filet for lunch?
Ruth’s Chris in Clayton will be open for lunch on weekdays the two weeks prior to Christmas, Dec. 12 through 23. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on those days, diners can look forward to dishes like Short Ribs with Pappardelle Alfredo and the restaurant’s delectable Mixed Grill (4-oz. filet, crab cake and stuffed chicken), prepared by recently promoted executive chef Josh Holifield. Expect lunch-size portions and prices. GM Jeff Daniels points out, too, that lunchtime is ideal for the office holiday party.
complex mex
Local restaurateur Ben Poremba (Elaia, Olio, Parigi) has launched a whole new concept in the space where he shuttered Old Standard Fried Chicken (1621 Tower Grove Ave.). A Mexican spot, Nixta, is his new project, where he promises to capture the complexities of Mexican cuisine in a blend of street food and hom
e cooking. Also in the works, but for 2017: an innovative Jewish deli, AO &CO, with a focus on house-made dishes.
a new hops era
Happy fifth anniversary to Kraftig Brewing Co., William (Billy) K. Busch’s foray into his own beer company. The all-natural lager has expanded into many Midwestern and Texas markets. Billy represents the fifth generation of Buschs in the brewing business, starting with patriarch and Anheuser-Busch founder August A. Busch Sr.
savory sundays
Ever wanted to take cooking classes from a real Italian chef? Now is your chance, since chef Gian Nicola Colucci, executive chef at Cielo, the restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, is now offering 2 1/2 hour classes (paired with wine and cocktails!) from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
first-place pastry
Buzzfeed digital media has named Piccione Pastry as the place for sweets in Missouri in a recent article, ‘Desserts to Try in Each of the 50 States.’ The cute spot at Skinker and Delmar boulevards specializes in Italian goodies, coffees and gelato.
