family italian revival
Michael Del Pietro, of Sugo’s Spaghetteria fame, is launching a new Italian dining project, Del Pietro’s, in the former Riverbend Restaurant space at 1059 Big Bend Blvd. A member of the well-known restaurant family that ran Del Pietro’s House of Pasta on Hampton Avenue for 35 years, he plans to revive some of those beloved family recipes at the new place. Look for an October opening.
westport on the rise
Changes are afoot at Westport Plaza, now that dynamic developer Bob O’Loughlin of LHM is involved. Kobe Steak House of Japan is prepping a completely redesigned space in the outdoor mall area where Ozzie’s was. With construction starting this month, the 214-seat restaurant is scheduled for completion later this year. There will be 19 hibachi tables and an 800-square-foot bar. Locally owned Spiegelglass Construction and Klitzing Welsch are contractor and architect, respectively.
local brats & brews
Brewhouse Historical Sports Bar at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch has launched a Summer Sausage Series featuring local meats from G&W Sausage Company (pictured at top). There’s the Urban Chestnut Zwickel, a brat cooked in the unfiltered, unpasteurized German beer and topped with pickled carrots; andouille sausage topped with relish and fried okra; and chorizo topped with avocado, heirloom tomatoes and queso fresco. Mmm.
cafe with a cause
Circle@Crown Cafe has announced recent achievements in reducing food insecurity for area elderly. Thanks to sales of its catering trays and donations from its Board of Supporters, the eatery distributed $2,000 in cafe gift cards and 303 leftover cafe items to needy seniors. Support from the outside community also helps keep menu prices low, so fixed-income elderly can afford to dine there and avoid both malnutrition and isolation. Gladys & Henry Crown Center is a nonprofit, affordable housing resource on Delmar Boulevard just east of I-170.