In this final episode of The Sauce, Meera Nagarajan, executive editor, discusses leaving Sauce Magazine after 16 years. She shares a few memories from her time working at the magazine and the St. Louis meals that changed her life.

You can continue to find copies of the monthly print magazine the first Wednesday of the month and daily updates on the website at SauceMagazine.com. To all listeners of The Sauce, we thank you for tuning in each week. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve you.

This week Meera and Michelle discuss a visit to CITYPARK, where the vegan kebab at Balkan Treat Box and the bacos at Saucy Porka stood out. Also in the conversation was a visit to Blues City Deli where their take on the tuna melt, the fiesty tuna sandwich, was a knockout. A recent trip to Tucker's Place solidifies that this steak house is serving up one of the most affordable steaks in town.

CITYPARK

2100 Market St., St. Louis

Balkan Treat Box

Saucy Porka

Blues City Deli

2438 McNair Ave., St. Louis, 314-773-8225

Tucker's Place

4 Hands + Peacemaker Kirkwood

150 W. Argonne Dr., Kirkwood

First Look: 4 Hands + Peacemaker Kirkwood

Rick Lewis of Grace Meat + Three cooks from the heart. This week, Meera and Michelle are joined by Rick to discuss his journey from fine-dining chef to chef and owner of his own restaurant in The Grove. His restaurant, which he co-owns with his wife Elisa Lewis, is centered around community and cultivating relationships through food. He shares his stories of launching his restaurant and in the spirit of community, also discusses some of his favorite restaurants in St. Louis. Grace Meat + Three 4270 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, Best New Restaurants: No. 3 – Grace Meat & Three Grace Meat + Three Chef Rick Lewis' 12 Favorite St. Louis Restaurants Mai Lee 8396 Musick Memorial Dr., Brentwood, 314-645-2835 Bolyard’s Meat & Provisions 2733 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood, 314-647-2567 Pint Size Bakery & Coffee 3133 Watson Rd., St. Louis, 314-645-7142 Sultan Mediterranean 4200 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314-390-2020 Review: Sultan Mediterranean Restaurant in The Grove

This week Michelle and Meera discuss the brand new Umami Seasons Hot Pot in the Delmar Loop that serves Taiwanese hot pot, which is an interactive style of Asian dining where food is cooked at the table in different types of broth. They also discuss the emerging hot pot trend in general at the recently opened Urban Kitchen in Chesterfield Valley and at Tai Ke Shabu Shabu in Olivette. Another trend in the conversation: fusion. From Indian-fusion restaurants like Taco Twist in the Central West End to Tikka Tangy and Amrut Fusion in Chesterfield to the soon-to-open Ramsay's Kitchen at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis to Oats & Honey Cafe in Creve Coeur; restaurants are blending cuisines more than ever. Finally, from the April issue, they talk about all the reasons Sauce loves Trattoria Marcella in Lindenwood Park. Umami Seasons Hot Pot 6602 Delmar Blvd, University City, 314-319-1146 First Look: Umami Seasons Hotpot in the Delmar Loop Umami Seasons Hotpot on Instagram @SauceMag Chesterfield's Urban Kitchen builds on sister restaurant Share Sweet's menu with Chinese American classics Urban Kitchen by ShareSweet 17409C Chesterfield Airport Rd., Chesterfield, 636-778-0178 Tai Ke Shabu Shabu 9626 Olive Blvd., Olivette, 314-801-8411 2021 Best New Restaurants // No. 2 Tai Ke Shabu Shabu Kain Taiyo 2700 Locust St., St. Louis, 314-396-2110 2023 Best New Restaurants // No. 8 Kain Tayo Manileño 3611 Juniata St., St. Louis, 314-296-3131 First Look: Manileño in the South Grand business district in St. Louis Pizza Via 4501 Maryland Ave., #1E, Central West End, 314-587-8000 First Look: Pizza Via in the Central West End Pizza Champ 2557 Lyle Ave., Maplewood Eat this marinara pizza at Pizza Champ​ in Maplewood Taco Twist 15 N Euclid Ave., Suite A, St. Louis, 314-635-0033 3 new Indian fusion spots to try in the St. Louis area Amrut Fusion 17392 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, 636.778.9380 Tikka Tangy 13441 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield, 314.682.6066 Ramsay’s Kitchen will soft open at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis on April 17 Trattoria Marcella 3600 Watson Rd, St. Louis, 314-532-7706 13 reasons why we love Trattoria Marcella in Lindenwood Park

This week Michelle and Meera discuss the local food options in and around Busch Stadium including Kohn's Kosher Deli, Mission Taco Joint and Farmtruk. Also in the conversation is the best things to eat at City SC's Citypark Stadium this year. Several concepts are returning from the inaugural season like Balkan Treatbox, Medina Mediterranean Grill and Bold Spoon Creamery but also newcomers like Olio and Olive + Oak are making their debut this season as they join some of the best local restaurants in town at Citypark

Kohn's Kosher Deli

Mission Taco

Farmtruk

12 Great Places to Eat Near Busch Stadium, According to Sauce

Popular St. Louis food truck Farmtruk joins Busch Stadium as newest food partner

New St. Louis Cardinals season brings fresh dining options to Ballpark Village

The Best Things to Eat at City SC’s Citypark Stadium in 2024, According to Sauce

This week Meera and Michelle talk about a recent take-out experiences at Chiang Mai in Webster Groves as well as BLK MKT Eats at their new location in Maplewood. Also in the conversation is the debut of Esca and all the dishes that were standouts from a recent night out including the limoncello tiramisu, the green salad, the roasted vegetable lasagna and the clay pot Negroni. In new restaurant news, former pop-up turned brick and mortar Taqueria Morita is set to debut and Michelle and Meera discuss a recent visit to their new space. They also talk about good news from the Union Loafers team who are gearing up to open their bagel and provisions market in Shaw this April.

Tim's Chrome Bar

4736 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, 314-742-7881

First Look: Tim’s Chrome Bar in the Bevo Mill neighborhood of south St. Louis

Chiang Mai

8158 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314-961-8889

Review: Chiang Mai in Webster Groves

2020 Best New Restaurants // No. 4 Chiang Mai

Blk MKT Eats

7356 Manchester Rd, Maplewood, MO 63143

BLK MKT Eats is now open in its new home in Maplewood

Esca

5095 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-365-2686

First Look: Esca in the Delmar Maker District in St. Louis

First Look: Taqueria Morita in the Central West End

Union Loafers team is opening a bagel and provisions market in Shaw in early April

Diego's

630 North and South Rd, St. Louis, 314-553-9906

First Look: Neon Greens in the former Rise Coffee space in the Grove

This week Michelle and Meera discuss some of their favorites at Grace Meat + Three including their specials, their kitchen sink salad and catfish nuggets. They also talk about a recent visit to Coffeestamp in South City and their lineup of empanadas stuffed with elotes or egg and prosciutto and even a caprese version with tomato and mozzarella. They also talk about two upcoming events: Food Truck Friday and Saucy Soirée. Food Truck Friday returns for its 2024 season on April 26 in Tower Grove Park and Saucy Soirée, a grand tasting party, makes its return to Union Station on June 23. They also talk about a new spot Neon Greens, which is one part salad-centric restaurant and one part hydroponic farm, and a few of their standout salads.

Grace Meat + Three

4270 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314-533-2700

Food Truck Friday returns April 26

Coffeestamp Roasters

2511 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, 314-797-8113

Saucy Soiree returns to St. Louis Union Station Sunday, June 23

Saucy Soirée presale tickets

Neon Greens

4176 Manchester Ave., The Grove

First Look: Neon Greens in the former Rise Coffee space in the Grove

5 new and forthcoming breweries in the St. Louis region

Rock & Horse Brewing Co.

419 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, 314.361.1060

Dressel’s in the Central West End is a St. Louis landmark

Blue Jay Brewing Co.

2710 Locust St., St. Louis

Mississippi Culture

201 S. Union St., Staunton, Illinois

Narrow Gauge Brewing Co.

1545 N. Hwy. 67, Florissant

Main & Mill Central

10 Main St., Festus

Cugino’s has opened a second location at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis

Pink Willow Cafe

5523 Oak St. in Cottleville

First Look: Pink Willow Cafe at Oak Street Inn & Lounge in Cottleville

Michelle and Meera discuss the rise and diversity of Filipino restaurants emerging in St. Louis, this week they highlight Manileño, which recently opened in the South Grand business district. They also discuss the debut of a food menu at Side Project Brewery in Maplewood where Adam Altnether has launched an approachable bar menu with fine touches, including an unbelievably delicious cheeseburger with caramelized onions and an apple cider-Dijon aioli. Michelle talks about her recent visit to Esca, the new concept from Ben Poremba's Benglina restaurant group in the Delmar Maker District. Esca focuses its menu on meat, seafood and vegetables grilled over charcoal, fresh salads and cold appetizers, classic cocktails, a large amaro selection and a range of indulgent desserts.

Bar Moro

7610 Wydown Blvd, Clayton

Idol Wolf

1528 Locust St, St. Louis, 314-325-0360

First Look: Idol Wolf at 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis

Manileño

3611 Juniata St, St. Louis, 314-296-3131

First Look: Manileño in the South Grand business district in St. Louis

Side Project Brewing

7458 Manchester Road, Maplewood

First Look: Side Project Brewing’s new food concept in Maplewood

First Look: Esca in the Delmar Maker District in St. Louis

Esca

5095 Delmar Blvd., 314-365-2686

Ben Poremba opens AO&Co. at Contemporary Art Museum in Grand Center

Quarrelsome Coffee

33 N Sarah St., St. Louis, 314-260-9008

This week Meera and Michelle discuss recent visits to new bars they’ve been loving. Michelle’s mission to try the entire menu at Stews Food & Liquor in Soulard continues and her love of the baby beer shots (and their evolution) at Kenny’s Upstairs on South Grand is holding strong. Meera talks about a visit to the new, beautiful Three Sixty at Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights as well as a dinner at Brasserie by Niche in the Central West End. From the March issue, which is focused on the St. Louis beer scene, they discuss a story detailing local spots where Jonathan Moxey (head brewer at Rockwell Beer Co.) loves to grab a cold one.

Kenny’s Upstairs

3131 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis

First Look: Kenny’s on South Grand in Tower Grove South

Stews Food & Liquor

1862 S. 10th St., St. Louis

First Look: Stews Food & Liquor in Soulard

Three Sixty at Westport Plaza

111 West Port Plaza Drive, Maryland Heights

First Look: Three Sixty at Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights

Brasserie By Niche

4580 Laclede Ave., St. Louis

Rockwell Beer Co. head brewer Jonathan Moxey shares 12 of his favorite St. Louis spots

Rockwell Beer Co.

Side Project

Perennial on Lockwood

216 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, 314-682-3823

Perennial Artisan Ales

8125 Michigan Ave., St. Louis

2nd Shift

1601 Sublette Ave., #2, St. Louis

Union Loafers Cafe and Bread Bakery

1629 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, 314-833-6111

Riley’s Pub

3458 Arsenal St., St. Louis, 314-664-7474

Tick Tock Tavern

3459 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis

Civil Life Brewing Co.

3714 Holt Ave., St. Louis

Blue Jay Brewing

2710 Locust St., St. Louis

First Look Blue Jay Brewing in Midtown St. Louis

First Look: Manileño in the South Grand Business District in St. Louis

This week, Meera and Michelle discuss a visit to Fourth City Barbecue, which is located inside Fortune Teller Bar on Cherokee Street. The brisket is wonderful, likely due to the 24-hour process it takes to execute but it's not all serious business; specials like their take on a McRib offers a break in the usual barbecue suspects. They also talk about a recent trip to check out the Fattened Caf inside Earthbound Beer across the street where the chicken tocino ube sliders were extraordinary with tropical pineapple flavor, a little spice and sharpness from pickled, shredded papaya. Finally in the conversation, a First Look at Bacaro, the new aperitivo bar in St. Peters and also a lineup of where to find great fat-washed cocktails in St. Louis.

Fourth City Barbecue inside Fortune Teller Bar

2635 Cherokee St, St. Louis, 314-669-6505

Damn Fine Hand Pies

Fattened Caf inside Earthbound Beer

2724 Cherokee St., St. Louis, 314-769-9576

Bacaro

5105 Westwood Drive, St. Peters

First Look: First Look: Bacaro at Noto Italian Restaurant in St. Peters

Spritz and Chips: 5 tips for making the perfect spritz

3 fat-washed cocktails from St. Louis bars to try right now

Pie Guy

4189 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314.899.0444

Rockwell Beer Company in the Grove

1320 S. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, 314.256.1657

None of the Above

3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, 314.656.6682

Layali Halab in Creve Coeur offers a taste of Mediterranean and Syrian cuisines

This week Meera and Michelle discuss the menu revamp at Benevolent King in Maplewood, which will now have more of a focus on seafood. Michelle also talks about a recent visit to the newly-opened Motor Town Pizza in Richmond Heights, which is the new concept from co-owners Simon and Angelica Lusky who also run Revel Kitchen. Also in the conversation is a list of Black-owned restaurants to check out suggested by Simone Faure, chef and co-owner of La Patisserie Chouquette in St. Louis, which was just named a semifinalist in the Outstanding Bakery category by the James Beard Foundation. Rounding out the conversation is a chat on happy hours with a list of good ones to get to right now.

Benevolent King

7628 Manchester Road, St. Louis, 314-899-0440

The Benevolent King in Maplewood is rebranding as a Japanese restaurant

Motor Town Pizza

8029 Dale Ave., Richmond Heights,

First Look: Motor Town Pizza in Brentwood

La Patisserie Chouquette's Simone Faure shares 5 of her favorite Black-owned St. Louis restaurants

Rated Test Kitchen

313 N. 11th St., St. Louis, 314-200-5866

Patty's Cheesecakes

3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, 314-541-6411

Simply Delicious

1115 Pine St, St. Louis, 314-802-7287

SweetArt Bakeshop + Cafe

2203 S 39th St, St. Louis, 314-771-4278

The Crooked Boot

2012 Campus Dr., St. Charles, 636-757-3305

8 Black-owned bars to visit in St. Louis this weekend

5 happy hours to check out in St. Louis right now

Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co.

1831 Sidney St., St. Louis, 314.772.8858

Kenny's Upstairs

3131 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis

Small Change

2800 Indiana Ave., St. Louis

The Golden Hoosier

3707 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314.354.8044

This week Michelle and Meera discuss a classic egg salad sandwich at Union Loafers in Botanical Heights and also talk about drinking out of a disco-ball-shaped-punch bowl at Hidden Gem, a new bar in Midtown St. Louis. They also talk about a recent visit to Millpond brewing in Millstadt, Illinois, where their hazy IPAs stood out amongst their delicious lineup of beers. New spots are opening and familiar favorites are expanding and reopening and they chat about the latest wave of news from Tiger Soup Dumplings opening in Des Peres, Amrut Fusion Cusine in Chesterfield and The Shaved Duck in South City. Hidden Gem 3118 Locust St., St. Louis, 314-925-8931 Union Loafers Cafe and Bread Bakery 1629 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, 314-833-6111 Millpond Brewing 308 E Washington St., Millstadt, Illinois, 618-476-9933 Tiger Soup Dumplings is opening a location in Des Peres in spring 2024 2022 Best New Restaurants // No. 8 Tiger Soup Dumplings Amrut Fusion Cuisine 17392 Chesterfield Airport Rd, Chesterfield, 636-778-9380 Fine dining Indian restaurant Amrut Fusion is now open in Chesterfield First Look: Amaizing Arepa Bar in downtown St. Louis Dressel's 419 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, 314-361-1060 Dressel’s in the Central West End is a St. Louis landmark 12 great St. Louis restaurants that are definitely open on Monday, Vol. 4 Fattened Caf

This week Michelle and Meera chat about a recent visit to Old Bakery Beer where they got to try new dishes from their menu including a pulled pork sandwich and a tofu parmesan sandwich. Also in the conversation is Daile’s Smokehouse where the barbecue is delicious but the sides here are equally as good. Also in the talk is a recent visit to Niche Food Group’s resurrected Porano, which was in the form of a pop-up at Wild Carrot as they gear up for their summer opening in Des Peres. Finally, they discuss the Saucy Soiree, Sauce’s annual grand tasting party where some of the city’s best restaurants and bars come out with creative and delicious tastings.

Old Bakery Beer

400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, Illinois, 618-463-1470

Daile’s Smokehouse

2951 Dougherty Ferry Road, St. Louis, 636-529-1898

Porano Pop-Up

Saucy Soiree, June 23 at Union Station

Jalea

323 N. Main St., St. Charles, 314-303-0144

Levels Nigerian Cuisine

1405 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314-571-9990

Planter’s House

1000 Mississippi Ave., St. Louis, 314-696-2603

Lazy Tiger

Idol Wolf

1528 Locust St., St. Louis, 314-325-0360

This week Meera and Michelle discuss a recent visit to High Low, a sunny coffee shop operated by Blueprint Coffee, where the cortados and biscuits are on point. Also in the conversation is Michelle's visit to Mississippi Bistro -- the temporary restaurant that's taken over since Cinder House closed in January -- there she tried several dishes from the menu including a fried chicken sandwich and a mesmerizing espresso panna cotta with almond macaron from assistant executive pastry chef Tiffany Gilmore. They also talk about beautiful spaces around town that are fun restaurants or bars to visit for a fancy-ish evening.

Blueprint Coffee at High Low

3301 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, 314-266-6808

Mississippi Bistro, Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

999 N. 2nd St., St. Louis, 314-881-5800

Meals that changed St. Louis pastry chef Tiffany Gilmore's life

Bonito Bar

622 North and South Rd., St. Louis, 314-727-6500

​Bonito Bar brings new life and great drinks to Frida's in University City

Bar Moro

7610 Wydown Blvd., Clayton

2022 Best New Restaurants // No. 4 Bar Moro

Tim's Chrome Bar

4736 Gravois Ave., St. Louis

First Look: Tim’s Chrome Bar in the Bevo Mill neighborhood of south St. Louis

None of the Above

3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, 314-656-6682

Idol Wolf

1528 Locust St., St. Louis, 314-325-0360

First Look: Idol Wolf at 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis

St. Louis City SC names Olive + Oak, Olio and Sunday Best among seven new restaurants coming to CityPark for 2024 MLS season

Wright's Tavern

7624 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, 314-390-1466

Noto Italian Restaurant

5105 Westwood Dr., St. Peters, 636-317-1143

This week Meera and Michelle discuss a visit to Corner 17 and dishes that really stood out, like the hot and sour potatoes. Also in the conversation are a few spots on The Hill, Adriana's where the Sunny's vegetarian sandwich is a salad in sandwich form and also John Viviano & Sons Grocers where there is a wide selection of Italian staples to stock your pantry. Also in the talk is Stews Food & Liquor in Soulard, a new spot where the Asian-inspired dishes, like their pork belly skewer, are making a splash. They also discuss a few spots in St. Louis that are devoting a section of their drink list to several versions of a single classic cocktail, allowing each iteration to be a creative homage to the original.

Corner 17

6623 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314-727-2402

We're obsessed with the fresh pulled noodles at Corner 17

Adriana's on The Hill

5101 Shaw Ave., St. Louis, 314-773-3833

Eat this veggie sandwich from Adriana’s on the Hill​

Stews Food & Liquor

1862 S. 10th St., Soulard

Stews Food & Liquor is opening Friday in Soulard

6 St. Louis bars where you can try classic cocktails multiple ways

Noto

5105 Westwood Dr., St. Peters, 636-317-1143

The Gin Room

3200 S. Grand Blvd., 314-771-3411

1220 Spirits

Salve

3200 S. Grand Blvd., 314-771-3411

Bistro La Floraison

7637 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, 314-725-8880

The Golden Hoosier

3707 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314-354-8044

This week Michelle and Meera discuss a multi-course dinner they experienced at The Preston, which is inside the Chase Park Plaza hotel in the Central West End. They also talk about recent a staff lunch to explore the new food menu that debuted at Rockwell Beer Co. near The Grove after Brasswell ceased operations. They also chat about the new Hot Pizza Cold Beer concept in the MX Building in downtown St. Louis that is set to open Feb. 2. Finally, they talk about each of the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists in and around St. Louis that were announced by the James Beard Foundation.

The Preston

212 Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314-633-7800

Rockwell Beer Co.

1320 S. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, 314-256-1657

Brasswell is leaving Rockwell Beer Co. in the Grove

Hot Pizza Cold Beer

610 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 416-823-6233

First Look: Hot Pizza Cold Beer

Taco Circus has closed

James Beard Foundation names St. Louis-area restaurateurs and chefs among 2024 semifinalists

Mainlander

8 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis

Sado

5201 Shaw Ave., St. Louis, 314-390-2883

Best New Restaurants 2023 // No. 3 Sado

Take Root Hospitality

La Patisserie Chouquette

1626 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis, 314-932-7935

Scratch Brewing

264 Thompson Rd., Ava, Illinois, 618-426-1415

Balkan Treat Box

8103 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314-733-5700

Telva at The Ridge

60 N. Gore Ave., Webster Groves, 314-395-2760

Bulrush

3307 Washington Ave, St. Louis, 314-449-1208

2019 Best New Restaurants // No. 3 Bulrush

Root Food + Wine

5525 Walnut St., Augusta, 636-544-1009

Best New Restaurants // No. 1 Root Food + Wine

This week Meera and Michelle discuss a recent dinner at Indo in Botanical Heights, the first solo venture from chef and restaurateur Nick Bognar. They also talk about a take-out lunch experience from Vegan Deli and Butcher in Bevo, where chef Chris Bertke's menu is filled with deli classics like a Reuben, a French dip and the hot salami sandwich which came with a house made and aged vegan salami served on a toasted, buttered bun. From the website they discuss two new spots in St. Louis: Blue Jay Brewing Co. and The Headless Bat as well as a feature on winter soups to try that includes a gumbo from Who Dat Southern Food Bar & Grill and Doenjang Jjigae Joo Joo Restaurant & Karaoke in Creve Coeur.

Indo

1641 D Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, St. Louis, 314-899-9333

Vegan Deli and Butcher

5003 Gravois Ave., St. Louis

Europa Market

5005 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, 314-481-9880

Marconi Deli

1913 Marconi Ave., St. Louis, 314-773-8728

First Look: Blue Jay Brewing Co. in Midtown St. Louis

Blue Jay Brewing Co.

2710 Locust St, St. Louis

First Look: The Headless Bat in Tower Grove South

The Headless Bat

3128 Morgan Ford Rd., St. Louis

5 soups from around the world to try in St. Louis this winter

Gumbo at Who Dat Southern Food Bar & Grill

4247 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314.202.8068

Doenjang Jjigae at Joo Joo Restaurant & Karaoke

12937 Olive Arcade Plaza, Creve Coeur, 314.469.1999

This week Meera and Liz discuss burgers at Jovick Brothers Deli, planning the menu for a very dairy dinner party and all the reasons to love Platypus in The Grove.

Jovick Brothers Burgers

Barely-Banana Pudding recipe

Brian Lagerstrom's Detroit Style Pizza

Brian Lagerstrom's YouTube channel

2015 Ones to Watch

First Look: Platypus

Benevolent King

Meredith Barry and La Verita Distilleria

This week, Meera and Liz discuss lunch and wine shopping at Pastaria Deli and Wine, a giant huckleberry scone at Press, Macedonian wine at Truffles and dinner at Noto Italian Restaurant. They also revisit a recent story in the magazine by chef Rob Connoley ("Gateway To the African Continent," Feb 2023) about St. Louis’ wide-ranging African restaurant scene, which includes Waaberi, House of Jollof, Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant and more. 

⁠Pastaria Deli and Wine, 7734 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.773.7755, pastariadeliwine.com⁠

⁠Press, 2509 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, 314.328.1094, press-stl.com⁠

⁠Truffles, 9202 Clayton Road, Clayton, 314.567.9100, todayattruffles.com⁠

⁠Noto Italian Restaurant, 5105 Westwood Drive, St. Peters, 636.317.1143, notopizza.com⁠

Waaberi, 3445 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314.449.1124

Chez Ali, 3700 Forest Park Ave. (inside City Foundry STL), St. Louis, cityfoundrystl.com/directory/chez-ali

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant, 3210 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis,  314.772.4442, meskeremstl.com

House of Jollof, 503 Paul Ave., Florissant, 314.384.9153, myhouseofjollof.com

Fufu 'N' Sauce, Instagram: @fufunsauce

New Society, 3194 S. Grand Blvd. (inside Grand Spirits Bottle Shop), St. Louis, Instagram: New Society

This week Meera and Michelle talk about some of their favorite dishes from the “Eat This” column that appears in the issue each month and highlights a must-try dish in St. Louis. From a decadent breakfast sandwich in Maplewood to a luxe seafood tower in Benton Park, these plates were some of the standouts of 2023. 

The Crow’s Nest

7336 Manchester Rd., Maplewood, 314-781-0989

Yellowbelly

4659 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, 314-499-1509

Peacemaker Lobster & Crab

1831 Sidney St., St. Louis, 314-772-8858

Pastaria Deli & Wine

7734-2 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314-773-7755

Mi Tierra Bonita 

3203 Collinsville Rd., Fairmont City, Illinois, 618-271-7226

More on Mi Terra Bonita

Pizza Champ

2657 Lyle Ave., Maplewood 

The King’s Oak by Modern Brewery

5200 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, 314-788-0900

Paul Manno’s Restaurant

75 Forum Shopping Center, Chesterfield, 314-878-1274

This week Meera and Michelle discussed favorites from the Biscuit Joint, a new spot from chef and owner Elliot Brown. They also talked about an amazing lunch from the recently-opened Telva at the Ridge, the new restaurant from the team that runs Balkan Treat Box. From the January issue they discuss Ones to Watch, a feature that highlights rising stars in the restaurant industry.

The Biscuit Joint

2649 Washington Ave Unit A1, St. Louis, 314-769-9434

Telva at the Ridge

60 N Gore Ave A, Webster Groves, 314-395-2760

Balkan Treat Box

8103 Big Bend Blvd, Webster Groves, 314-733-5700

Sump Coffee

3700 S Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, 917-412-5670

Paper Crane

The Vandy

1301 S Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, 314-472-5321

None of the Above

3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, 314-656-6682

Wright's Tavern

7624 Wydown Blvd, Clayton, 314-390-1466

This week Meera and Michelle discuss their favorite dishes at Tai Ke Shabu Shabu, a Taiwanese restaurant in Olivette, where they always order the stir-fried eggplants with basil. Michelle headed to Lindenwood Park to check out Bubba’s Deli. They also discuss a recent lunch at the newly-opened Jinzen, which is an Asian-fusion restaurant in Clayton. From the January issue, they discuss a feature detailing several bars — in St. Louis and in Southern Illinois — with a strong whiskey list. 

Tai Ke Shabu Shabu

9626 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, 314-801-8411

Bubba’s Deli

3249 Ivanhoe Ave, St. Louis, 314-853-3862

Jinzen

8113 Maryland Ave, Clayton, 314-354-8086

Blood & Sand

1500 St. Charles St., St. Louis, 314-241-7263

Stubborn German

119 S Main St, Waterloo, IL 62298

618-504-2444

The Midwestern Meat & Drink

900 Spruce St, St. Louis, 314-696-2573

Cabin at Judy Creek

3730 S. State Rte 157, Glen Carbon, Illinois, 618-205-8556

This week Michelle and Meera discuss Hidden Gem, the new disco-dive bar that opened up in Midtown St. Louis. They also discuss two vegan spots SweetArt in South City and the newly-opened Looking Meadow Cafe in Maplewood. They also discussed several spots they look forward to trying in the new year including Brasas in the Delmar Loop and Taqueria Morita in the Central West End and Telva at the Ridge in Webster Groves.

Hidden Gem

318 Locust St., St. Louis, 314-925-8931

First Look: Hidden Gem in Midtown St. Louis

SweetArt

2203 S. 39th St., St. Louis, 314-771-4278

Eat This: The Maine Event at SweetArt

Looking Meadow Cafe

2500 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood

First Look: Looking Meadow Cafe in Maplewood

Eat Crow

1931 S. 12th St., St. Louis, 314-934-1400

More on Eat Crow in Soulard

Andrew Cisneros will open Brasas in the Delmar Loop in spring 2024

Taqueria Morita will open permanent location in former Wasabi space in the Central West End in spring 2024

More on Neon Greens

Telva at The Ridge

60 N. Gore Ave., Webster Groves, 314-395-2760

Gerard Craft will open Expat BBQ at City Foundry STL

This week Meera and Michelle discuss revisiting some personal favorite spots like Picadilly at Manhattan where the NOLA BBQ shrimp in spiced butter and their famous chicken pot pie both fall under the "must order" category. Also in the chat is a pop-in to Mai Lee where their St. Paul sandwich ranks among the best of the best in St. Louis as well as Thai Nivas Cafe, where their pad eggplant with tofu is a light yet satisfying dish. They also talk about new spots mentioned on saucemagazine.com including Damn Fine Hand Pies, Ichiro Ramen, Bud's Pizza and Beer as well as two new concepts from Chef Ben Welch.

Piccadilly at Manhattan

7201 Piccadilly Ave., St. Louis, 314-646-0016

Mai Lee

8396 Musick Memorial Dr, Brentwood, 314-645-2835

Thai Nivas Cafe

11054 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, 314-567-8989

Damn fine hand pies

4000 Shaw Blvd.

Instagram: Damnfinehandpies

Ichiro Ramen

5638 Telegraph Road, Oakville

Ichiro Ramen now open in Oakville offering array of Asian cuisine

Chef Ben Welch is opening 2 new restaurants in the Grove later this year

Bud’s Pizza and Beer

3805 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis

First Look: Bud’s Pizza & Beer in the Northampton neighborhood of St. Louis

Andrew Cisneros will open Brasas in the Delmar Loop in spring 2024

Food Truck Friday

Saucy Soirée, June 23, at Union Station

This week Meera and Michelle discuss a trip to Annie Gunn's in Chesterfield where the prawns are as big as your hands. Also in the conversation was a visit to Sunny's Cantina in Dogtown where the craveable veggie nachos are loaded with toppings like black beans, pickled jalapenos, queso, salsa and crema. Finally, St. Louis is witnessing a wave of bar openings and they discuss the new spots from the upscale None of the Above at City Foundry to Kenny's Upstairs, which is a once-closed dive that has been revived.

Annie Gunn's

16806 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, 636-532-7684

Sunny's Cantina

6655 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314-944-8226

None of the Above

3730 Foundry Way, 314-656-6682

First Look on None of the Above

Kenny's Upstairs

3131 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis

First Look on Kenny's Upstairs

Pie Guy Pizza

4189 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314-899-0444

More on Pie Guy Pizza and the former Gezellig Tap House Bottle Shop space takeover

More on Good Company, which is slated to open in spring of 2024

Golden Gems will open Hidden Gem cocktail bar in Midtown St. Louis this fall

Bluejay Brewing

2710 Locust St., St. Louis

This week Meera and Michelle discuss some of their favorite dishes of the year in St. Louis. From boiled fish with Chinese green pepper at ChiliSpot to the iconic crab cake at Wright’s Tavern, these were some of the Sauce staff’s most beloved plates and drinks of 2023. Tim’s Chrome Bar 4736 Gravois Ave., St. Louis Fleur STL 622 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis Sado 5201 Shaw Ave., St. Louis, 314-390-2883 Bar Moro 7610 Wydown Blvd., Clayton The Lucky Accomplice 2501 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, 314-354-6100 Casa Don Alfonso 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton ChiliSpot 7930 Olive Blvd., University City, 314-925-8711 Wright’s Tavern 7624 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, 314-390-1466 Bowood By Niche 4605 Olive St., St. Louis, 314-454-6868 1929 Pizza & Wine 7 N. Wood River Ave., Wood River, Illinois, 618-216-2258 Fordo’s Killer Pizza 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis Taqueria Morita

This week, Meera and Michelle discuss Sauce Magazine's best new restaurants feature that highlights nine, new spots. The restaurants range from fine dining to casual with a variety of cuisines and cultures in between. They also talk about Sauce Magazine's return to print for the December issue and that it can be found wherever copies of the Riverfront Times are distributed.

Levels Nigerian Cuisine

1405 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314.571.9990,

Kain Tayo Filipino Cuisine

2700 Locust St., St. Louis, 314.396.2110

Deli Divine

5501 Delmar Blvd., Suite 5535D, St. Louis, 314.987.3354

Fleur STL

622 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis

Black Salt

1709 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, 636.204.6441

1929 Pizza & Wine

7 N. Wood River Ave., Wood River, Illinois, 618.216.2258

Sado

5201 Shaw Ave., St. Louis, 314.390.2883

Bagel Union

8705 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314.320.7556

Wright’s Tavern

7624 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, 314.390.1466

This week Meera and Michelle discuss a new restaurant in O'Fallon, Illinois: Le Ono. The new spot features Hawaiian and French Polynesian dishes and they went over their menu favorites from a recent visit. They also talked about the newly-renovated Annie Gunn's in Chesterfield and also their perfect apple pie. From the website, they talk about a couple new spots coming to St. Louis including Madrina in Webster Groves and the return of Barcelona Tapas Restaurant to Clayton. Finally, holiday-pop-up bars are upon us and they share a list of spots to check out, even if you don't have a reservation.

Le Ono

101 S. Cherry St., O'Fallon, Illinois, https://www.leonorestaurant.com/

More on Le Ono from saucemagazine.com

https://saucemagazine.com/a/60322/le-ono-offers-tropical-vibes-and-upscale-cuisine-in-downtown

Annie Gunn's

16806 Chesterfield Airport Rd., Chesterfield, 636-532-7684

http://www.anniegunns.com/

The return of Barcelona Tapas Restaurant

https://www.saucemagazine.com/a/60427/barcelona-tapas-restaurant-will-reopen-in-clayton-later-this

First Look: Madrina in Webster Groves

https://www.saucemagazine.com/a/60441/first-look-madrina-in-webster-groves

10 holiday and winter pop-ups around St. Louis to help you feel merry and bright

https://www.saucemagazine.com/a/60426/10-holiday-and-winter-pop-ups-around-st-louis-to-help-you-fe

11 places in St. Louis to shop for wine like a sommelier

https://www.saucemagazine.com/a/60423/11-places-in-st-louis-to-shop-for-wine-like-a-sommelier

This week Meera and Michelle discuss a recent trip to Burger Champ, the new spot in Maplewood from restaurateur Chris Kelling. They also talk about some of their favorite things to order at Olio in Botanical Heights — including their egg salad and tomato bruschetta — as well as the happy hour at Brasserie by Niche in the Central West End, which delivers on value. Since St. Louis fall nights are getting colder, they discuss a selection of warm patios with heating elements so you can get cozy. They didn't forget holidays, they talk about what restaurants that are serving Thanksgiving brunch, lunch and dinner on November 23. Burger Champ 2704 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood More on Burger Champ at Saucemagazine.com Olio 1634 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, 314-932-1088 Olio, Elaia and Nixta to relocate in 2024 Recipe: Bruschetta at Olio Brasserie by Niche 4580 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, 314-454-0600 Rockwell Beer Garden 5300 Donovan Ave., St. Louis, 314-788-4849 More on Rockwell Beer Garden at Saucemagazine.com Sasha's on Shaw 4069 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, 314-771-7274 Frisco Barroom 8110 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314-455-1090 Golden Hoosier 3707 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314-354-8044 More on Golden Hoosier at Saucemagazine.com Warm, Cozy Patios at Saucemagazine.com Recipe: Hot, Fast Turkey My Kitchen Year, By Ruth Reichl 9 St. Louis restaurants offering delightful dine-in Thanksgiving meals Cafe la Vie, Casa Don Alfonso, Cinder House, Eclipse, Bishop's Post and Pietro's

This week Michelle and Meera discuss the JC Midtown development. That development has plans to open several food and drink concepts to help bolster the stretch between Downtown and Grand Center. They chat about the three concepts that have already opened: Anita Cafe and Bar – a Lebanese spot, Kain Tayo – a Filipino restaurant and Videira Wine Shop & Bar.

More on JC Midtown

Anita Cafe and Bar

2700 Locust St., St. Louis, 314-669-7700

More on Anita Cafe

Kain Tayo

2700 Locust St., St. Louis, 314-396-2110

More on Kain Tayo

Videira Wine Shop & Bar

2702 Locust St., St. Louis, 314-377-9463

First Look: Videira Wine Shop & Bar in Midtown St. Louis

Blue Jay Brewing Co.

This week Meera and Michelle discuss a beautiful birthday dinner at Sado, the crab rangoon at Nudo House, the specials at Bagel Union and a staff brunch at Fleur STL.

Sado

5201 Shaw Ave., St. Louis, 314-390-2883

Nudo

Bagel Union

8705 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314-320-7556

Bagel Boom

Central State Sandwiches

Fleur STL

622 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis

More on Fleur STL

Meera and Michelle discuss a recent trip to Eckert's where Michelle tried their ciders at the Cider Shed and got to pet a baby cow. They also talked about Little Lager, the new lager-centric beer bar from Manny Negron that opened on Halloween. Finally, they discuss an epic Sauce staff lunch at Black Salt, a new Indian restaurant in Chesterfield.

Eckert's

Little Lager

5848 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, 314-760-9481

Black Salt

1709 Clarkson Rd., Chesterfield, 636.204.6441

Videira Wine Shop & Bar

2702 Locust St., St. Louis, 314-377-9463

Fleur STL

622 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis

More on Fleur STL

Meera, Michelle and Liz discuss their love of Sam's Steakhouse: from the unmatched vibes, to the shrimp cocktail, to their classic wedge salad. They discuss the rise of the dirty martini and how it has inspired a wave of savory cocktails around town using ingredients like tomato, miso, chicken stock or even crab butter.

Bowood by Niche

4605 Olive St., St. Louis, 314-454-6868

Sam's Steakhouse

1025 Gravois Road, St. Louis, 314-849-3033

Dirty Martinis are Having a Moment

Planter's House

1000 Mississippi Ave., St. Louis, 314-696-2609

5 Savory Cocktails Setting the Trend in St. Louis Right Now

Herbie's

8100 Maryland Ave., Clayton, 314-769-9595

Frazer's Restaurant & Lounge

1811 Pestalozzi St., St. Louis, 314.773.8646

Platypus

501 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314.448.1622

New Society

3194 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis

Brennan's

316 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, 314.497.4449

Central State Sandwiches at 2nd Shift Brewing

1601 Sublette Ave #2, St. Louis, 314-669-9013

Fattened Caf.

2724 Cherokee St, St. Louis, 636-498-4240

Meera, Michelle and Liz discuss the cover story of the October issue: Every Gramophone Sandwich, Ranked. They discuss the joy of trying every sandwich without modifications from the menu, how the sandwiches were evaluated and which sandwiches topped the list.

The Gramophone

4243 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314-531-5700

This week Michelle and Meera talk about a few spots where you can dine outside, cicada free. Also in the chat this week is a first look at Florentin, the new breakfast and lunch spot from Ben Poremba in the Delmar Maker District.

Adrianna's on The Hill

5101 Shaw Ave., St. Louis, 314-773-3833

Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton

7730 Bonhomme Ave., Clayton, 888.861.1483

Art Bar

3550 Samuel Shepard Drive, St. Louis, 314.561.0033

Moonrise

6177 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, 314.721.1111

Panorama Restaurant

Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis, 314.655.5490

Blueberry Hill

6504 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314.727.4444

Crow's Nest

7336 Manchester Road, Maplewood, 314.781.0989

First Look: Florentin in the Delmar Maker District in St. Louis

Florentine

5090 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis

This week Liz and Meera are joined by Sauce senior designer, Michelle Volansky. Together they discuss recent trips to Levels Nigerian Cuisine, Winslow’s Table and Seoul Garden. 

Levels Nigerian Cuisine

1405 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314-571-9990, levelsstl.com

Winslow’s Table

7213 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-725-7559, winslowstable.com

Seoul Garden

10441 Olive Blvd., Creve Ceour, 314-569-4123

Missouri Baking Company

2027 Edwards St., St. Louis, 314-773-6566,

El Molino del Sureste

5005-5007, S. Kingshighway Blvd., 314-925-8431

Due to a technical issue, we decided to replay our most popular episode. This week Meera and Liz discuss the local restaurants recognized in Wine Spectator’s 2023 Restaurants Awards and some recent wine adventures, including a trip to the secret wine room at Schnucks Lindbergh store. They also talk about some of their favorite menu items at Lona’s Lil Eats and delicious meats at Ehsani’s Hot Kabob.

⁠Lona’s Lil Eats⁠

⁠2199 California Ave, St. Louis, 314.925.8938, lonaslileats.com⁠

Ehsani’s Hot Kabob

4561 Gravois Ave, St. Louis, 314.328.1302

⁠Wine Spectator 2023 Restaurant Awards (Missouri winners)⁠

⁠Vin Fraiche Wine Group⁠

⁠Schnucks Lindbergh⁠

⁠10275 Clayton Road, Ladue, 314.991.0510, schnucks.com⁠

⁠Truffles⁠

⁠9202 Clayton Road, Ladue, 314.567.9100, todayattruffles.com⁠

⁠Leo’s Pub & Grill⁠

⁠2198 1st Capitol Drive, St. Charles, 636.757.3566, Facebook: Leo’s Pub & Grill⁠

⁠Great Grizzly Bear⁠

⁠1027 Geyer Ave, St. Louis, 314.256.1457, greatgrizzlystl.com⁠

Katie's Pizza and Pasta in Ballpark Village

751 Clark Ave, St. Louis, 314-942-2416

La Spinetta

Bommarito Wines & Spirits

Vin Fraîche Wine Group

Westchester Restaurant and Bar

127 Chesterfield Towne Center, Chesterfield, 636-778-0635

Perennial on Lockwood

216 W Lockwood Ave Unit B, Webster Groves, 314-682-3823

Best New Restaurants 2020: Perennial on Lockwood

Eat This: Pretzel Monkey Bread at Perennial on Lockwood

El Milagro Azteca

4940 Southwest Ave., St. Louis, 314-664-9955

The Wine Merchant

9200 Olive Blvd., Olivette, 314-863-6282

The Wine Merchant is now open in its new location in Olivette

Cos Wine

4 wines leading the Missouri wine renaissance

Noboleis Vineyards

100 Hemsath Road, Augusta, 636.482.4500,

Robller Vineyard & Winery

275 Robller Vineyard Rd, New Haven

Eagles’ Landing

This week Meera and Liz discuss the annual Food and Wine Magazine's Best New Chefs feature, which this year put Stephen Pursley of Menya Rui on their list. He joins four other local chefs that have also been awarded the same honor in years past. They talked about recent dinners from Taco Buddha and also Sunday Best, which is an evolution from the now-closed Juniper from chef and owner John Perkins, which he closed in July. Finally, they talk about essential St. Louis cocktails from three bars that have helped to elevate the local cocktail culture.

Menya Rui

3453 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, 314-601-3524

Ones to Watch: Stephen Pursley

Best New Restaurants 2022: Menya Rui

Indo

1641D Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, 314-899-9333, https://www.indo-stl.com/

Best New Restaurants 2019: Indo

Vicia

4260 Forest Park Ave. (corner of Duncan and Boyle avenues), St. Louis, 314.553.9239

Best New Restaurants 2017: Vicia

Farmhaus

3257 Ivanhoe Ave., St. Louis, 314-647-3800

Niche Food Group

Sunday Best

4101 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, 314-329-7696

Taco Buddha

7405 Pershing Ave., University City, 314-502-9951

Planter's House

1000 Mississippi Ave., St. Louis, 314-696-2603

Small Change STL

2800 Indiana Ave., St. Louis

Retreat Gastropub

3 N Sarah St., St. Louis, 314-261-4497

The Royale Food & Spirits

3132 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314-772-3600

Rated Test Kitchen

313 N. 11th St., St. Louis, 314-200-5866

This week Meera and Liz discuss recent takeout experiences from Companion and Lion's Choice. They also highlight new bars in Soulard and also on Cherokee Street that are featured in Sauce's Guide to Drinking issue.

Wright's Tavern

7624 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, 314-390-1466,

First Look: Wright's Tavern

Companion

9781 Clayton Road., Ladue, 314-218-2280,

Lion's Choice

Landmark: Lion's Choice

11 New Bars We Love

@St.Louis_Taverns

John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub & Garden is a St. Louis landmark

Molly's in Soulard

816 Geyer Ave., St. Louis, 314-241-6200

The Great Grizzly Bear

1027 Geyer Ave., St. Louis, 314-256-1457

Calypso

1026 Geyer Ave., St. Louis, 314-448-1516

Eat Crow

1931 S. 12th St., St. Louis, 314-934-1400

First Look: Eat Crow in Soulard

The Hi-Hat

1015 Russell Blvd., St. Louis, 314-802-7517

'Ssippi Wine Bar

2926 Cherokee St., St. Louis

Saturn Lounge

1915 Cherokee St., St. Louis, 314-226-9473

Moonflower

1919 Cherokee St., St. Louis,

Billy’s on Broadway

701 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314.476.0119

Bonito Bar

622 North and South Road (inside Frida’s), University City, 314.727.6500

Grüv Bistro and Wine Bar

223 E. Main St., Belleville, 618.416.2471, Facebook: Grüv Bistro & Wine Bar

New Society

3194 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis

Tim’s Chrome Bar

4736 Gravois Ave., St. Louis

The Vandy

1301 S. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, 314.472.5321

This week Meera and Liz discuss the new 4 Hands Brewing Co. in Chesterfield, Mainlander, El Molina del Sureste and a recent meal at Idol Wolf.

4 Hands Brewing Co. 17081 N. Outer Road, Suite 17073, Chesterfield First Look: 4 Hands Brewing Co. at The District in Chesterfield El Molino del Sureste 5005 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis First Look: El Molino del Sureste in Southampton Mainlander 8 S. Euclid Ave., Central West End First Look: Mainlander in the Central West End Idol Wolf 1528 Locust St., St. Louis, 314-325-0360 First Look: Idol Wolf at 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis

This week Liz and Meera discuss croissants, perfect samosas, an iconic beef shawarma, nostalgic marble cake and Portuguese egg tarts.

Nathaniel Reid Bakery

11243 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, 314-858-1019, nrbakery.com

Bar Moro

7610 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, bengelina.com/bar-moro

Yellowbelly

4659 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, 314-499-1509, yellowbellystl.com

Everest Cafe & Bar

4145 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314-531-4800, everestinthegrovestl.com

Medina Mediterranean Grill

medinagrill.com

Helfer’s Pastries & Deli Cafe

380 St. Ferdinand St., Florissant, 314-837-6050, helferspastries.com

Federhofer's Bakery

9005 Gravois Road, St. Louis, 314-832-5116, federhofersbakery.com

The Foundry Bakery

11424 Dorsett Rd, Maryland Heights, 314-884-1116, thefoundrybakery.com

This week Meera and Liz discuss the local restaurants recognized in Wine Spectator’s 2023 Restaurants Awards and some recent wine adventures, including a trip to the secret wine room at Schnucks Lindbergh store. They also talk about some of their favorite menu items at Lona’s Lil Eats and delicious meats at Ehsani’s Hot Kabob.

Lona’s Lil Eats

2199 California Ave, St. Louis, 314.925.8938, lonaslileats.com

Ehsani’s Hot Kabob

4561 Gravois Ave, St. Louis, 314.328.1302

Wine Spectator 2023 Restaurant Awards (Missouri winners)

Vin Fraiche Wine Group

Schnucks Lindbergh

10275 Clayton Road, Ladue, 314.991.0510, schnucks.com

Truffles

9202 Clayton Road, Ladue, 314.567.9100, todayattruffles.com

Leo’s Pub & Grill

2198 1st Capitol Drive, St. Charles, 636.757.3566, Facebook: Leo’s Pub & Grill

Great Grizzly Bear

1027 Geyer Ave, St. Louis, 314.256.1457, greatgrizzlystl.com

This week Meera and Liz discuss Quarrelsome Coffee’s unique coffee program, Vicia’s prix fixe Farmer’s Feast, three new West County breakfast spots, and more.

Quarrelsome Coffee

33 N. Sarah St., St. Louis, 314.260.9008, quarrelsome.coffee

Saturday Morning Carton, caitlinmetz.com/morning

Vicia

4260 Forest Park Ave. 314.553.9239, viciarestaurantcom

French Creperie

17409 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, 636.778.0188, frenchcreperie.com

Billy G’s Finer Diner

1772 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, 636.778.9120, billygsfinerdiner.com

MoMo Champagne Coffee Kitchen

9500 Manchester Rd, Rock Hill

Chilanguita Mexican Kitchen

6997 Chippewa St., St. Louis, 314.833.3055, Facebook: Chilanguita Mexican Kitchen

Idol Wolf

1528 Locust St. (insid 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis), St. Louis, 314.325.0360, idolwolfstl.com

This week Liz and Meera discuss a wedge salad with crab at Napoli Sea in St. Charles and also a Chinese hamburger from Dumplings & Tea in Chesterfield. From the July issue they discuss executive chef of Olive + Oak Jesse Mendica Risk and her go-to restaurants around town as well as a few products that they are currently obsessed with including a nonalcoholic amaro leisure soda and a green olive that's worthy of its royal title.

Napoli Sea

1450 Beale St., St. Charles, 636-800-2241

https://www.napolistl.com/

Dumplings & Tea

137 Chesterfield Towne Center, Chesterfield, 636-778-9090, dumplingstea.com

Olive + Oak

216 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, 314-736-1370, oliveandoak.oohosp.com

Perennial on Lockwood

216 W. Lockwood Ave., Unit B, Webster Groves, 314-682-3823, perennial.oohosp.com

Have a Cow

2742 Lafayette Ave., St. Louis, 314-261-0305, haveacow.farm

Olio

1634 Tower Grove Ave., 314-932-1088, bengelina.com/olio

O+O Pizza

102 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, 314-721-5422, oandopizza.oohosp.com

Biggie's Restaurant

3332 Watson Road., St. Louis, 314-781-0060, biggiesrestaurant.com

Sushi Station

29 N. Gore Ave., Webster Groves, 314.733.5511, thesushistation.com

Civil Alchemy

8154 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314-801-7577, civilalchemy.com

Wine and Cheese Place

7435 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314-447-9463, wineandcheeseplace.com

Wright's Tavern

7624 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, 314-390-1466, wrightswydown.com

This week Meera and Michelle discuss a recent trip to Madrina in Webster Groves followed by a quick jaunt to Olive + Oak for a post-dinner drink. Also in the conversation is the interesting burger menu from The Crow's Nest in Maplewood especially their green chile burger. They talk about a few new spots from the website at SauceMagazine.com including the newly opened Black Lab Coffee, Ramsay's Kitchen as well as five local dessert shops to check out right now.

Madrina

101 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, 314-963-1976

First Look: Madrina in Webster Groves

The Crow's Nest

7336 Manchester Rd., Maplewood, 314-781-0989

Black Lab Coffee now open in University City inside Washington University's Lewis Collaborative building

A Spoonful of Sugar

2800 McNair Ave., St. Louis, 314-328-1048

Cafe Ganadara

6413 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, 314-802-7044

Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Ice Cream

Multiple locations

Spoonful Desserts

12943 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, 314-485-1757; 1063 IL-157, Suite 11-12, Edwardsville, Illinois, 618-514-8020

Sylvie Dee’s

8721 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314-918-5472

Sauce 75 digital edition

Levels Nigerian Cuisine

1405 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314-571-9990

2023 Best New Restaurants // No. 9 Levels Nigerian Cuisine

Mayo Ketchup

2001 Park Ave., St. Louis, 314-696-2699

We're obsessed with the mini cheese empanadas from Mayo Ketchup

3 appetizer platters from St. Louis restaurants you need to try ASAP

Nathaniel Reid

11243 Manchester Rd., Kirkwood, 314-858-1019

Peacemaker Lobster & Crab

1831 Sidney St., St. Louis, 314-772-8858

The Ultimate Clam Chowder Recipe

This week Meera and Liz discuss Taco Circus, the seasonal pide flatbreads at Balkan Treat Box, the cocktails and dishes at Lazy Tiger and how to score a table at a popular restaurant.

Kitchen Clayton

7923 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, kitchenclaytonstl.com

Taco Circus

El Primo

Bodega

Global Pizza Villain

Balkan Treat Box

8103 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314-733-5700, balkantreatbox.com

Lazy Tiger

210 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, 3614-925-8888, lazytigerstl.com

Napoli Sea

1450 Beale St., St. Charles, 636-800-2241, napolistl.com

* Updated audio

This week Liz and Meera discuss SweetArt’s sweet and savory vegan delights, The Vine's versatile menu, Sasha’s on Shaw’s perfect patio, Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Ice Cream, new brunches in town and five bars to check out this summer.

⁠Peppe’s Apt. 2 ⁠

⁠800 S. Geyer Road, Kirkwood, 314-909-1375, peppesapt2.com⁠

 

⁠SweetArt⁠

⁠2203 S. 39th St., St. Louis, 314-771-4278, sweetartstl.com⁠

 

⁠The Vine Cafe and Market⁠

⁠3171 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314-776-0991, thevinestl.com⁠

 

⁠Sasha’s on Shaw⁠

⁠4069 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, 314-771.7274, sashaswinebar.com⁠

 

⁠Press ⁠

⁠2509 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, 314-328-1094, press-stl.com⁠

 

⁠Little Fox⁠

⁠2800 Shenandoah Ave., St. Louis, 314-553-9456, littlefoxstl.com⁠

 

⁠Bistro La Floraison⁠

⁠7637 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, 314-725-8880, bistrolafloraison.com⁠

 

⁠Rosé by Peno⁠

⁠1463 S. 18th St., St. Louis, 314-405-8500, rosestl.com⁠

 

⁠The Silver Ballroom⁠

⁠4701 Morgan Ford Road, St. Louis, 314-832-9223, thesilverballroom.com⁠

⁠The Crow’s Nest⁠

⁠7336 Manchester Road, Maplewood, 314-781-0989, crowsneststl.com⁠

 

⁠Jack Nolen’s⁠

⁠2501 S. 9th St., St. Louis, jacknolens.com⁠

 

Tick Tock Tavern

3459 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis

 

⁠The Vandy⁠

⁠1301 S. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, 314-472-5321, thevandystl.com⁠

 

⁠Truffles ⁠

⁠9202 Clayton Road, 314-567-100, todayattruffles.com

This week Liz and Meera discuss a very special sangria, a spinach pie from the Gyro Company, Knead Bakehouse and the creative dishes at Press.

Bar Moro

7610 Wydown Blvd., Clayton

Gyro Company

Knead Bakehouse

3467 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, 314-376-4361

Press

2509 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, 314-328-1094

Levels Nigerian Cuisine

1405 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314-571-9990

More on Levels

La Calle

4121 Manchester Ave., St. Louis

More on La Calle

This week Meera and Liz discuss omakase at Nobu’s, tacos and coconut shrimp at DD Mau, croffles at Cafe Ganadara, and some of their forever favorite dishes from Sauce’s “Eat This” column.

 

Nobu’s 6253 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314.449.6628

First Look: Nobu’s on the Delmar Loop in University City

 

DD Mau 20 Allen Ave, Webster Groves, 314.926.0900; 11982 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 314.942.2300

 

Cafe Ganadara 6413 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, 314.802.7044

 

Parker’s Table 7118 Oakland Ave., Richmond Heights, 314.645.2050

What I Do: Phil Billingsley, cheesemonger at Parker’s Table​

Mai Lee 8396 Musick Memorial Drive, Brentwood, 314.645.2835

Eat This: Sticky rice and mango at Mai Lee

 

Adriana’s on the Hill 5101 Shaw Ave, St. Louis, 314.773.3833

Eat this veggie sandwich from Adriana’s on the Hill​

 

Peppe’s Apt. 2, 800 S. Geyer Road, 314.909.1375

Eat This: Shrimp Scampi at Peppe's Apt. 2

 

J’s Pitaria, 91 Concord Plaza Shopping Center, St. Louis, 314.270.8005

Eat this spinach and cheese pie from J’s Pitaria​

Billy G’s Finer Diner 1772 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, 636.778.9120

 

The Preston, 212 Kingshighway Blvd,. St. Louis, 314.633.7800