late-night grub
If you’re looking for after-hours eats in The Grove, Grace Meat + Three has a new option for you. It recently launched Grace Chicken + Fish, a walk-up window offering a menu of fried chicken, catfish, shrimp and tofu. After selecting a protein, customers can customize their orders with 10 different sauces and garnishes, including the signature Grace Hot Chili Blend. Currently, the window is open Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
new management
TAVco Holdings I has acquired The Wine & Cheese Place. The local wine, spirits, craft beer and gourmet food retailer first opened in 1982 and has four locations. St. Louis native Vijay Schroff, majority owner of TAVco, worked with the previous owner to ensure a smooth transition, and the stores are undergoing renovations to improve the customer experience. The Clayton location (7435 Forsyth Blvd.) recently unveiled a new event space and whiskey tasting bar, where guests can sample pours from around the world. Its name, (IN)Famous Bar, is a playful reference to the Famous-Barr department store that previously occupied the space.
meals with magic
Chef Loryn Nalic of Balkan Treat Box is planning exciting collaborations with talented local chefs. The ‘Good Magic’ Dinner Series is designed to showcase global cuisine and cooking styles. It launched in September with guest Nate Hereford, former executive chef of Niche. Additional dinners in the series will be announced via social media.
a brand-new joint
A local fave is continuing to expand! Mission Taco Joint will bring its West Coast-style street food to Kirkwood early next year. The restaurant will take over the former Kirkwood Station Brewing Company at 105 E. Jefferson St. to open the chain’s largest location. Along with the main dining and bar operation, it will include a tortilla production line, private event space and an arcade featuring vintage games, pinball and skee-ball. The arcade also will have a separate bar and quick-service kitchen for grab-and-go service.
opens & closes
Fans of French patisserie will want to head to Webster Groves. The national chain Le Macaron is opening its first Missouri location at 111 W. Lockwood Ave. … After spending four years serving up her take on Caribbean cuisine at pop-ups and catered events, Mandy Estrella, aka Plantain Girl, has opened her first solo restaurant, Banana Ketchup. Named after the popular Puerto Rican condiment, it’s located in Lafayette Square at 2001 Park Ave. … Steve’s Hot Dogs has closed up shop on The Hill. If you’re in the mood for creatively topped dogs, the Tower Grove East location (3457 Magnolia Ave.) now has expanded hours, including lunch and Sunday service.