chili props
Executive chef Dale Beauchamp of Half & Half took first prize at the recent Schlafly Chill Cook-Off at Schlafly Bottleworks. Beauchamp’s Smoked Pork Chili included green chiles and crowder peas, along with smoked pork braised in Schlafly’s Noble Lager. Also in there: roasted poblanos, jalapenos, 
culinary kiss
The first Rock & Brews in Missouri recently opened at 17258 Chesterfield Airport Road. KISS front men Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have partnered with hospitality experts to create 20 of the bar/music venues. The 300-seat spot, built by local company Spiegelglass Construction, offers American comfort food, two bars and a Great Wall of Rock.
now open …
A few long-awaited spots have opened at last: Mona’s, the new incarnation of Brendan Marsden’s Modesto, has launched with pizzas and pastas; Nixta, the latest offering from Ben Poremba, is dishing out creative Mexican fare; and Gerard Craft’s Sardella has given his followers another Italian-inspired gem.
Local steakhouses got high marks on OpenTable’s 100 Best Steakhouses in America list for 2016. Based on the combined opinions of more than 5 million restaurant reviews for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the following chophouses got two thumbs up: Ruth’s Chris Steak House, J Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood, and 801 Chophouse.
gone, but not forgotten
Among recent closings: Fleur De Lilies, the Soulard spot with a great patio and Creole-Korean food; and Nathalie’s, an upscale spot on Lindell Boulevard opened in a grand home that was once a funeral parlor.