The Friday Edit
A weekly rundown of the people, places and things I've been loving recently.
This week was about classics old and new, and I was frequently reminded of how seamlessly the two categories fit together all over the city. Here are the people, places and food that kept me going this week, plus some bonus fish friday content and a few things you’ll want to do this weekend.
The best weekday lunch at Box Hill Grocer
Spend any time at Box Hill Grocer and you’ll wonder why you’re not going there every day. The Wydown provisions shop is packed with specialty items, curated wine and spirits, fresh fruit and pastries, grab-and go-meals, gorgeous cuts of meat, tinned fish and so, so much more. Despite the store’s petite footprint, you’ll want to plan multiple trips to take a good look at everything on the shelves. The most efficient way to do that, of course, is by ordering lunch: the staff will get to work preparing your order, which gives you a valuable few minutes of time to wander. My pick: The broccolini sandwich, an beautifully grilled concoction with savory, nutty broccolini, oodles of cheese and just enough heat to break up the richness of it all. Also notable: the giant bean salad from the counter and the slice of carrot cake with perhaps the most perfect swoosh of frosting I’ve seen.
The never-ending menu of wonderful things at Chilispot
Chilispot is never a bad idea, ever, and that’s as much to do with the experience as it is the food itself. The restaurant fills up the minute they open, which gives it a nice bustle without feeling overwhelming. The staff is on you the second you sit down; if you know what you want, they’re ready. If not, they’ll give you time, but not too much, so take friends and get busy deciding what you want. Sharing is a must here: there’s just no better way to do it, and you’ll want the variety of texture and flavor to make the most of your visit. On our last visit, we ordered Mapo tofu, honey walnut shrimp, dry pot fish and the Sichuan style short ribs, but this is a drop in the bucket from what you can choose from. Everything is good: take your pick. Maybe order a vegetable like we clearly forgot to last time.
An evening at Robin Restaurant
I’ve had the pleasure of spending a good amount of time with the team at Robin Restaurant in recent weeks, and every time I visit, I’m reminded of how special the space feels. There’s some new dishes on the menu, so it’s time to plan your next visit — or your first, if you’ve never been. If your reservation search comes up empty (seating is limited, so it can be tricky), take your chances walking in earlier in the week. Pro tip: the bar area is walk-in only, and the full menu is available. Not sure what to order? The venison tartare is a delight, as are the roast carrots, perched like flame over spiced sour cream, fermented honey and delicate tarragon leaves. The rabbit & dumplings is a sleeper here, and maybe one of my favorite dishes right now. Don’t miss pastry chef Summer Wright’s new dessert, a butterscotch pudding with peanut brittle you’ll think about long after it’s finished.
The heavy St. Louis nostalgia of O’Connell’s Pub
All the rain this week had me thinking about O’Connell’s Pub, because it’s just one of those places you go when you want low-key cozy. The chandeliers and dramatically dim lighting make you want to stay longer than you need to, and the service is consistently good. St. Patrick’s Day is upon us, and the restaurant is one of my very favorite places to recommend for the holiday. The menu is a rundown of the classics, and who am I to choose for you. I’ve been taking up tables there for three decades, so it’s safe to say I’ve had everything on the menu, and I’d order it all again.
Fish Friday | a special event list
Eat Outside is back at ‘ssippi this Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. with a menu I can only hope they do again so I can visit. Enoch Simpson and crew will be serving poached shrimp, a fried fish sandwich with sesame garlic mayo, fish sauce pickles (!), carrots, jalapeno and cilantro and a fried fish rice bowl. Chocolate chip cookies are on the menu to end, and and oysters on the half shell are always a good start. Check out the Instagram post for details.
It’s time for The Fish Fry at Olive + Oak! Get your fish on in The Hall from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. It’s a classic, with fried haddock, baked halibut, tempura shrimp, french fries, caesar salad, spaghetti, green beans and sweet treats. Reservations are recommended (and you still have time), but walk-ins are welcome too. Check out Olive + Oak’s Instagram post about the event for more details.
Things to do this weekend
“Alive & Well” sign painting exhibit at Fifteen Windows
Have the hand-painted signs adorning many of our restaurant spaces caught your eye? Me too, and this weekend, you can meet the artists behind these everyday works of art. Alive & Well,” a exhibition showcasing hand-painted signs from the area’s top working sign painters and highlighting the long and vibrant history of the trade in St. Louis, is happening at Fifteen Windows Gallery on Cherokee Street. The grand opening of the show happens March 7 from 6 to 10 p.m., where you can meet some of the sign painters that we don’t appreciate as much as we should.
Casual brunch at Tower Grove Farmers Market
The rain should be done by the time Tower Grove Farmers Market opens on Saturday, which means you have a perfect start to your weekend already planned. Beloved homies Farm Spirit return to the market this weekend with sausage, egg and cheese sandwiches, smash burgers, crispy potatoes and more. Go say hi, grab something, and walk around in what should be a beautiful day.
Nothing Sacred Kitchen is popping up on the patio at CBGB’s this Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. with the Spring Forward Supper Club, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the extra hour of daylight we’re about to have (food photographers get especially excited about this hallowed day.) Join Alex Braden on the patio as he grills pollo a la brasa, local mushrooms, fermented breads and winter veggies over a wood fire grill. See Nothing Sacred’s Instagram post for more details.
Curious Coffee Takeover at Comet Coffee in Shaw
Coffee nerds: Mike Bawden, owner of Curious Coffee in Ann Arbor, is in town and taking over Comet Coffee’s Shaw location this weekend. He’ll be slinging coffee and espresso all weekend long, so stop by and say hi; if you haven’t seen the new-ish location yet, it’s a great excuse to visit (it’s gorgeous) and stay awhile.
Coming up | La Chaussette happens next week on Sunday, March 15, and next weekend is packed with events leading up to the big day. Get your tickets if you haven’t, and check out their Instagram to get more details. Read more below for what to expect at this year’s festival.
La Chaussette returns for round two
Buzzy natural wine fest La Chaussette was such a hit in its inaugural year that the team had to add tickets to accommodate demand. This year, the fest is back with nearly double the producers and double the fun.
Sneak Peek | Next Week
This week was hopelessly devoted to other projects, which may matter to you in the coming months. Less time to write means that Jonathan Moxey’s Art of the Playlist will move to next week, alongside my chat with Nick Bognar about his most recent James Beard nomination. All that, maybe a recipe, and definitely another Friday Edit on your way next week.
xoxo, S