hot stuff | The team behind Tai Ke in University City is cooking up something new. It plans to open a second restaurant called Tai Ke Shabu Shabu at 9626 Olive Blvd., a space previously occupied by LuLu Asian Kitchen. Shabu shabu refers to a popular type of Japanese hot pot, and diners will be given ingredients and soup to heat on small countertop stoves. The restaurant also will feature dishes from the original Tai Ke’s Taiwanese menu.
new digs
Kingside Diner in the Central West End will open in a new location early next year. The restaurant will take over the former Gamlin Whiskey House at 236 N. Euclid Ave. The move was partially necessitated by the expansion of the St. Louis Chess Club, and the new spot will offer more space. The location will include a patio and an After Dark concept similar to its counterpart in Clayton.
stl perks
A classic St. Louis brand is back in business at Laclede’s Landing. Old Judge Coffee was founded in 1858. At its height, the company churned out more than 3 million pounds of coffee a year, before falling out of production in the 1990s. As part of his revitalization of Laclede’s Landing, David Messner has brought the brand back (along with its iconic mascot, the Wide Awake Owl). You can find Old Judge coffee, tea and hot chocolate at oldjudgecoffee.com.
feeding good
Chef Katie Collier of Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Osteria now has a creation on the kids menu at Lion’s Choice, the Turkey Dipper. Earlier this year, she won over a panel of kid judges at a competition with the turkey and Provel cheese flatbread served with marinara sauce for dipping. A portion of each sale of the sandwich will go to Operation Food Search. The Turkey Dipper will be available through the end of November.
opens & closes
After opening as a pop-up this summer, Pastaria Deli & Wine now is a full restaurant at the former Sardella location (7734 Forsyth Blvd.). The spot offers sandwiches, wine, and provisions like take-and-bake pizzas, lasagnas and pasta. … If you’re looking for a sweet treat, head to Old Town Florissant. Made. by Lia is serving up baked goodies at 610 Rue St. Francois. … University City has a new Mexican spot from the owners of Frida’s. Diego’s is open at 622 North and South Road, the former home of Momo’s Greek Tavern. … The curtain has closed on The Monocle at 4510 Manchester Road. The speakeasy and entertainment venue opened in The Grove in 2015.