The Friday Edit
A weekly rundown of the people, places and things I've been loving recently.
This week belonged to our 2026 JBFA finalists, as it should; it’s a good reminder of how multilayered our dining scene is, and how much there is to get out and explore. So plan the meet-up, make the reservation, get out there. This will be the twentieth installment of the Edit, which means I’ve given you 100-plus ideas to start with.
Here are the people, places and food that kept me going this week, plus a few ideas for the weekend.
The most satisfying salads at Clover and the Bee
I met up with a friend for lunch at Clover and the Bee last Friday, and it was packed: no surprise for a restaurant that’s become a second home for many in Webster Groves. Coincidentally, it’s home to the sweet potato salad, one of the best salads in St. Louis. Somehow, this pile of vegetables — roasted sweet potato, broccolini, Peruvian sweet peppers, avocado and fried chickpeas tossed in honey-cumin vinaigrette and a tahini yogurt drizzle — is far more than the sum of its parts, and I’d eat it every single day. This time, I tried something new (to me) from the menu: the pear farro salad, an ultra-satisfying mix of greens, pears, farro, goat cheese, balsamic, walnuts and pomegranate vinaigrette. Pro tip: never leave without a slice of the citrus rosemary olive oil cake they keep perched on the counter for you.
An afternoon wander through Fourth & Home
If you find yourself with a few hours to kill, it’s the perfect time of year to wander into the local shops you haven’t been in since the winter holidays. Many of our local retailers are warm weather-ready and stocked with new items perfect for summer tables, cookouts and more. I ducked into Fourth & Home in Webster Groves last week, and everything in the shop felt fresh: so much table and glassware, art for your walls, stationary and accessories for gifting, and lots more. The shop really packs it in, but it’s well-organized in a way that makes it easy to browse. Plus, it’s situated right in the heart of Webster, steps away from Balkan Treat Box, The Annex, Civil Alchemy, Chiang Mai and more, so grab lunch and stroll through the streets.
The perfect weekday sandwich at Ozzy’s Market
I was near Ozzy’s Market in Downtown West yesterday, and it seemed like the perfect place to stop in for a quick lunch. I was right: the cool monochromatic beauty of the market’s interior is a mood-lifter even on the gloomiest of days, and if that doesn’t do it for you, the staff’s easygoing attitude will. They will happily point out menus and tell you everything you need to know before you trip yourself up (and I would have done just that.) I ordered at the counter, spent a few minutes wandering the shelves of provisions, and walked out with the Italian sandwich, a classic generously stacked of ham, salami, provolone, mixed greens and pepperoncinis on perfectly salted house-baked focaccia. I ordered a side of house coleslaw, but the dill potato salad looked lovely too, and there’s plenty of chips on hand to choose from at the counter.
Vicia’s “Let us cook for you” experience
Chatting with Tara Gallina this week reminded me that something I recommend often when someone is looking for an experience: the “Let Us Cook For You” 3-course sampler option at Vicia. For the curious among us that can never decide what to order, it’s ideal: the kitchen sends out a selection of what’s on the menu, served family-style, with a wine pairing available should you want it. It makes your night feel effortless and special, which is what both front- and back-of-house excel at. And it never gets old: dishes rotate in and out constantly as the seasons change, so you’ll get something a little different each time you visit.
JBFA 2026: Vicia, finalist, Outstanding Restaurant
No one could have predicted that on March 31, 2026, St. Louis would be buzzing over the five James Beard nominees that advanced to the finals.
The enduring charm of Meshuggah Cafe
The“What were you like in the 90s?” trend has been hitting me directly in the feels, because friends, that is my era. What was I like in the 90s? A lot like this, frankly, and back then, my entire life centered around the Delmar Loop. My memory is so clear, in fact, that I can still name most of the restaurants and retail that lined the street. One of those is Meshuggah Cafe, originally located on Melville Avenue just off Delmar Boulevard. Founded in 1992 as Café Chaos, renamed under new ownership in 1997, and relocated in 2003 to the location on Delmar Boulevard it inhabits today. A lot has changed since then, but what remains is a steady and enthusiastic stream of regulars that make their way to the cafe each day for coffee, enormous breakfast bagels, salads, sandwiches and more. Absolutely worth a stop in if you’re in the area.
To do this weekend:
This weekend belongs to Tower Grove Farmers’ Market, which begins its regular season on Saturday. All my favorite people will be there: check out TGFM’s Instagram for more details on vendors and times.
If you’ve been lazy about your Easter plans, I still see reservations available for Easter service at Pastaria, including a few while the Easter Bunny is still hanging around taking photos. There’s prime rib, cacio e pepe, breakfast pizza, and so much more: I can’t think of a better way to get out of cooking and cleaning.
Cafe Amalia in Kirkwood has a special Easter brunch menu this weekend that looks lovely. Chef-owner Amy Pappas Loli will transport you to Greece with her menu of cafe classics like the chopped chicken gyro salad and green goddess toast and decadent treats like bougatsa, a warm custard-filled phyllo pastry with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Sneak Peek | Next Week
You’ll finally get a look at the beautiful madness of Kevin Wichlin’s beverage program at Mainlander and The Jujube Inn, and I have one more very special JBFA finalist on the agenda: expect that and another installment of the Edit next week.
I have two baking projects to attempt this weekend: if they turn out, one of those will land here too. Wish me luck.