k l a t OF THE TOWNS by bill beggs jr.
Many of us reluctantly adhered to CDC recommendations and didn’t get together with family and friends for Thanksgiving this year. At deadline for this issue, early last week, my kids and I were still discussing whether to do something via “Hollywood Squares,” an affectionate term for getting groups together on Zoom. Anyhow, even the fifth annual Plein Air Art Festival was virtual this fall. Artists began painting outdoor U. City scenes when the weather was favorable, rather than having to set up an easel and complete a masterpiece under the gun on a specific weekend. This year, artists uploaded their works digitally. You may have seen painters at their outdoor easels around town during September in preparation
PHOTO: SUZY GORMAN
U. City
Chesterfield
Against the unfortunate trend of restaurants closing during the pandemic, it’s a pleasure to announce that a fine one just opened in a new development—a second Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Regularly voted by St. Louis diners among their favorite upscale restaurants in the metro, Ruth’s Chris has opened in the WildHorse development, an estimated $80 million multipurpose complex for which ground was broken in August. The restaurant, 16493 Wild Creek Horse Road in Chesterfield, is located just southwest of I-64. Ruth’s Chris occupies approximately 16,600 square feet of indoor space, with seating for up to 450 guests. Three outdoor dining opportunities also are available, one on the ground level and two on the roof. The restaurant boasts three bars and six private dining rooms—one has access to a private outdoor patio that seats 14 guests. Along with wine lockers, there’s a double-sided fireplace. Expected to create 125 new jobs, Ruth’s Chris will serve both lunch and dinner seven days a week. The WildHorse development is projected to include 188 one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments, 25,000 square feet of retail space, and a hotel and conference center. Housing units should be available for occupancy in early 2021, with the AC Hotel by Marriott slated to open later in the year.
The Metro
Illustrations of intubation are all over the internet. Some feature dummies, others are actual hospital photos of our heroic healthcare workers putting someone on a ventilator. The images may make some of us feel very uncomfortable. Other folks, not so much. But some of the images feature copy likely to anger anyone who believes mask mandates are an egregious insult to personal liberty, from the Missouri governor’s mansion to the maskless morons demonstrating everywhere since, like, March— even going so far as to plan abducting Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this fall and putting her on “trial.” So, the “offensive” language that gets under thin skin reads something like this: Dearest humans, You think a face mask is inconvenient. WAIT till you try a ventilator. Love, COVID-19 That might have wiped the smile off the face of the demonstrator just outside our readership area a few weeks back, holding this sign: “Hitler demanded compliance.” But after a moment, her snarky smile would have come right back, perhaps showing even more teeth. I just don’t get why “they” don’t get it—some, coronavirus patients in the ICU themselves, to the very gates of death. “Masks don’t work!” they shout, although scientific research shows that proper masks (not bandanas, not gaiters) mitigate infections anywhere they have been required. But, you know, science. And, of course, people who wear masks are nothing but “snowflakes.” All that said, we hope your Thanksgiving was ... interesting.
for a virtual exhibition Oct. 4. And we’re telling you this why? You can add to your priceless art collection with minimal investment. Remaining paintings will be available for viewing through the end of the year at ucityinbloom.org/shop-artwork. You may purchase paintings using PayPal or a credit card. Afterward you’ll receive details about picking up the work from the artist. A portion of each sale benefits U City in Bloom. In any case, don’t dawdle—your heirs could wind up with a heavily insured masterwork on the wall, a Monet above the mantel, as it were.
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DECEMBER 2, 2020
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LATE BLOOMERS BY JOHN ODELL
FOUR PARTS; YOU MUST GET THREE CORRECT TO PASS. 1. The Wainwright Building was completed in what year? 2. Who was the architect? 3. When was it saved from demolition? 4. What entity is the chief occupant?
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LAST ISSUE’S Q&A Which of the following Italian restaurants are not found on The Hill? 1. Maggiano’s 2. Rigazzi’s 3. Amighetti’s 4. Cunetto’s 5. Tony’s 6. Farotto’s 7. Favazza’s 8. Pasta House 9. A’mis Of the nine Italian restaurants listed in our last issue, only the following four are perched on The Hill: Amighetti’s, Rigazzi’s, Cunetto’s and Favazza’s. The other five all have one or more locations elsewhere in the metro.
CORRECTION: In our Nov. 18 issue, we told you that Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park in Ladue is free. Well, it isn’t! It will cost you, but not as much as the Grant’s Farm event that was detailed in our Affton item. At Winter Wonderland, drivers in passenger vehicles pay $10, buses and other multi-passenger vehicles somewhat more. The festive twinkling can also be enjoyed by horse-drawn carriage! Winter Wonderland, open 5:30–9:30 p.m. through Jan. 2, 2021, is the biggest annual fundraiser for St. Louis County Parks. Visit winterwonderlandstl.com.
