[new hill hangout]
After two months of red tape and government hoops, Rich LoRusso has opened Leonardo’s Kitchen and Wine Bar at 2130 Macklind Ave. “It’s in an old gas station, so it’s not fancy,” says the veteran restaurateur. The new place offers counter service with a full kitchen that does sandwiches and “hand-tossed pizza that’s fast, so you can get in and go,” says LoRusso, whose company T-shirt proclaims, ‘Italian Beef Rules.’
[go fish]
The Drury Inn Brentwood has provided a new fishing hole for St. Louis seafood fans. Bonefish Grill, located on Drury’s parking lot at the corner of Brentwood Boulevard and Eager Road, has opened. A Florida franchise owned by Bloomin’ Brands, BoneFish Grill has invested $1.6 million in its sleek new St. Louis building. “Fresh, fire-grilled seasonal seafood is what sets us apart from others,” says Brian Willett, managing partner.
[still in the game]
Anniversaries are special, especially for restaurants and bars that survive the business landscape littered with fickle diners, changing food trends and recessions. Hats off and cheers to Sportsman’s Park celebrating the big 4-0, and to The Art of Entertaining, now numbering 20 years in the biz. Kudos, also, to Sub Zero Vodka Bar on its 10th anniversary in the CWE.
[meal for moolah]
Joe Buck’s executive chef Jack MacMurray has cooked up a way to help St. Louis Moolah Shriners enhance their fundraising efforts by offering a custom Winter Beer Dinner Nov. 6 at the Moolah Shrine Center. The five-course dinner, paired with five local beers, marks the first foodie event Moolah Shriners has sponsored.
[anytime noshes]
Those hankering for sustenance in The Loop past regular kitchen hours won’t have to look far for a meal now that The Peacock Diner opened for business two weeks ago. Operating 24-7, 365 days a year, Joe Edwards’ retro spot offers an eclectic menu, from waffles and chili to burgers and egg drop soup. Don’t miss the quirky retro delicacies, like the 50-cent Olive Cracker—squeezed cheese and an olive on a Triscuit cracker.