james beard news | Several local chefs, restaurants and restaurateurs are among the semifinalists for the James Beard Foundation’s prestigious annual Restaurant and Chef Awards. Mainlander in the Central West End and Sado on The Hill are nominated in the Best New Restaurant category. Michael and Tara Gallina and Aaron Martinez of Take Root Hospitality appear in the Outstanding Restaurateur category—their second consecutive nomination. Other repeat nominees include La Patisserie Chouquette for Outstanding Bakery, Scratch Brewing as Outstanding Bar, and Rob Connoley of Bulrush and Loryn Nalic of Balkan Treat Box and Telva at the Ridge for Best Chef, Midwest. The latter two are joined in the category by Philip Day of Root Food + Wine. Shortlists for the final round will be announced on April 3. Good luck to all of the StL nominees!
major recognition
If you’re craving a croissant, make sure you head over to Nathaniel Reid Bakery. Yelp named its version of French pastry the second best in the U.S. and Canada. Menya Rui also got a shoutout from the review website. It ranked No. 2 on its list of Places to Eat in 2024. … Anthonino’s Taverna on The Hill received top honors from the Missouri Restaurant Association. Its owners, siblings Anthony and Rosario Scarato, were named 2023 Restaurateurs of the Year. Anthonino’s Taverna opened in 2003 and serves a blend of Italian and Greek cuisine.
a new brew
Schlafly Beer has a new non-alcoholic option! Pale Ale NA uses similar flavor profiles and ingredients as the brewery’s flagship beer. “Pale Ale was the beer that started it all for us back in 1991, so it only made sense to offer a non-alcoholic option for a brew that’s familiar and still resonates with our core consumers today,” says CEO David Schlafly. Pale Ale NA includes ingredients like London yeast and English hops, and the Schlafly team uses special brewing techniques to avoid the flavor loss that comes with dealcoholizing beer.
opens + closes
Fans of Balkan Treat Box won’t want to miss Telva at The Ridge. The new cafe and coffee shop from the team behind the popular restaurant is now open at Rolling Ridge Nursery, 60 N. Gore Ave. … Jinzen Fusion Cuisine is serving a collaboration of dishes from China, Korea and Japan at 8113 Maryland Ave. in Clayton … Soulard is now home to Stews Food and Liquor at 1862 S. 10th St. Created by veterans of Cinder House and Nolen’s, the new restaurant focuses on Asian-inspired dishes. … The much beloved burger joint Layla has closed in Webster Groves. This follows the closing of the restaurant’s Grove location in 2022. … After 32 years, Weber’s Front Row has announced it will soon be closing in Webster Groves. The restaurant’s Affton and Arnold locations will remain open. … Cyclists and coffee aficionados alike will miss Curse Bikes & Coffee. The much-loved U. City spot closed its doors at the beginning of the month. … After pioneering Nashville-style hot chicken in the StL, Southern has stopped service, following eight years in Midtown.