[branching out]
Two beloved St. Louis restaurants are colonizing other parts of the country. SWEETIE PIE’S is opening a location in Memphis, Tenn., while PI PIZZERIA is setting up shop in Cincinnati.
[greener pastures]
J. BUCK’S in Clayton and JOE BUCK’S downtown have upgraded their menu with grass-fed beef from Rain Crow Ranch in the Missouri Ozarks and free-range chicken from Joyce Farms.
[calzones in clayton]
Downtown calzone cookery SAUCE ON THE SIDE is opening a second location at 7810 Forsyth Blvd. in June. Known for innovative ingredients, the fast-casual restaurant owned by buddies DANIEL PORZEL, BRENDAN MACIARIELLO and RYAN MANGIALARDO has developed a following among the workday lunch crowd.
[namaste!]
The spices of the subcontinent now are served at 567 Melville Ave. off the Loop, where TAJ MAHAL TRADITIONAL INDIAN CUISINE opened earlier this spring. The restaurant offers dinner, carry-out, catering and a lunch buffet.
[hops happening]
The third annual INDIHOP beer and community festival takes place 1 to 6 p.m. May 17. For $15 (in advance), participants can take shuttles between The Grove and Cherokee Street neighborhoods to sample up to 50 beers while enjoying music and street performances.
[groovy noodles]
Looking for a new late-night hangout? Every Thursday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Bobo Noodle House turns into BOBO BY NIGHT, a bar with drinks and dancing.
[goodbye & hello]
After two years, THE SHACK PUBGRUB closed at 3818 Laclede Ave. to make way for a SLU student housing development. But a new location is in the works at 13645 Big Bend Road, slated to open in mid-May. The new Shack will serve daily breakfast and lunch, and dinner Thursday through Saturday.
By Rebecca Koenig
