QUICKBITES

by stephanie wallace

A Super Partnership

Fans of the animated series Voltron, Defender of the Universe won’t want to miss 4 Hands Brewing Company’s new series of beers. “When we were presented with the opportunity to work with the Voltron team, 10-year-old Kevin got very excited!” says 4 Hands founder Kevin Lemp. “In order to maximize the reach of this project, we’ll spend two years working with brewery friends from across the country in the hopes that these beers and the story will allow our fans to reminisce on simpler times, being young and not having a care in the world.” The first to be released is Volume One, a hazy IPA brewed with Narrow Gauge Brewing Company in Florissant.

National Spotlight

Treasure Hunt

Treasure Aisles Antique Mall in Maplewood has expanded into a second location next door. Called Treasure Aisles II, the new space has expanded the store’s footprint from 13,000 to 26,000 square feet. The additional space will allow the antique mall to welcome another 75 unique vendors, which were selected from a list of 350 candidates. Treasure Aisles was originally opened in 1997 by owner Chuck Campbell.

Brett Hull’s Junction House in Wentzville recently welcomed a filming crew for America’s Best Restaurants, a show that travels the country highlighting locally owned independent restaurants. Along with featuring some signature menu items, the program will showcase the role Brett Hull’s Junction House has played in the community through fundraising events for local nonprofits. The episode is scheduled to air in late fall. For more information, visit americasbestrestaurants.com.

Taste Of Clayton

Don’t miss Clayton Restaurant Week! July 17 through 23, you can sample a special three-course menu from some of the area's fine dining and semi-casual establishments with pricing options at $25, $50 and $75 per person. The participating restaurants are 801 Chophouse, 801 Fish, Avenue, The BAO, Café la Vie, Cantina Laredo, Crushed Red, Herbie’s, Il Palato, Ivy, J.P. Fields Pub and Restaurant, Oceano Bistro, Pastaria, Peel Wood Fired Pizza and Seven. For more information, visit dineclaytonmo.com.

Welcome Back

After almost two years, Barcelona Tapas Restaurant will return to Clayton later this summer. The Spanish tapas bar will take over 7810 Forsyth Blvd., the former home of Mayana Mexican Kitchen. Barcelona Tapas Restaurant’s original location closed in September 2021 to make way for the construction of the Bemiston Place development. … Following a three-year break caused by the pandemic and then a renovation, Dressel’s has reopened in the Central West End at 419 N. Euclid Ave.

OPENS CLOSES &

The Gianino family of restaurants is expanding. Bill G’s Finer Diner is open in Chesterfield at 1772 Clarkson Road. Along with Italian pastas and entrees, the diner offers all-day breakfast and lunch menus. … Vegan diners will want to head to Tower Grove South where Red Bird Vegan is serving up plant-based breakfast sandwiches, burgers, chicken sandwiches, milkshakes and more at 3117 S. Grand Blvd. … Need a caffeine boost?

Quarrelsome Coffee is open in the Central West End at 33 N. Sarah St. … Lousies on the Loop in University has closed. The restaurant, which focused on loose meat sandwiches, opened in October of 2022.