eau, look!
The Chase Park Plaza recently unveiled its new Chase Club, in the hotel lobby space formerly occupied by Eau Bar. Opening to the lovely pool and terrace, the reconfigured area offers outdoor fireplace seating, big-screen TVs, casual dining and 18 beers on tap (plus a range of cocktails). The ambience, created by TUL Designs of Atlanta, recalls the iconic Chase Club of the past, where the biggest entertainers performed in St. Louis, including Tommy Dorsey, Liberace and Frank Sinatra!
opened at last
A few long-awaited spots, like the bulbs of spring, have popped up at last. Vicia at Cortex has been serving dishes from its acclaimed chef, Michael Gallina (formerly of James Beard-winner Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York), since late March. Look for dishes like Beet Tartare with Goose Egg and Celery Root Carbonara. The opening of Polite Society in Lafayette Square (1923 Park Ave.) occurred after an even longer wait. Located in the former Ricardo’s spot (a 26-year business), this place caters to all diets and offers an extensive cocktail, wine and beer program. It’s a joint project between Jonathan Schoen of the former Savor and Brian Schmitz of The Grind. The menu is nice, with offerings like Chicken Croquette and Coriander Duck Breast. Also ready and waiting to serve: Sophie’s Artist Lounge & Cocktail Club in the .ZACK arts venue in Grand Center. More gathering spot than eatery, it’s open Wednesday through Saturday and serves cocktails, a plethora of beers and light snacks.
pastry party
Happy birthday to Piccione, which turned 4 this month. The U. City Loop spot at the corner of Skinker and Delmar boulevards celebrated with special treats, discounts and a drawing last week, and with an all-you-can-eat cannoli contest. The bakery features Italian desserts, coffees and gelato.
coming soon …
If you’ve ever tasted Private Kitchen’s pork soup dumplings, you’ll be lining up for this opening: Chef Lawrence Chen (who runs the delicious, reserve-your-meal-in-advance eatery with wife Emily) is opening St . Louis Soup Dumplings at 8110 Olive Blvd. next door. You’ll be hooked after one slurp. Also much anticipated is an upcoming pizza joint from golden boy Dave Bailey called Hugo’s, at 3135 Olive St. Both expect to open before/during summer.
