treats while you shop
Build-A-Bear Workshop is expanding its focus from bears to baking—still incorporating its infamous make-your-own concept, of course. Build-A-Bear Bakeshop has opened at West County Center, and kiddos (and their parents!) can stop in to decorate treats like cookies, cake pops, cupcakes and more from local bakery Sarah’s Cake Shop. Or, customers can choose something ready to devour … perfect timing for holiday shoppers who need a little pick-me-up. And to take care of the treat you love to eat before you bake, Dough Co. also has opened at the shopping center in the food court. The shop sells raw cookie dough that is safe to eat—order it in a cup or cone, or get a pint to take home and bake.

back in town
Gerard Craft is bringing a native back home. He’s hired Kelly Nyikes to lead the beverage program at Sardella. Nyikes comes from Chicago’s Avec, a small plates restaurant. His plans for the cocktail list include approachable wines, craft brews and lower ABV cocktails to complement the menu.

big winner
Vernon’s BBQ owner and pitmaster Matt Stiffelman and team brought home major kudos from the 2017 KCBS Dallas Kosher BBQ Championships, where they competed against some of the best in the field from across the country. The meat masters placed in every category they entered, including a first-place win for turkey. Good cookin’!

round three
The Gamlin Restaurant Group is at it again with the recent opening of 1764 Public House in the Central West End, its third restaurant. The spot offers favorites of the Gateway City infused with New Orleans flavors; think Crawfish Toasted Ravioli, Tableside Gumbo and Joe’s Beechwood Smoked Pork Steak. Ryan Cooper is executive chef, and Sean Tobin serves as general manager.

what’s new
Wasabi Sushi Bar has opened another location, this one in downtown Kirkwood at the former 5 Star Burgers spot at 312 S. Kirkwood Road. … Guerrilla Street Food has announced plans to open a new location at 6120 Delmar Blvd. this winter, which will take the former food truck-only operation to four locations since its beginnings in 2016. … After the first of the year, popular Indian eatery India Palace is moving from its 11th-floor hotel locale to a much easier venue on Dorsett Ave., near I-270. … Walnut Grill opened its third location in Sunset Hills in October; the other two are in Ellisville and O’Fallon, Missouri.