[tasteful art]
The Missouri River and regional foods inspired the creation of a second landscape mural, Magnificent Missouri, by Bryan Haynes for Gerard Craft’s Niche in Clayton. The artist paired the essence of Craft’s cuisine with the river’s lush countryside. According to Craft, the mural contributes to the environment he wishes to build at the restaurant through its food, decor and service.
[sensory feast]
Mike Randolph’s Publico (6679 Delmar Blvd.) is racking up raves for its innovative Latin menu and interior design, which patrons simply describe as, “Wow!” Kudos to SPACE Architecture + Design, which transformed the former hair salon into a chic, urban culinary outpost, complete with an open wood-burning hearth and creative kitchen.
Missouri distillers struck gold at the American Craft Spirits Association Awards. Bringing home top honors are Still 630 for its RallyPoint Maple Sunset Whiskey and Wood Hat Spirits, whose Blue Corn Whiskey took gold, along with a ‘best in category’ win for corn spirits. Whiskey fans also will want to look for Blood Oath Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-edition, custom-blended bourbon created by locally owned Luxco’s John Rempe that premiered nationally and is featured at Gamlin Whiskey House. Six Row Brewing Company’s new spring releases include Fraise Cassee (translation: broken strawberry), a new brew courtesy of recipe developers Abbey Spencer and Kathy DeLassus. Spencer and DeLassus are co-founders of The OG: The St . Louis Women’s Craft Beer Collective, a nonprofit that provides unique educational opportunities for women interested in learning about craft beer and home brewing.
[cherokee newbies]
Chaparritos (2812 Cherokee St.) is now open, featuring a solid menu based on traditional family recipes from first-time restaurant owner Rafael Marcelino. Two blocks away, Thomas Eversmann and Jason Paul have opened The Little Dipper (2619-1/2 Cherokee St.). Considering its six-seat dining room, take-out rules at The Little Dipper, whose signature sammies are built exclusively using locally baked breads.