[new picks]
The James Beard Foundation announced its coveted 2015 restaurant and chef semifinalists. On this year’s honor roll are Glenn Bardgett (Annie Gunn’s Smokehouse) for Outstanding Wine Program, along with perennial Best Chef Midwest nominees Gerard Craft (Niche), Kevin Nashan (Sidney Street Café and Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co.), Kevin Willmann (Farmhaus), and Ben Poremba (Elaia, Olio and Old Standard Fried Chicken). Edwardsville’s Cleveland-Heath co-owner Ed Heath is a contender in the Best Chef Great Lakes category.
[transitioning]
Steve Becker Fine Dining has left The Coronado Ballroom to focus on its Nadoz Bakery establishments. Taking its place as The Coronado’s exclusive caterer is Butler’s Pantry. The change coincides with The Coronado’s upcoming $300,000 renovation to its ballroom and grand lobby.
[resurrections]
Frontenac’s The Pig (aka The Salted Pig) has shuttered, however, its space won’t be empty long. Negotiations are underway to bring The Shack (owned by the og hospitality group of The Tavern and Cucina Pazzo fame) to the vintage locale …
Bootleggin’ BBQ, the pop-up catering wonder that pitched KC-style BBQ at the Pour House on Washington Ave. during the last baseball post-season, will become the Pour’s permanent food provider …
And while Clayton’s House of Wong has moved to smaller quarters at 19 N. Bemiston Ave., its former 46 Central Ave. spot will retain an Asian identity when Jason Jan opens his inspired noodle eatery there, Nami Ramen.
[last call]
Time is running out to satisfy mac and cheese cravings at Cheese-ology, which is slated to close March 7. Owner Bill Courtney cites higher cheese costs among the key culprits to the restaurant’s demise. Fans of Clayton’s favorite soda shop are mourning the impending loss of Jennifer’s Pharmacy & Soda Shoppe at 30 N. Central Ave. March 14 is the last day to order up phosphates, egg creams or egg salad on white.
[fresh spin]
The Fresh Market has opened at 11557 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur. It’s the first Missouri venture for the North Carolina company, which promises a shopping environment that appeals to all the senses.