mixing it up in maplewood
While The Wood has closed, a new gastropub is rising at the same location, 2733 Sutton Blvd. The Muddled Pig is the brainstorm of co-chefs Austin Hamblin and Michelle Allender. Missouri pork, and other proteins, will be locally sourced, as will many of the offerings. And look for craft brews, too. The Muddled Pig is set to open right around press time.
changes at the chase
Communal dining, shared plates and modern American cuisine is how the new restaurant in the Chase Park Plaza Hotel describes itself. Opened Feb. 1, it is named The Preston in honor of the hotel’s famed architect, Preston J. Bradshaw. The contemporary new spot replaces Eau Bistro on the hotel’s ground level and promises accessible price points in a chic setting. Executive chef Kyle Lipetsky helms a team that includes Bryan Byard, David Laufer and Collin Smelser.
new gnocchi program
The Dark Room, a wine bar and photo gallery in Grand Center, now features a weekly gnocchi using local ingredients and hand-rolled and -cut dough dumplings mixed with a featured ingredient, like sweet potatoes, spinach or roasted red peppers among others. The Italian treats come topped with various butters, sauces and creams, as well as seasonal veggies, artisan cheeses and local greens. Chef Samantha Pretto, formerly of Scottish Arms, is the
mastermind behind the gourmet gnocchi.
comings & goings
Midtown is welcoming Pappo’s Pizzeria and Pub House, which set up in the old Falstaff plant, most recently home to Six Row Brewing Co. Brewmaster Evan Hiatt will head the in-house beer program. This is Pappo’s first St. Louis location, but its third overall, after it was started in Springfield by owner Chris ‘Pappo’ Galloway. Look for stone-hearth-baked pizzas like the tempting Apple Bourbon Pulled Pork … Boundary is the name of the newly re-concepted restaurant on The Cheshire’s main floor. Chef Rex Hale promises comfort food made for sharing in a rustic, elegantly casual space with expansive bar area … McArthur’s Bakery Cafe is opening in the U. City Loop, at 6630 Delmar Blvd. In addition to traditional bakery products and a soup, salad, sandwich cafe, there will be a demonstration bakery where customers can watch bakers decorate pastries and cakes … Mike Shannon’s Steakhouse downtown has closed after 30 years in business, but his Edwardsville and Lambert Airport spots remain open … Coastal Bistro, too, has thrown in the towel after about five years in Clayton.
Nami Ramen has opened at last, and we ducked in to try it out. Loved the steamed buns, soft and chewy, filled with pulled pork or fried chicken.
—Dorothy Weiner
Pictured: The Preston team
