a healthy nation
Fred & Ricky’s wants to make the world a healthier place through easy access to good food. The husband-wife duo behind the no-oil, plant- based prepared food business now has added online ordering and nationwide delivery to its list of offerings. All ready-to-eat foods are made entirely from plants with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. the health-conscious meals are available in various locations throughout St. Louis, including Schnucks and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

new kids on the block
Love bubbles? Then head to Extra Brut, the city’s first champagne-only lounge. From the masterminds of Louie’s Wine Dive, the speakeasy-style spot that just opened on Bemiston Avenue in Clayton focuses exclusively on champagne. The menu? Oysters and small plates. … After years of chatter, Nudo House is finally here! The ramen and pho shop opened by Mai Lee owners Qui Tran and Marie-Anne Velasco is at 11423 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur. … The formerly named Driftwood Eatery & Cocktail in Springfield, Illinois, is on the move to the STL. Chef-owner Ryan Lewis, a native of Bethalto, Illinois, has rebranded his eatery as Pig & Pickle, which is set to open this Fall at 5511 Pershing Ave. Lewis uses local products to add flair to familiar menu items.

winning wine
Chaumette Vineyards & Winery  was voted one of the 10 Best Winery Restaurants in the U.S. by USA Today. Tt snagged seventh place, with six in the group hailing from the West Coast. Way to go!

a decade of hope
Poptions! is celebrating 10 years! Wwners Andrew and Marilyn Freundlich opened in the Village at Schneithorst’s over Labor Day weekend in 2007 with a mission: to make their store the premier place in town to ‘pop’ in for tasty kernels. Now, customers across the country are enjoying the snack. A special anniversary tin with three unique flavors is available in store or online.

line leaders
Gamlin Whiskey House welcomes executive chef Carl Hazel, who brings almost 20 years of experience to the gig, including time at several popular local restaurants. … The Chase Park Plaza has two new culinary leaders: Matthew White has been named director of food and beverage, and Gunter Weber is the new executive chef. Classically trained in French cooking, Weber attended culinary school in Switzerland and traveled the globe honing his skills.