[all aboard]
Railroading foodies and Polar Express fans can expect more than hot chocolate and killer chocolate chip cookies when they ride the holiday-themed train Nov. 22 through Dec. 28. Union Station Doubletree by Hilton’s executive chef Russell Cunningham has planned holiday-themed treats for its passengers, along with optional Saturday and Sunday Polar Express character breakfasts.
[stocking the cupboard]
Larder & Cupboard still has a bit of work to finish before it opens later this month in the former T. Rohan Design space along Maplewood’s downtown strip on Manchester. The latest addition to Kakao creator Brian Pelletier’s culinary crown, the shop will stock its shelves with good food and unique delicacies from small producers, such as Salume Beddu. “Our focus is on small producers and the things you can’t find other places,” Pelletier says.
[ports of call]
To shop and cook locally takes on new meaning when three St. Louis chefs board Oceania Cruises’ 2015 Cruising with the Chefs series, which travels to destinations all over the world. Lou Rook of Annie Gunn’s, Josh Galliano of The Libertine, and Gian Niccola Colucci of Cielo have signed on to teach farm-to-table classes in each ship’s interactive Bon Appetit Culinary Center. The dishes will feature foods picked up during shore excursions to local markets and wineries.
[beyond brown bag]
Clayton can forget the brown bag and consider lunch in a white box, part of the newly expanded catering options offered at Whitebox Eatery. Recently opened in August, the company has expanded and fine-tuned its catering to specialize in small meetings, events and corporate functions. “Most menu items are available in one form or the other on the catering side,” says owner Brendan Marsden.
[rocking the menu]
Rock ‘n’ roll might be ageless, but menus definitely aren’t. That’s why after 35 years, Hard Rock Cafe chefs have freshened up their menus, emphasizing house-made, all-American favorites. Besides three new dressed-up burgers, debut items rocking the menu include Cedar-wrapped Grilled Norwegian Salmon, Twisted Mac, Chicken & Cheese, and the Twist & Shout, a bacon-garnished Guinness, rum, chocolate and caramel milkshake.