perfect pairing
Piccione Pastry in the Loop is adding something cool and sweet to its menu: Clementine’s Creamery gelato and sorbet. Richard Nix Jr., Piccione owner, says it’s a natural fit, since both are local, hand-crafted and high quality. Plus, Tamara Keefe of Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery promises some “innovative flavor ideas” for the Loop bakery.
h
alf + half = two
Favorite Clayton breakfast/lunch spot Half & Half is opening a second location, this one in downtown Webster Groves. Redoing the space at 220 W. Lockwood Ave., co-owners Mike and Liz Randolph will reprise much of the Clayton menu, but offer weekend brunch specials unique to Webster. The coffee program, a big part of Half & Half, will feature Blueprint Coffee roasts. Look for a summer opening.
pay it forward
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta in Rock Hill has an impressive charitable program that has raised more than $100,000 for local nonprofits since it started in 2014. Called Giveback Tuesday, the most recent event on Jan. 24 benefitted Ready Readers. Next up: Haven of Grace on Feb. 28. All proceeds from the day go to the charity. Btw, have you heard where Katie’s second location will open? 14173 Clayton Road in Town & Country.
more ‘cue in the lou
The popular Salt + Smoke in the U. City Loop is opening spot No. 2 in the old Mathew’s Kitchen on Hampton Avenue. Owner Tom Schmidt promises all the favorites will be served, along with a few new additions. And pitmaster Haley Riley will be involved, too, although it’s not clear whether he’ll be outside manning the big black smoker himself. The new spot will be completely gutted and redone before opening for dining and parties.
pizza on grand
Pizza lover Scott Sandler is bringing pizza to South Grand in a new spot, Pizza Head, slated for 3196 S. Grand Blvd. this spring. The owner of Pizzeoli in Soulard, Sandler says the new place will offer no meat toppings as well. Reputedly, Sandler became enamored with those thin, bubbly Neopolitan crusts after a trip to Italy, and that is what gave rise to Pizzeoli. The new spot will feature a different type of pie, New York-style.
