April 25, 2008
Lucky Number Seven
A new venture in downtown Belleville (that's in Illinois, kids!) brings together enough successful influences that we have to believe the whole thing's gonna blow up huge: first, a return to the foodie scene of influential chef/impresario Blake Brokaw, he of Lo, Hungry Buddha, Chocolate Bar (1.0) and Tangerine, RIP. Brokaw's crafted the menu for Seven, a new restaurant/lounge setting up shop in a rehabbed downtown building in Belleville's blossoming downtown. The spot's backers have, among them, years of experience in restaurants and clubs throughout the region. Throw in WiFi, DJs at night and a 2 a.m. close time for attracting a late-night crowd...
Reportedly, there will be a website here; find the joint at 7 South High St., (618) 277-6700; it's open in a big way starting with lunch on Monday, April 28.
April 17, 2008
Welcome to the Blogosphere!
Guess what, kids? Our favorite local foods grocery (and soon to be expanded into a café side, as well) is blogging! Local Harvest Grocery co-owner Maddie Earnest has a few entries up...new blogs sprouting for spring!
Also, check out this cool-sounding conference noted there: I hadn't heard anything else about it yet.
April 11, 2008
Health Food Downtown
In the shadow of the hulking Syndicate project (and soon to be in the shadow of Roberts Brothers Go Greenapalooza), there's a small health food market called "La Buena Salud" that's been open for a few weeks now, by my count. It's a still-growing inventory that includes: supplements/vitamins/potions galore, some of those wacky health books favored by such shops, a small selection of grocery items (including local stuff from Black Bear Bakery, Local Harvest Grocery and a few others), organic bath/body/beauty products and tea. Lots of tea. Oh, and a little bulk section, too.
All in all, an interesting addition to Locust, at 917-A. Here's hoping the market finds them.
April 10, 2008
Taste Treat of the Week: Sodalicious! It's Right There in the Name
Mmmmm. So, this divine hunk of sugary love emanates from
Veruca Bakeshop and Café, down there in Benton Park, but truth be told, I procured mine at Local Harvest Grocery, one of the outlets carrying the treats of pastry chef Mathew Rice. Sodalicous is this: a chilled, wax-paper-wrapped wedge of one of those great Southern creations, cola-infused cake (we like to think it's the Real Thing, but I can't say for sure) with a thick middle layer of cherry buttercream icing. It's moist and not overly sweet, and, well, so delicious...
March 12, 2008
18 and Counting
We've long been fans of the fresh stylings of STL expat artist Stan Chisholm; now you can sport some of his designs on your very own "18 and Counting" tee. (And, we'll note, for an expat, the boy gets home fairly often; find him next at SCOSAG's Wall Ball.)
Obligatory MySpace, for those playing along in the younger generation.
Steaks Head South?
The downtown Dierdorf & Hart's location has closed its doors, according to diners who've shown up to find a "sorry for the inconvenience" note on the door and now, the web site. The West Port location remains open. What about that downtown renaissance?
March 06, 2008
That Faint Tinkling You Hear
might just be the finger-cymbals of the last gypsy fairy leaving Soulard. A true oddity of a shop, La Belle Histoire, will close at the end of the month, leaving the city without a gypsy boutique that we know of. Until the doors shut for the last time, belly-dance costumes, handbags and almost everything else is 50% off until it's gone.
February 24, 2008
Want Justin Timberlake All Up On You?
Well, then, you're in luck: fashion-forward Daisy Clover is now carrying JT's William Rast denim line, in Stella for the ladies. Owner Natalie admits there may be some jean afterglow because so many chicks want him as their boyfriend...but it must be said the man makes a nice jean. Even smarter? The Stella cut runs a little big, so you can slip down a size. Good boy, Justin.
February 20, 2008
Taste Treat of the Week: Panarchy Cakes!
Our friends down at the Black Bear Bakery — providers of tasty breads and sweets to locations around town — have held occasional all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts to raise funds for the anarchist collective behind the ovens. Now, it seems their breakfasts will become a regular offering, kicked off last Saturday by a pancake/French toast free-for-all that left the packed storefront full and happy. (mmm, raspberry sauce...) So, every Saturday, head down to the spot at 2639 Cherokee between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., and stuff your gullet with organic coffee, delish anarchist pancakes, French toast, etc. (There are menu options, including eggs, toast, sweet pastries and granola for the non-cake-inclined.) Throw in free WiFi and it's a full day affair!
February 13, 2008
Shangri-La Moves North?
We hear tell that vegetarian haven Shangri-La Diner might be giving up its groovy Cherokee location and moving to North County; specifically, to the newest stretch of retail downstairs/residential upstairs "loft" buildings along Florissant Rd. in old-town Ferguson. Will South City hipsters follow owner Patrice Mari and her African peanut stew there? Stay tuned....