checking in| Michelin-starred restaurateur Mario Iaccarino is bringing his first U.S. restaurant project to The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis this fall. Casa Don Alfonso will offer Mediterreanean cuisine that captures the essence of the Sorrento Coast in a relaxed, approachable setting. … In more hotel news, Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton has announced its restaurant concept, Café la Vie. St. Louis native Michael Frank will serve as executive chef, and the menu will focus on European classics mixed with local flavors.
a helping hand
Scott and Sheila Rinaberger, the owners of McArthur’s Bakery, are opening a new concept with a mission for good. The Pioneer Bakery Cafe will offer training in front-of-house and back-of-house skills for adults with intellectual disabilities.
a saucey success
Cathy Jenkins of Cathy’s Kitchen in Ferguson now is selling two of her most popular sauces at five Schnucks locations. She has plans to potentially expand both the products offered and the number of stores where they’re sold. Jenkins also was invited to submit two recipes for the Missouri Governor’s Mansion 150th anniversary cookbook, A Spoonful of History.
on demand
The team behind Polite Society and The Bellwether (plus, an upcoming concept for City Foundry STL) are taking on another project. Brian Schmitz and Jonathan Schoen have launched Sub Division Sandwich Co., a delivery-only operation in Lafayette Square. The menu features salads and 12 sandwiches with names inspired by the silver screen like The Dude Abides and My Precious.
opens & closes
A Soulard Farmers Market favorite now has a brick-and-mortar location. Coffeestamp Microroasters & Coffee Bar is open at 2511 S. Jefferson Ave. … Aubergine Cafe is open at 550 N. Seventh St. Formally known as Kiin Essentially Thai, the restaurant offers regional Thai cuisine adapted for North American palates … Juanita’s Creole Soul Cafe is open inside the Urban Eats commissary at 3301 Meramec St. … Popular Tower Grove South restaurant and bar Three Monkeys has closed. Its last day of service at 3153 Morganford Road was in August. … After two years at 7293 Olive Blvd. in University City, Mike’s Hot Dogs, Soups and Sandwiches has shut its doors for good. … After stopping service on March 17 due to the pandemic, Paul Mineo’s Trattoria has permanently closed. The restaurant had been serving upscale Italian cuisine at 333 W. Port Plaza Drive in Maryland Heights for 13 years.