[business & pleasure]
Cielo, the sky-top dining retreat in The Four Seasons, has appropriated the hotel’s gift shop to create River North, a private dining and event space. Cielo’s F&B second-in-command, Jeff Hanson, describes it as a family-style conversation space with a welcoming feel. “ You won’t feel chained to a table. There are cool, in-room options like bars and countertops that encourage one to mosey around or sit back and relax.”
[east side scene]
Granite City is the site of chef Eric Brenner’s new venture, Lascelles, a cozy, edgy, bar/bistro that occupies downtown’s old National Bank building. “We saw a need for more dining options in Granite City and hope we can contribute to the downtown redevelopment,” says the Food Network chef. With a menu dubbed “new American, upscale comfort,” Brenner says he’ll offer redefined classics, like deviled eggs with maple glazed pork belly bits. Brenner is banking on winning fans from both sides of the river.
[high steaks]
Hollywood Casino’s Final Cut Steakhouse GM Jason Portman has brought chef Pierpaolo Pittia to the table. Expect Pittia’s Italian accent to spill over to the menu’s steaks and sides. Missouri-raised chef Seth Verseman has taken the helm at River City Casino’s 1904 Steak House. While Seth confirms the 45-day aged steaks and sides will remain, the menu will expand. “Look for composed plates, more diversity and a new chef’s table,” he says.
[crafty move]
Gerard Craft has unveiled plans to open Porano Pasta & Gelato, promising an affordable grab-’n’-go format in downtown’s Mercantile Exchange Building. Spring also will herald the arrival of Nourish By Hollyberry, a combo cafe-retail outlet along Manchester at Sappington Road, while nearby Winfield’s Gathering Place, which opened last month, is planning two springtime expansions: a Sunday Fried Chicken Supper and an outdoor patio.
[extra helpings]
Clayton Restaurant Week has brought a hearty helping of cash totaling 14K to Operation Food Search, thanks to the participating 19 restaurants, and diners who opted for “extra helpings”—a cash donation beyond their check. In four years, Clayton’s Restaurant Week has raised more than $47,000 to help fight hunger in the bi-state region.