January 2007

January 16, 2007

So Long to Arthur Clay's

The former Maplewood bistro has served its last meal. Food there was always outstanding, but the spot seemed plagued by service and consistency-of-schedule issues. We hear that a new plan for the restaurant, at 7266 Manchester, is underway from The Crossing's Jim Fiala, so that's all to the good.

January 12, 2007

"Stell(in)a!"

You'll be bellowing, too, but from pleasure at having discovered the most wonderful little treasure — the finally open Stellina Pasta Café, in a small storefront/dining room (reminiscent of nearby The Pitted Olive in that way) at 3342 Watson Rd. Open since Monday, Stellina had a healthy lunch crowd this rainy Friday, and our house salad (plenty big enough to share, and with beets!), the butternut squash lasagna and a rich dish of wild mushroom agnolotti in brown butter with walnuts were delish.

The pasta's housemade and organic, if you're into that, there are rotating daily specials and a constant menu of sandwiches, plus Kaldi's coffee drinks, sweets and take-home pastas and cheeses...and the space is cute as a button, with cafe tables and window seats, too.

January 03, 2007

Left Bank Competes with the Big Box

Even though you may know all the arguments for shopping local independents, sometimes the lure of the loss-leader discounted titles at the megalomart overtake you. We understand. Still, St. Louis' literary treasure Left Bank Books has inaugurated a first-ever 20% off everything sale Jan. 8-14...and that's a reason to run from the Border(s).