for 23 professional hockey teams, including nine NHL teams, Mike is reaching for a new dream.
He, along with fellow hockey player and Mia Rose Holdings founder Tom Kaiman and entrepreneur/restauranteur Jim Cook, is opening the St. Louis area’s first Macadoodles in Dardenne Prairie.
Since its founding in 1997 in Pineville, Missouri, the beer, wine and spirit retailer has grown to include 10 Missouri stores (Dardenne Prairie will make 11), along with stores in Springdale, Arkansas; West Siloam Oklahoma; and Omaha, Nebraska.
Macadoodles offers 2,700-plus different labels of wine from all over the world, with a wine tasting bar from open to close, seven days a week, as well as a huge selection of liquor, and some 400 different beers.
So where did the name come from? Mike says one of the founders was called “Mac.” The other was always doodling. So, Mac and Doodle became Macadoodles. The two came from Bentonville, Arkansas, “which at the time was a 'dry county,'” Mike says. “They had the foresight to open a liquor store just across the border in Missouri.”
Mike says he might miss his hockey days, but he looks forward to parlaying the same principals of hockey to the game of retail. “I miss stopping the pucks more than anything,” he says. “But a lot of things about the game transfer well. Like competitiveness. I wish I had a leader board that I could put up against every liquor store in Missouri.”
“And if you do anything at a level that I did, to be one of 60 people in the world playing goalie in the NHL, you have to be incredibly process-driven,” Mike says. “You have to be able to adapt to situations instantly.”
Mike McKenna is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender, who now is opening a Macadoodles libations retail store in Dardenne Prairie.
SSM Health Outpatient Center at the Streets of Caledonia
Bringing the care you need close to home in Western St. Charles County.
SSM Health’s state-of-the-art outpatient center at the Streets of Caledonia is opening later this year. Multiple services at one location:
• Mammography and imaging services with convenient online scheduling
• Pediatric and family medicine
• SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Specialty Services
• SSM Health’s SLUCare Physician Group
• Outpatient lab, retail pharmacy, and more
Located on Caledonia Parkway, near the Winghaven and Hwy DD exit on I-64. Visit ssmhealth.com/OfallonCare
Empowering Female Leaders
ARTICLE BY SARAH GULDALIAN
BRITNEY RUBY MILLER, PRESIDENT/ CEO OF AWARDWINNING STEAKHOUSES, KEYNOTES
CHRISTIAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S BREAKFAST
Britney Ruby Miller /
Photo by Jeff Ruby
““Christian women leading in business can create a ripple effect of positive influence not just at work, but also in our homes and communities.”
On Oct. 30, 800 female leaders from across the region will gather at The Chase Park Plaza for the 2024 Christian Business Women’s Breakfast. In its seventh year, this renowned event is sponsored by Technology Partners, produced by The Rooted Sisters, and MCed by Fox2 anchor Mandy Murphey.
As a national, faith-based nonprofit in St. Louis, The Rooted Sisters is a safe space where female leaders study the Bible, grow in their faith in Jesus, and learn to lead others to do the same. They gather for Bible studies, prayer meetings, retreats and the annual Christian Business Women’s Breakfast. This year, they'll be inspired through networking, music, and an empowering message from Britney Ruby Miller.
CONTINUED >
by
Photo
Rob Shirley
Photo by Rob Shirley
Britney is president and CEO of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment. Under her leadership, this luxury line of steakhouses has received national acclaim on the Food Network and USA Today. She is also a wife and mother.
“There is enormous pressure on women,” says Britney. “We carry the weight of tending to every need before our own. This especially holds true in business.”
She is marked for her unique style of leadership, balancing vulnerability and grit, as showcased in her book, 5-Star Life: The Faithful Fight to Overcome Obstacles and Pursue Excellence.
“I look forward to sharing how leading with transparency, vulnerability and faith is not just good for people, but good for business,” says Britney.
Register for the 2024 Christian Business Women’s Breakfast at TheRootedSisters.com
Britney Ruby Miller
Britney Ruby Miller, president and CEO of fine-dining brand Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, is speaker for the 2024 Christian Business Women’s Breakfast. Having established a culture centered around care, and known for her servant-leadership style, this year’s theme, “Take Heart, Daughter,” suits Britney well. She will encourage attendees to keep fighting for their dream by sharing her personal story of overcoming anxiety, depression and self-doubt.
Britney Ruby Miller / Photo by Jeff Ruby
Britney Ruby Miller
Photo by Jeff Ruby
PURE Ingredients, INTENTIONS, FOODS
Plant-based "candy chews" made by Lake Saint Louis-based Chef Pure Foods, LLC/Pure Plant Snacks reflect diabetic-friendly natural sugars from date syrup and allergen-free foods with tasty flavors, such as salted caramel apple, peach and pumpkin.
Chef Pure founder Kurt Stiles, an O'Fallon resident, says he experienced a life-altering stroke that left him unable to speak, necessitating a personal and professional transformation. He completed a master's degree in nutrition and dietetics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kurt innovated by creating "Pure Plant Jerky," a vegetable-based snack designed to mimic the taste and texture of meat jerky using ingredients such as kelp seaweed, sunflower flour, pea protein, zucchini and mushrooms. He then transitioned to his present raw eggplant jerky, which is sliced, marinated and dehydrated.
"We support better health through locally grown foods with high quality, plant ingredients, created through our scientifically-based, culinology method," he explains.
Since creating 100% vegan jerky, soups and fruit, he and his wife, Molly, extended the product line with natural, raw, dehydrated vegetables to save nutritional ingredients, especially for flexitarian plant-based lifestyles.
Shoppers can taste and secure Chef Pure products at regional farmers markets, select health food stores or from Kurt's website.
ChefPure.com
CHEF PURE FOODS/ PURE PLANT SNACKS OFFERS THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS:
Plant Snacks that are gluten/ allergy-free, non-chemical, vegetarian pieces Kurt calls Pure Plant Jerky
Soup/Chili Mixes, low sodium/ glycemic; for creamy vegan pot pie, classical potato, white bean veggie and creamy Italian vegan flavors.
Bacon Bits made from eggplants for salads or 10 toppings.
Chips composed of grilled zucchini slices or brussels sprouts.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Chef Pure Provides Plant-Based Foods For Healthier Lifestyles, Chronic Illnesses
SER VI NG UP S OUP
Fall’s most notable comfort meal
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
This hearty chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food that is packed with nutritious goodness. This pairs perfectly with homemade beer bread or a sourdough loaf.
INGREDIENTS:
• 8 cups chicken broth (add more if desired)
• Whole fryer chicken, cut in chunks or shredded
• 5 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 carrots, sliced
• ½ onion diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup half and half (optional)
• 1 package egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
In a large stock pot, add 8 cups of chicken broth. Dice carrots, celery and onion and add to the broth. Bring to a boil, and reduce to medium heat until the vegetables are soft. In the meantime, skin and cube 1 whole fryer chicken and add to the stock pot. Next, add egg noodles (frozen Reames homemade egg noodles are my favorite) and let boil until noodles are cooked. Add butter, half and half, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low until ready to serve.
OCTOBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 4TH
2nd Annual Pickleball Social Scramble
Vetta West | 6:00 PM
Organizers indicate this will be a thrilling evening of pickleball, food, music and fun in St. Peters. Proceeds help women in need, per All Things New STC. Since their founding in 2023, they've assisted 11 women with more than $18,000 in rent support, deposits, hotel stays, gift cards and support groups. Registration for this event is $45 per person.
OCTOBER 5TH
3rd Annual Witches In Cottleville
Historic Cottleville | 3:00 PM
Get ready to embrace the darkness at what some consider the most spell-binding costume party in St. Charles County, including eerie enchantment, shopping, dancing and spine-tingling fun. Gather girlfriends for this wickedly awesome event that runs through 10 p.m. Secure tickets at WitchesinCottleville.com; Witches in Cottleville is a female, 21-year-oldplus ticketed event; no pets allowed.
OCTOBER 5TH
Witches On Main
Main Street St. Charles | 3:00 PM
Adult witches Night out, rain or shine as a 21 and older event. Costumes encouraged. Prizes for the best witchy wear. Tickets required to participate are $50 each, and includes vendor discounts, commemorative t-shirt and swag bag, entry to door prizes and raffles, drink specials, free entry to witches after party and giveback opportunity to benefit the Historic Street.
OCTOBER 9TH
Streets of St. Charles
Free Concert
Beale Street | 6:00 PM
This 2-hour concert is free with scheduled band Superjam: Dave Farver, lead vocals, sax; George Potsos, bass, vocals; Eric Lysaght, lead guitar; James Wolfe, keys, guitar, vocals; and Joe Meyer, drums. Food and drinks will be for purchase. This band features re-creations by artists such as Boston, STYX, Journey, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Queen, Santana, Supertramp, .38 Special, Kansas, Cheap Trick.
OCTOBER 12TH - 13TH 16th Annual Ride
For Wishes
St. Charles Harley Davidson, 3808 West Clay | 10:00 AM Ride For Wishes is a 501(c)(3) whose supporters raise money for Make-AWish. Shamrocks Pub N Grill at 7337 Mexico Road in St. Peters will donate and cook the food so 100% of food sales go to Make-A-Wish. St. Charles city police officers and St. Charles city firefighters are assisting. There will be a tent/booth area for St. Charles area vendors.
OCTOBER 20TH
St. Charles Comic & Toy Show
Steel Shop Athletics & Events | 10:00 AM
To celebrate the 35th Anniversary of 1989 Batman, Carl Newman, the Movement Double for Michael Keaton in the film, will be available for once-in-a-lifetime professional photo opportunities in the iconic suit. Attendees can enjoy comics, toys, cosplay, games and art. Shop Funko pop vinyls, vintage video games, action figures, cards, original art, and comic books. It concludes at 4 p.m.
ARTICLE BY CHELSEA HAYNES
Chelsea’s Favorite Tasty Tapas
TASTY TAPAS ARE A STAPLE IN SPANISH CULTURE, CUISINE
Patatas Bravas
Patatas bravas translates to ‘spicy potatoes’ in English and is a Spanish staple in which the Spaniards fry cubed potatoes and drizzle them with bravas sauce, also known as salsa brava. Three simple ingredients: EVOO, paprika and tomato paste.
Cheese And Olives
Manchego, idiazabal, roncal and majoero, Spanish queso, always pairs well with pickled olives.
As Spain’s national dish, paella is served with seafood, squid ink, meat or veggies. This quintessential Spanish dish is known for its rich history, cultural relevance and rich flavor.
Pa amb tomàquet is the Catalan way of expressing bread with tomato, or pan tumaca in Spanish. Catalonia is the most north-eastern region in Spain, home to the coastal city of Barcelona, where bread with tomato, olive oil, garlic and salt is the perfect little plate ahead of a main course.
Prepared with Serrano ham for the additional umami flavor. Leftover chicken shreds are mixed with small pieces of ham and chilled before making them into balls. Coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried.
Pan Tumaca
Paella
