St. Louis Food and Drink News

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Too Much Halloween Candy?

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In years past, my kids have returned from trick-or-treating with enough candy to last for weeks.

If your kids get too much candy this Halloween, give some of it to the USO, via Noodles and Company.

On Saturday and Sunday, November 1 and 2, St. Louis area Noodles and Company locations will trade a small noodle bowl for a donation of wrapped candy. This deal is just for kids, age 12 and under, accompanied by an adult. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes if they wish.

All candy donated will be passed along to the USO and distributed to U.S. military personnel. Suggested donation is a small bowl size of wrapped candy.

Noodles and Company has 6 STL stores: Hampton Village, The Loop, South County, Creve Coeur, Des Peres and Chesterfield.

(photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfanaian/6167937426, http://photopin.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nuggets! (Random Notes of Interest)

Eyeball Laumeier

Sauce magazine’s Harvest Festival is set for Sunday, October 19, at Laumeier Park in Sunset Hills (near I-44 and I-270). Food and beer from great restaurants and breweries, plus live music and art. Admission is $10.

Click HERE to go to the Harvest Festival Website. Click HERE to see my pics from last year’s Festival. (The eyeball above is one of the art items at Laumeier!)

 

Carney pic

John Carney’s annual “Taste of Restaurant Tuesday” Halloween Spooktacular happens Friday night, October 24, at Hotel Lumiere. 15 restaurants will provide food and the bar will be open for 4 hours. Good times!

Click HERE for ticket information and a full list of restaurants. That’s John in the middle above.

 

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There’s a new sushi joint that recently opened in midtown St. Louis called BaiKu Sushi Lounge, located in the Hotel Ignacio, at 3407 Olive.

The restaurant will feature “an extensive sushi menu with specialty nigiri, fresh fish being flown in fresh from Hawaii, as well as a healthy selection of engaging appetizers. Lunch will feature a noodle shop concept with ramen noodles made by Midwest Pasta especially for Baiku.”

Baiku is Japanese for motorcycle, which is appropriate since it is located near the Triumph Grill and the Moto Museum. Click HERE to visit the BaiKu website.

 

Pastry book

Nick Malgieri will be back in St. Louis for an event at Cravings on Big Bend in Webster Groves on Tuesday, December 9, promoting his latest book Nick Malgieri’s Pastry. Call Cravings for info on Nick’s visit at 314-961-3534.

I interviewed Nick in 2012 when his Nick Malgieri’s Bread book was new. Click HERE to listen to that interview. (Click HERE to go to Nick Malgieri’s website.)

 

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Ballpark Village will host the 1st annual Brew Fest by Budweiser on Saturday, November 8, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Samples of various Anheuser-Busch beers will be available, along with samples from seven local home brew clubs. There will be live music and Clydesdale photo ops.

Jeffco Home Brew

Tickets for the beer sampling are $35. In addition, a special VIP package is available for $75 that includes a four-course lunch with special beer pairings led by an Anheuser-Busch Brew Master, a souvenir glass and rare beer samples! For complete event information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.

 

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On Sunday, November 9, McCormick and Schmick at West County Mall in Des Peres will offer a free meal (complimentary lunch or dinner entrée) to all U.S. Veterans, in honor of Veterans Day on November 11. (They ask that you bring along some credentials to verify your service.) Click HERE for the McCormick and Schmick website, where you can make reservations.

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BBQ Weekend!

Two big barbecue events on the agenda this weekend!

On Saturday, October 11, at Firemen’s Park in Maryville, Illinois, the Grillin’ Fools present their Backyard BBQ Bash. The park is located on Illinois route 159, about a mile north of I-55/70.

The Backyard Bash is a competition that features local amateur teams offering up their best. This family friendly event will feature music from a DJ starting at 10:00 a.m. with live bands playing from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

I will be one of the judges for the event. Below is the event poster.

5th annual backyard (2).jpg

Then on Sunday, October 12, the St. Louis Occasional Barbecue Society (aka the SLOBS) will hold a charity BBQ competition, Victory in the Valley, at PM BBQ, 161 Long Road, in Chesterfield. See map.

PM BBQ sky view

The event runs 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For a $25 charitable contribution, guests can sample ribs from all competing teams. Proceeds will be split evenly between Circle of Concern food pantry and Lift For Life Gym. Rib sampling begins at noon.

Along with SLOBS ribs and other food from PM BBQ, iTap Chesterfield, located next door to PM, will present a Homebrew competition beginning at noon. (PM will have popular beer brands and other food and beverages available at 11:00 a.m.)

Area restaurants with teams participating include Iron Barley, BBQ ASAP, Keeton’s Double Play, Colorado Bob’s, Kilderkin’s, Highway 61 Roadhouse, Dylan’s Sports Bar, PM BBQ, among others.

PM

The Brewbadours will provide live music during the event. Come hungry and thirsty!

 

 

 

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Jack Daniels Whiskey Taster Lynne Tolley in STL

Lynne Tolley in STL

Lynne Tolley is in St. Louis this week to teach cooking classes at several Dierbergs School of Cooking locations. She comes from Lynchburg, Tennessee, where she works for Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey.

Lynne is a charming Southern lady with a beautiful accent. I think you’ll enjoy hearing her talk!

I visited with Lynne Wednesday morning (October 1). We talked about cooking with Jack—I mentioned pecan pie—but I began our chat by asking what it says on her business card. (Segment 1 runs 5:10)

 

I asked Lynne about Miss Mary Bobo’s, the restaurant in Lynchburg that my parents visited several years ago. (Segment 2 runs 3:29)

 

I asked her to mention a few of the items she would be cooking at Dierbergs. I also asked about a special treat for cold weather months called Winter Jack. (Segment 3 runs 4:28)

 

For more information about Jack Daniels Distillery and its products click HERE.

For info on Dierbergs School of Cooking, click HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nuggets!

The in-box is FULL of nuggets! Here are a few…

Angie Ortmann, AKA @STLWineGirl has launched Cork Dorks with Forks. Click HERE to go to the CDWF website and see what all she and Matthew Dulle are up to.Angie

Fleming’s on Lindbergh has a neat September deal. A Filet and Lobster combo for 44.95. That comes with soup or salad and a scallop appetizer. Available through September 30.

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The Cochon 555 BBQ event at the Four Seasons happens Sunday, September 14, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Competitors are Gian Nicola Colucci of Cielo Restaurant & Bar, Jenny Cleveland and Eric Heath of Cleveland-Heath, Patrick Connolly of Basso, Josh Galliano of The Libertine, and Lou Rook of Annie Gunns. Tickets start at $100. Get info by clicking HERE.

Cochon

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport hosts the 4th annual Art of Travel event on Wednesday, October 2, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Cost is $75. Chefs from HMSHost (vendor for several Lambert food venues) will fly in for the event. The theme of this year’s Art of Travel celebration is ‘40s-style film-noir and will include a drink menu of ‘40s-themed signature cocktails to complement gourmet plates. For info, click HERE. Benefits Lambert Art and Culture Program.

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The Smokehouse Market and Annie Gunn’s are hosting a wine dinner on Tuesday, September 9, 6:30 p.m., featuring wines from Gundlach Bundschu of Sonoma. Cost is $150. Info: 636-532-7684.

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Kathleen Flinn has authored a new book Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good, a memoir with recipes. She’s a native of the Midwest, now living in Seattle.

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St. Louis chefs Lou Rook, Josh Galliano and Gian Nicola Colucci are scheduled to host Cruising with the Chefs cruises in 2015-16. For info, click HERE. That’s Josh, pictured below.

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KTRS radio (550-AM) host John Carney is featuring Ferguson restaurants throughout September on his weekly Restaurant Tuesday segment which airs each Tuesday between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

John Carney

F & D Prime Culinary Tours is offering several tasting sessions during September at Comet Coffee on Oakland Avenue across Highway 40 from Forest Park. For info on the seasonal fruit and coffee tastings, click HERE.

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The Grillin’ Fools 4th annual Backyard Barbecue Bash Amateur Competition is set for Saturday, October 11, in Maryville, Illinois. Registration fee is $110/team. For info, click HERE.

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St. Louis Wing Company Wins Big at WING DING!

Wing Ding sign

Here are the results from Thursday night’s UCP Heartland Wing Ding at Queeny Park. These results were determined by event judges in blind taste tests.

Traditional (sauced):

1st place—St. Louis Wing Company

2nd place—Fallon’s

3rd place—Joe Buck’s

Specialty Wings:

1st place—St. Louis Wing Company

2nd place—Sugarfire Smoke House

3rd place—Joe Buck’s

Dry rubbed:

1st place—St. Louis Wing Company

2nd place—Amerisports at Ameristar Casino

3rd place—Beerhouse at River City Casino

Overall judges’ favorite:

St. Louis Wing Company

Hottest Wings:

St. Louis Wing Company

People’s choice winner:

Hotshots

Pretty much a dominating sweep by St. Louis Wing Company!

FYI, St. Louis Wing Company is located at 9816 Manchester in Rock Hill, MO. Click HERE to visit their website.

As you can see from the photo below, turnout for this year’s Wing Ding was the best yet.

WD crowd 2014

One of the prettiest wing presentations was this one from Amerisports at Ameristar Casino.

Amerisports

There were many strong entries in the Wing Ding competition. Congrats to all the teams who competed and shared your wings with attendees.

 

 

 

 

 

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WING DING 2014—Thursday Night!

Eat wings, drink beer, support a worthy cause—all for just 20 bucks!

The 2014 UCP Heartland Wing Ding is set for Thursday, August 21, 6:00 p.m., in the Greensfelder Building at Queeny Park. (The event is inside and air-conditioned.)

Joe Buck Wings

Your $20 advance ticket allows you to sample chicken wings from over 20 area restaurants. It also includes 2 drink tickets. Purchase advance tickets HERE, before 2:00 p.m. on 8/20 and pick them up at the event.

You may also purchase advance VIP tickets for $45. (Tickets will also be available at the door for $25 and $50.)

An important thing to know is these restaurants are bringing their best. This is a competition!

WD crowd

Participating restaurants include Sugarfire Smokehouse, The Salted Pig, Bogart’s, Twin Oak Pizza and BBQ, Fallon’s, J. Greene’s, Joe Buck’s, Gator’s South, Highway 61 Roadhouse, Hotshot’s, Milagro, Gobble Stop and many more.

I am flattered to have been asked to judge again this year, along with a stunning list of local media personalities. Categories are Best Traditional Wing (sauced), Best Specialty Wing (sauced), Best Dry Rubbed Wing (unsauced), Judges’ Overall Favorite and Hottest Wing. (I excused myself from the Hottest Wing category.)

 

WD judge

The United Cerebral Palsy Heartland team puts on a great event with lots of food and drink for a modest admission fee. Bring a bunch of friends and family and enjoy these great wings!

BTW, this is a family-friendly event. Bring everybody.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ivy In Charge
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Ivy In Charge

Veteran St. Louis chef Ivy Magruder has taken control of the kitchen at Panorama, the restaurant that opened last summer in the St. Louis Art Museum.

Panorama pic

A new summer menu has just been announced which includes, among other items:

Fresh Summer Pea Soup
pistachio gremolata, crème fraîche, shoots

Summer Kale Salad
avocado, strawberries, toasted almonds and
lemon-chia seed vinaigrette

Pan Seared Golden Scallops
creamy-pea-basil risotto, sherry gastrique

Basque Chicken
summer bell peppers, artichoke hearts, fresh basil,
tomatoes, grilled crusty French bread

Grilled Beef Tenderloin
onion ring, Foyot sauce, summer-tomatoes,
spinach, roasted fingerling potato

Ivy on TV

Panorama is also kicking off a monthly dinner series on Wednesday, August 27. For each dinner Panorama will partner with a local winery or brewery. The first event will feature a prix fixe menu of items paired with Schlafly beers. Cost is $75 (which includes tax and gratuity). Call 314-655-5490 for reservations.

Panorama is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and for dinner on Fridays, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday brunch is offered 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Click HERE to go to Panorama’s website.

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Saucy Soiree 2014

Sunday’s annual Sauce magazine Saucy Soiree was held this year at Union Station. The new venue provided more breathing room and more natural light.

Soiree crowd

Among the many food and drink offerings, my favorite was the pork belly from Cleveland-Heath (with watermelon, jalapeño and mint leaf), shown below.

Pork Belly

The Seoul Taco crew served a spicy pork taco.

Taco

Strange Donuts had chocolate cake donuts with chocolate icing and strawberries.

Strange donut

And The Sweet Divine brought these nicely-decorated cupcakes.

Sweet Divine cupcakes

The food and drink were pretty darn fantastic, but it was also fun to see old friends and acquaintances and have a moment (sometimes fleeting) to say hello and chat.

Among those folks were Joy Grdnic (pictured below with an Urban Chestnut friend), Cory King, Paul and Wendy Hamilton, Karen Klaus, Tony DaGuida, Tim Eby, Marianne and Jim Moore (pictured below with Mike Emerson), Kevin Willman, Arlene Brown, Marc Del Pietro, Brian Doherty, Catherine Klene, Allyson Mace and Mike Craig.

Joy with UC guyJim, Marianne, Mike

Thanks to all who put the event together. Good times!

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QuikTrip Intros QT Kitchens in St. Louis

QuikTrip gas stations have always had good grab-and-go sandwiches and beverages. Now they are officially rolling out their QT Kitchens with fresh made-to-order food and specialty drinks in several St. Louis locations.

Kitchens signage

The QT Kitchens offer fresh-made food from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The newest of the 31 QT’s in St. Louis with QT Kitchens is the one at 9404 Page Avenue in Overland, QuikTrip’s 700th store, which opens tomorrow (Thursday, June 26).

Kitchen crew at counter

Opening day festivities begin with a ribbon cutting at 7:00 a.m. Special appearances Thursday include a Budweiser Clydesdale from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Fredbird from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Rams cheerleaders from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

On Thursday evening (June 26) from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m, ALL metro St. Louis QuikTrip locations will offer one free Big Q drink to customers who stop in.

QT Touch Screen

The QT Kitchens feature touch screens which allow you to order breakfast sandwiches, kolaches, flatbreads, personal pizzas, pretzels, specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, frozen lemonade and other frozen treats (including milk shakes). When you finish ordering, take your printed ticket to the main counter to pay while your food is being prepared for pickup.

Bacon egg cheeseKolache

I attended a preview event this morning and sampled the Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwich and the Sausage Kolache (whose bread wrapping has a slight sweetness). Both were good, as was the Chicken, Bacon and Ranch Flatbread. (I also enjoyed my large Mocha coffee drink.)

QT pizza

The Personal Pizza choices include Pepperoni, Cheese, Supreme or Build-Your-Own. They’re right at 8 inches in diameter.

QT Pretzel

Along with the classic Soft Pretzel, QT Kitchens have a Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel (with sugary icing) and a Parmesan Pretzel.

Lady orderingIt’s good to see a place where you stop in mainly for gas, snacks, soda and beer step up their game to provide something above and beyond the norm. QT will be retrofitting more of their St. Louis locations between now and year’s end to include QT Kitchens.

(I know a few people who might like to see some locations keep their QT Kitchens open later on Friday and Saturday nights.)

The newest St. Louis area QuikTrip—a bigger “generation 3” QT store—is located one-half mile west of the Inner Belt (I-170) on the southwest corner of Page and Woodson.