clayton closure
It was a novel (and fulfilling) concept, but St. Louis Bread Co.’s Cares Community Café has closed its doors after roughly eight years of paying it forward. The cafe allowed patrons to follow a pay-what-you-can system, with many paying up to 85 percent of the menu price. The closure comes after the recent acquisition of Panera Bread by European fast food and consumer goods conglomerate JAB Holdings Co.
baking genius
If you like to make bread from scratch—of want to try—Sarah Osborn Blue has you covered. Blue, group pastry chef for NICHE FOOD GROUP (Pastaria, Sardella, Taste Bar, Brasserie and Porano Pasta), is now hosting monthly classes called ‘Baking with Chef Blue’ at 1013 McCausland Ave. The next installment Feb. 13 focuses on making sweet treats for Valentine’s Day. Tickets are available at squareup.com/store/pastaria.
artsy eating
Seoul Taco is expanding its reach again. The popular Korean-Mexican fusion, fast-casual restaurant just opened a new location in Chesterfield (hometown of owner David Choi) in the Four Seasons Shopping Center. This is the popular joint’s fifth location and the first to feature work by Chicago- and St. Louis-based artists.
spreading the love
Shack, the local breakfast and lunch chain, is busting out all over town—and points beyond. The beloved StL eatery will be opening new locations in Creve Coeur, O’Fallon, Overland Park and Kansas City this year.
open & shut
Clayton has welcome Bao, which specializes in Chinese steamed buns. It occupies the former Coastal Bistro location at 14 N. Central Ave. In other Clayton news, notable restaurant The Libertine closed at the beginning of the month.
