The Friday Edit
A weekly rundown of the people, places and things I've been loving recently.
This week, I lived a very classic STL life of diner burgers, St. Louis-style pizza, breweries, giant rice paper wraps and dinner at one of the most iconic restaurants in the city. Here are the people, places and food that kept me going this week, plus a few ideas for the weekend.
A gorgeous afternoon at Blue Jay Brewing
Last weekend’s Maifest at Blue Jay Brewing Co. was one for the books; gorgeous weather, a patio built for good hangs (outfitted with sun shades and umbrellas), and amazing food coming out of Farm Spirit’s brand new smoker. Blue Jay’s smaller size reads more restaurant than brewery, which is part of its allure, but the bigger draw is the beer; co-owner Jay Thompson is half scientist, half artist when it comes to brewing, and his skills result in some of the finest and most interesting beers in the city. Another reason to go is the daily menu, of course: the Maifest specials aren’t around every day, but favorites like the double patty smash burger, shroom and Swiss melt and crispy fried potatoes are. Right now, ramp lovers, the market vegetable is zucchini with pickled ramps: get it until it’s gone.
One of the best St. Louis style pizzas at Farachi Pizza
I’m convinced that even if you don’t think you like St. Louis style pizza, there’s probably an independent mom and pop shop making one you would enjoy. Your best chance at finding a good one is to ask a local: we all grew up with a thin crust pizza place we still adore. Farachi Pizza in Ellisville is one of those places to many — the pizzeria has been around since 1968, serving perfectly crispy slabs of brick oven pizza that never skimp on toppings. Order the signature Faraci Special, built from sausage, pepperoni, bacon, mushroom and onion, and you’ll understand why it’s the go-to for West County residents. It’s easy to do carryout here, but St. Louis-style lends itself better to dining in if you can manage it.
My childhood/teenage favorites (if you’re wondering): That’sa Nice’a Pizza (Baptist Church Road) and Bill Gianino’s Restaurant (Telegraph Road) — both in South County, both still open to this day. I’ll cover those in future Friday Edits.
A lovely last-minute dinner at Sidney Street Cafe
Sidney Street Cafe is one of those exceptional places that people never tire of. I think it’s about balance: familiar dishes with interesting twists, quietly spectacular desserts, well-crafted cocktails, and unmatched hospitality, all inside a dimly-lit restaurant that feels refined and cozy at once. If you go early (especially during the week), you can usually grab a seat in the bar area, which is what I did this week with a friend: best to make a reservation if you can. We started with the hamachi crudo (coconut milk, shellfish oil, pickled jalapeños, radish) sweet and spicy ribs and zucchini fritters with lemon dill aioli before moving on to the halibut and pan-seared duck breast from the a la carte menu. You don’t eat at Sidney without ordering dessert; seasonal favorite strawberry shortcake has made its return to the menu alongside a brilliant black raspberry cheesecake with black sesame shortbread crust and a Thai basil aerated ganache.
A casual burger grab at Carl’s Drive-In
Spring is my favorite time of year at Carl’s Drive-In, simply because guests can choose between taking a seat at the always-packed counters or spreading out at the picnic tables that line the exterior of the restaurant. There are other things on the menu, but it’s always the double cheeseburger for me — add lettuce, tomato, grilled onions — and a large side of fries. It’s a classic, and exactly what you want every single time. Big news for regulars: Carl’s — long known for it’s cash-only vibe — is now taking credit and debit cards. I can’t believe it either, but it’s true.
My favorite wrap at Lona’s Lil Eats
You don’t need me to tell you about Lona’s, clearly; I stopped in this week for a quick lunch on a gorgeous afternoon and was met by a patio very full of happy guests and a bustling restaurant inside. Despite the full house, service was quick and I got what I came for: the Big Thai wrap (grilled chicken, salad mix, fresh herbs and stir-fried rice with extra lime-ginger peanut sauce in a rice paper wrap) and the stir-fried vegetables. I sit in Lona’s when I can, too: there’s ample seating, and it’s a great room to get a little work done or to just linger over your lunch for a few minutes.
Things to do this weekend
The Bookish Gift Market is back at City Foundry STL this weekend on Saturday, May 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. Shop dozens of vendors including The Novel Neighbor and grab food from one (or a few) of the restaurants that line the Food Hall. Visit City Foundry STL’s Instagram for a list of vendors and more information.
DD Mau is hosting Miss Folia Plant Co. at their Webster Groves location this Saturday, May 9. Guests can build their own bouquet at the petal bar or purchase a pre-made bouquets.
Also happening Saturday, Drop Soda Vintage Market will be hosting a pop-up in Maplewood from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Living Room Coffee & Kitchen. Grab a little brunch and shop on the parking lot while listening to live music from Yannon. Visit Living Room’s Instagram for details.
Sneak Peek | Next Week
I’ve got a wonderful chat over lunch with our last JBFA finalist of the series, a little bar that’s doing big things in Kirkwood, and — if I stay on top of things — we’ll also dive into Tokyo-style pizza. All this, plus another installment of The Edit, coming up next week.
xoxo, S
This all makes me want a road trip to STL!