cheers!
A round of congratulations is in order for Taste by Niche. The Central West End watering hole was included in The Daily Meal website’s roundup of the 150 best bars in the country for 2019. Taste was spotlighted for its steampunk-meets-speakeasy aesthetic and creative cocktails like the Bitter Old Broad and Thots and Prayers.
fresh takes
Looking to unwind after work? Juniper at 4101 Laclede Ave. is extending its happy hour. From 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, enjoy drink specials and small plates like Fried Chicken Sliders and Andouille Corndogs. … Three Sixty may draw you in with its stunning views, but you’ll want to stay for the new menu. The rooftop bar located atop the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark is offering its take on favorites like burgers and fish tacos. … Schlafly Beer is getting a makeover! The brewery will roll out new packaging for its core styles and seasonal offerings throughout the year.
a quarter century
Happy anniversary to Crazy Bowls & Wraps! The locally based chain is celebrating 25 years in business. With 16 locations in the St. Louis area, CBW focuses on offering a convenient way to enjoy fresh, nutritious food.
Fans of The Big Lebowski, rejoice! Saint Louis Crafted Cocktails is launching with a White Russian Wheat Ale. The new liquor brand focuses on bringing the flavors of iconic cocktails to bottled malt beverages. With inspirations like the Paloma and Old Fashioned, there are plans to launch five brews in the region throughout 2019.
culinary kudos
Major congrats are in order! A number of St. Louis chefs and one restaurant were named semifinalists for this year’s prestigious James Beard Awards. Four chefs are representing the StL in the Best Chef Midwest category: Michael Gallina of Vicia, Lona Luo of Lona’s LiL Eats, Jesse Mendica of Olive + Oak and Ny Vongsaly of Billie | Jean. In national categories, Nick Bognar of Nippon Tei made the cut for Rising Star Chef of the Year, as did Nathaniel Reid of Nathaniel Reid Bakery for Outstanding Baker. Planter’s House, operated by Ted and Jamie Kilgore and Ted Charak, is a semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program. The list of finalists will be announced March 27, so stay tuned!
opens & closes
In January, Kemoll’s closed the doors at its location in the Metropolitan Square Building, where it served diners for 30 years. Its 92-year legacy continues, however, with Kemoll’s Chop House, now open in Westport Plaza. … Bring on the bubbles! POP, the latest venture from the Baileys’ Restaurants family, has replaced L’Acadiene at 1915 Park Ave. in Lafayette Square. … Hook, line and sinker—seafood spot Bait is now open in the Central West End at 4239 Lindell Blvd. … Das Bevo has closed its restaurant at 4749 Gravois Ave. to focus more on events. … In not-so-sweet news, Handcrafted by Bissinger’s has closed at 32 Maryland Ave. It opened in 2017 when the chocolatier reconcepted its CWE retail location into a cafe. … After debuting last year, Chinese-American eatery Good Fortune has stopped service. Co-owner Corey Smale cites personal reasons as the motivation behind the closure of the Botanical Heights restaurant.