O C TO B E R 2 02 1
Calling All Foodies
F O O D + B E V E R AG E AT T H E RI T Z- CARLT O N D ES SER T PERS O N LI F E + C U LTU R E M AYO R 'S M ES S AG E
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
OCTOBER 2021 PUBLISHERS
Kelley Lamm | kelley.lamm@lifestylepubs.com Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@lifestylepubs.com
Calling All Foodies
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@lifestylepubs.com
OCTOBER BRINGS US OUR MOST “DELICIOUS” ISSUE OF THE YEAR, FULL
Rachel Chrisman
OF SOME FUN AND UNIQUE WAYS TO ENJOY FALL, WHILE EXPERIENCING
L AYO UT DESIGNER
DELECTABLE FARE ALONG THE WAY.
Emily Lisenbee
Food brings us all together, and we couldn’t be luckier when it comes to the amaz-
Julie Brown Patton, Judy Peters
ing dining options we have right here in Clayton and the metro area…some you may
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
have yet to discover, such as the Café at Long Row Lavender, or Casa Don Alfonso
Barbi Macon
COPY EDITOR
AD DESIGNER
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
inside The Ritz-Carton. You can read about them on pages 16 - 19. And, if you haven’t discovered the Netflix hit "Restaurants on the Edge" yet, you’ll want to put that on your fall to-do list, as former musician turned internationally renowned chef Dennis Prescott globe-trots around the world to share some of the most tantalizing treats you’ve ever seen (on page 30). Meet a few locals in Clayton bringing dinner and dessert to our tables. And don’t forget to check out all the Local Experiences listed in this issue and online. As always, we are inspired by you! Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
town as we’re enjoying the best FOOD and FUN this county has to offer.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
From our home to your home,
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Publishers, Gordon and Kelly 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
ON THE COVER Delectables await in Clayton at the Casa Don Alfonso ristorante located inside The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis 4
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
CityLifestyle.com/Clayton
Proverbs 3:5-6 Clayton Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Clayton area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Clayton Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2021
FEATURES 16 At The Ritz-Carlton Buon Appetito At Casa Don Alfonso New Restaurant With Marvelous Mediterranean Menu
24 Dessert Person Clayton Native And Online Star Invites Everyone Into Her Kitchen
28 Long Row Lavender Farm & Cafe Family Farm Blossoms Into Successful Business
34 Mayor's Message Innovation And Collaboration
24 28
Are Hallmarks Of Clayton's Mayor Michelle Harris
34
16
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
10
Around Town
12
Local Experiences
16
Food & Wine
24 Local’s Choice 28 Road Trip 30 Culinary Creations 32 Lifestyle Calendar
IT ’ S TIME TO EN J OY
a remarkable senior lifestyle
Anthology of Clayton View is the perfect setting to continue your life story. Lavish amenities, classic cuisine and uplifting activities combine with uncompromising care for a senior lifestyle beyond compare. Come build an aspirational future where you can have it all on your own terms.
Call 314-400-2504 / Let’s take the next step together Assisted Living / Memory Care 8825 Eager Rd. / St. Louis, MO AnthologyStLouis.com Continue Your Life Story With Us
GOOD TIMES
Kingside Diner: A Clayton Diner With A Twist This breakfast/brunch-themed restaurant revolves around diners as a quintessential element of American culture. Starting with a chic, chess-inspired interior and alluring patio, the beverage menu includes freshly ground espresso and creative cocktail specials. Known for their inventive, popular dishes, such as build-your-own breakfast burritos, caprese grilled cheese and griddle burgers, choosing may be difficult. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KINGSIDE DINER
1.
2.
3.
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery’s Celebrity Night Fundraiser Yields Total Success Assembling local restaurant partners, generous corporate and philanthropic sponsors, and nearly 100 celebrities from St. Louis area media, business, sports and public service communities, the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery’s “Celebrity Night for the Crisis Nursery” raised a record of $120,000, far surpassing the goal of $75,000. Clayton Lifestyle co-publishers, Kelley Lamm Montgomery and Gordon Montgomery, participated as celebrities.
4.
5.
6.
1. Miss Missouri Callie Cox, Snow White, Belle | 2. Gordon Montgomery and Kelley Lamm Montgomery | 3. Crisis Nursery CEO DiAnne, Mayor Dan Borgmeyer | 4. St. Charles County Plolice Officers Chad Thorpe, Ron Neupert, Robot Bailey | 5. Jahidi White, Miss Missouri Callie Cox | 6. Bruce Sowatsky, CCRB, Missy Palitzcsh, First Branch Home Loans, Tom Dempsy, Former Mo Senator, Molly Dempsey, Comm Rel Mng, St. Chas. Co.,Tim Lohmar, St. Chas 8
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
Unexpected. Inspired. Joyful. New location—same awesome design team. Marcia Moore Design will soon be located in Clayton! Stop in to see our new interior design studio at 7404 Bland Dr. 63105
ph 314-395-1114 | marciamooredesign.com
AROUND TOWN
JFS ST. LOUIS TO HOLD 150TH ANNIVERSARY GALA CELEBRATION Jewish Family Services (JFS), which provides
served as vice president of operations, chair of property management and president-elect. In 2020, she recorded more than 1,000 hours of volunteer service.
mental health and social services for all St.
“Yolanda’s strategic planning abilities, focused
Louisans, will host "The Masks We Wear: A JFS
energy and excellent people skills will help our
Gala Celebrating 150 Years" on Nov. 21 from 5:30-9
organization continue to move forward," says out-
p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza in
going AL President Dawn Thomas.
Clayton. Gala proceeds will benefit all JFS programs and services. The gala includes a reception, meal and entertainment. The evening also will pay tribute to the Harvey Kornblum Foundation along with trustees
LADUE POLICE OFFICERS NOW ALL HAVE BODY AND IN-VEHICLE CAMERAS Ladue Police Department officers now are fully equipped with body worn and in-car cameras.
Gay Kornblum, Kathy Kornblum, Laura K. Silver and
Ladue Mayor Mayor Nancy Spewak says this
Michael Silver. The Foundation enabled JFS to
technology is critical to increasing transparency and
meet the St. Louis community’s need for food
accountability of police officers' actions, to holding
assistance during the past 20 years, including pro-
offenders more accountable and also to captur-
viding critical support and nourishment throughout
ing the great service the officers provide on a daily
the ongoing pandemic.
basis. "Not all police departments have cameras, so
Tickets are $200 per person, and gala sponsorships are available. For more information, call 314.993.1000 or visit JFSSTL.org.
we are very grateful for the police and community support it took to secure these tools," she adds. "We implemented a community policing pro-
Founded in 1871, JFS serves individuals and
gram in 2019, and I am pleased to say that this
families in crisis, as well as helps seniors remain
collaboration between residents and our police
independent and connected to the community.
officers is critical to our ability to keep crime low in
JFS supports the emotional and physical well-be-
our community," the mayor adds.
ing of more than 50,000 area children, families and seniors annually.
BLOOD DONATIONS NEEDED Blood donations have plummeted since the beginning of the pandemic, and hospitals are increasingly challenged by trauma emergency visits and drug overdoses. Red Cross representatives indicate the need for blood donations is acute. All types of blood donations are needed, but there's an especially large demand for Type O, which has dipped to as low as a one-day supply. People who've received a coronavirus vaccine can donate blood so long as they are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer's name, according to the American Red Cross. There's no waiting period after getting a vaccine dose. Donors need to meet certain height and weight
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF ST. LOUIS NAMES LONG-TIME VOLUNTEER AS PRESIDENT Assistance League of St. Louis named Ladue
17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. To peruse dates and times to make a specific
donation
appointment,
visit
online
resident Yolanda Perez-Cunningham president for
RedCrossBlood.org. Appointments also can be
2021-22. Prior, Yolanda held several AL leadership
made via the American Red Cross Blood Donor
positions, including chair of Operation School Bell,
App or by calling 1.800.RED.CROSS.
a program that provides school clothing and other basic items to deserving students in St. Louis. She 10
requirements; in general, donors need to be at least
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
The Caleb Nehring Memorial Blood Drive will occur Oct. 1 from noon to 7 p.m. at 5200 Shrewsbury Ave.
,
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LOCAL EXPERIENCES
FOODIE FROM FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTINGS TO PUMPKIN PATCHES AND APPLE ORCHARDS TO ADULTS-ONLY WINE TASTINGS AND SEASONAL DINNERS, THERE'S PLENTY TO OFFER DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR.
BREWERIES + WINERIES + DISTILLERIES
Louie's Wine Dive
+ Clayton Winehouse: Shop -- Enjoy -- Celebrate! The staff claims to incorporate hospitality into wine buying experiences. They also offer snack assortments, including local charcuterie. 7911 Clayton Road, Clayton, MO 63117 + Heavy Riff Brewing Company: As first brewery thought to have opened in Dogtown, they craft ales and lagers; newly available is "Beware of Darkness" stout. 6413 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139 + Louie's Wine Dive & Clayton Kitchen: They admit being obsessed with good grapes, gourmet comfort food and providing a funky fun (not pretentious) atmosphere. 14 S. Bemiston Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105 + 2nd Shift Brewing: Tasting room and merchandise located in the Hill neighborhood with patio and live music; ask for Change Of Art and their OKTOBERFEST. 1601 Sublette Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 + Robust Wine Bar: Where passion for life, love and wine comes alive in award-winning cafe and bar; retail shop is open Mondays through Saturdays. 227 W. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119 12
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
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Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
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15
FOOD & WINE
At The Ritz-Carlton
BUON APPETITO AT CASA DON ALFONSO NEW RESTAURANT WITH MARVELOUS MEDITERRANEAN MENU ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
16
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
" W e're t ruly blessed, and we want our guests t o h ave amazing food experiences in t he heart of C l ayt on, ones wit h t he vibe and comfort able, f amily home elements of t he Sorrent o Co ast."
ONE OF THE REASONS ST. LOUIS WAS
new dining spot for both its food and décor via an
INCLUDED IN A RECENT “WORLD’S GREATEST
article “America’s Best New Italian Restaurant Is
PLACES” LIST COMPILED BY TIME MAGAZINE
In St Louis.”
STAFFERS WAS DUE TO THE NEW CASA DON
Bringing international experience to the restau-
ALFONSO RESTAURANT -- THE FIRST STATE-
rant, Chef Sergio grew up in Sardinia, Italy, and
SIDE OUTPOST OF MICHELIN-STAR ITALIAN
has worked around the world, including Germany,
RESTAURATEUR MARIO IACCARINO. Located
the United Kingdom and the Caribbean. Before
in Clayton within The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis,
working in Clayton, he was chef de cuisine at
this upscale casual establishment features a
The Ritz-Carlton’s restaurant in Riyadh, Saudi
menu with a charismatic approach to traditional
Arabia. His definition of Italian fare is anchored
Mediterranean dishes.
by organic ingredients and day-of preparation.
The culinary offerings at Casa Don Alfonso tell
With the goal of being a neighborhood repeat
stories of traditions passed down for generations
dining location as well as a broader, sought-out
in the family homes of Southern Italy and the
restaurant destination, Casa Don Alfonso’s ambi-
charm of the Sorrento Coast. Timeless recipes
ance starts with décor that reflects the enjoyment
come from this magical place, ripe with culture
of a Mediterranean sea breeze, such as 600 hand-
and beauty, inspired by the Iaccarino family’s hos-
blown glass leaves hovering over the main dining
pitality. Chef de cuisine Sergio Chierego honors
room and custom curtains. A large, open kitchen
the culinary customs of Italy’s Campania region
sports a hand-painted tiled backsplash and
with carefully chosen ingredients that closely
copper-clad ceiling. Seating and sound-proofing
resemble the sun-kissed produce harvested at
millwork is handled in a manner that provides
the Iaccarino family’s farm.
connectivity but quiet acoustics.
In creating this new menu, Mario says he spent
“We’re truly blessed, and we want our guests
hours paging through his grandmother’s recipe
to have amazing food experiences in the heart
books for inspiration to ensure the outcome
of Clayton, ones with the vibe and comfort-
represents 2,000 years of Mediterranean history,
able, family home elements of the Sorrento
spices, wine, pasta and vegetables. The restau-
Coast,” assures Alen Tanovic, Casa Don Alfonso
rant opened at the end of this March.
general manager. “That’s why we’ve chosen to
Others, even outside of the St. Louis region,
wow our guests with true-to-Italy adornments,
notice this restaurant’s Italian authenticity.
such as wisteria chandeliers, which are like those
During June, Forbes also paid compliments to this
actually seen in the Iaccarino’s family garden, CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Clayton
17
FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)
CURRENT HOURS OF OPERATION Reservations are required. Tuesdays-Fridays A La Carte Breakfast: 6:30-10 a.m. Saturday Signature Breakfast Buffet: 6:30-10 a.m. Sunday Signature Breakfast Buffet: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Lunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays Dinner: 5-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday Dinner: 5-10 p.m. Mondays: Closed 100 Carondelet Plaza 314.719.1496 CasaDonAlfonsoStLouis.com
18
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
It’s not just a hearing problem It’s a health problem
and even weaving in wisteria-inspired leaf garnishes for cocktails along with wearing lavender and pastel uniforms.” He says they pay attention to authentic details, such as using saffron rice, for example, as a nod to the influence that the Arabic world had on Italy. Alen witnessed engaging hospitality from his parents and his upbringing in Croatia. His firsthand knowledge of handmade cuisine and the food industry started at an early age. His goal at the restaurant now is to ensure the highest service levels create an unforgettable atmosphere. With the restaurant only being six months young, Alen says diners already have traveled from both U.S. coasts to soak up the
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elevated service and experience. “We’re in the midst of testing and developing some new, one-of-a-kind recipes for this fall, and as always, Chef Sergio is doing it in collaboration with the Iaccarino family,” reveals Alen. “All of our Casa Don Alfonso ambassadors are waiting with smiles to welcome guests warmly and to encourage everyone to feel like part of our family.”
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19
ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
HERE'S T H E BE E F 20
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
MISSOURI-RAISED CATTLE FOR MISSOURI MEAT LOVERS
FRESH, TASTY, SUSTAINABLY RAISED BEEF IS JUST A CLICK OR CALL AWAY FROM A NEARBY FOURTH-GENERATION FAMILY FARM. The Pierce Creek Cattle Company, located in Lonedell, Missouri, offers grass- or grain-finished beef direct to consumers. The company’s cattle graze lush fields with a mixture of grasses, and have access to abundant supplies of freshwater from four natural springs on the farm, assures Clayton resident Kent Evans, whose great-grandparents bought the farm in 1943. Kent took over operating the farm in 2018, partnering with a neighbor to replenish pastures. He purchased two cattle herds in April 2019. He then spent hours learning how to be a knowledgeable grass farmer, given Missouri’s topography in Franklin County, using detailed rotational grazing patterns. He also invested time, energy CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Clayton
21
HERE’S THE BEEF (CONTINUED)
and money into getting enough critical mass of healthy cattle to stay ahead of meat demands. “Our mission is to make ethically raised beef without hormones, or unnecessary antibiotics, available to people in the St. Louis metropolitan region. We don’t ship it. We deliver it directly to you. Everything is raised locally, to be eaten locally,” he says. “The meat is processed 15 minutes from the farm, so the cattle don’t lead stressful lives and our customers are getting tasty, flavorful meat,” explains Kent, who says he deliberately approaches his operation in this manner rather than sending younger cattle to a different Midwest location/auction to be finished out and the meat shipped back to be sold. Kent says he gets numerous requests from folks who grill frequently or who compete in barbecue contests. While he started selling the meat in quarter, half or whole packages, the model was adjusted to offer beef bundles of small, medium or large sizes, especially when it became difficult for people to purchase freezers during the pandemic. Bundles include a variety of steaks, roasts, ribs, brisket and ground beef; organ meats and soup bones are additional, if available. All beef is sold by weight. It’s delivered within the St. Louis area to a mutually agreeable location and time. “Anyone interested should call, and we’ll work it out,” assures Kent. He says they get compliments on flavor, the meat’s taste profile and even the packaging. They also offer organ meats and a recipe for making freshly prepared dog food, along with broth, rice and vegetables -which can be frozen to maintain freshness. Pierce Creek Cattle Company meat also is offered for sale online through the food delivery service, Find Your Farmer. This St. Louis-based online farmers market connects shoppers with local farmers and artisans with fresh, seasonal goods, fruits, vegetables, meats, breads and cheeses. Officers of this new culinary startup have grassroots ties to Washington University. Details can be secured at Find-Your-Farmer.com, on the group’s Facebook page or by emailing findyourfarmer1@gmail.com. piercecreekcattlecompany@gmail.com 314.420.8696 PierceCreekCattleCompany.com
22
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
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LOCAL’S CHOICE
D e s s e r t Pe r s o n ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
CLAIRE Claire Saffitz; photo courtesy of Penguin Random House
24
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
who
CLAYTON NATIVE AND ONLINE STAR INVITES EVERYONE INTO HER KITCHEN
Claire Saffitz
title freelance recipe developer, video host, YouTube personality
where the Internet's favorite pastry chef
sources of pleasure. This book empowers reluctant
advice "Anyone can be a dessert person, even people who think they're not."
home bakers to bake with more confidence and approach food with greater joy.” Claire currently lives in New York City, and she’s
SAFFITZ
IS
AN
UNAPOLOGETIC,
she was senior food editor at Bon Appétit magazine,
SELF-DESCRIBED DESSERT LOVER. In fact, she
where she worked for five years in the test kitchen.
titled her first cookbook, Dessert Person.
She hosted the series “Gourmet Makes” on the Bon
She says the cookbook celebrates baking, pastry
Appétit YouTube channel, where she used her clas-
and all things sweet. But this St. Louisan says being
sical pastry knowledge to reverse engineer popular
a “dessert person” is also an attitude. “It’s about
snack foods and candy.
embracing cooking and eating as fundamental
This
culinary
adventurist
attended
Clayton
High School, graduated with honors from Harvard University in 2009, studied classic French cuisine and pastry at École Grégoire Ferrandi in Paris in 2012, and completed her masters degree in history at McGill University in 2014. “I believe no meal is complete without something sweet at the end. When a server asks me if I saved room for dessert, the answer is always, emphatically, ‘yes.’ Whipped cream is my favorite food of all time,” Claire confides. She says she wrote this cookbook to toast and defend the love of desserts. “The recipes represent my attempt to demonstrate just how versatile and flexible baking can be.” This
New
York
Times
best-selling
cook-
book was published during October 2020 by Clarkson Potter. It can be ordered online at PenguinRandomHouse.com/books/609892/ dessert-person-by-claire-saffitz. One baking ingredient that Claire recommends for this fall is quince (a pome fruit that resembles a hard-fleshed yellow apple/pear and tastes a bit spicy and citrusy). “Quince are one of my favorite fruits, and their window is short. I poach them, which is necessary to make them edible, and brings out their incredible tropical aroma.” info@dessertperson.com Photo courtesy of Penguin Random House
SAFFITZ
contributed to NYT Cooking. Before freelancing, CLAIRE
DessertPerson.com CityLifestyle.com/Clayton
25
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Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
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ROAD TRIP
Long Row Lavender Farm & Cafe FAMILY FARM BLOSSOMS INTO SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS DOWN A PRETTY COUNTRY ROAD IN WRIGHT CITY
in the College Hill area of St. Louis. “They purchase the
IS AN UNEXPECTED DELIGHT CALLED LONG ROW
plants from us wholesale, we provide knowledge and help
LAVENDER. What started as a 15-acre family farm in
in getting the beds ready and growing the lavender, then
2007 has blossomed (literally) into a growing business,
we purchase the harvested lavender to sell in our bou-
with a café, boutique, classes and beautiful lavender beds.
tique; they use the proceeds from the lavender sales to
In addition to growing several varieties of lavender
28
ARTICLE JUDY PETERS
help their community,” she explains.
there, owner Tracy Smith says they have partnered with
When the family purchased the property, Tracy says she
Women on Mission to grow lavender plants in vacant lots
and her husband and four children went over ideas on how
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
they would steward the land and do something together outside as a family. “We started planting vegetables but soon found that the area critters liked to eat everything we planted. After reading about U.S. lavender farms, and seeing how gorgeous they were, then visiting a lavender farm in Eureka, we became enthralled with it, especially
It’s been a three-year learning curve, finding out where to source
with the fact that animals will not eat lavender.”
locally, but people are really enjoying it.”
So, in 2009, they started taking the lavender they grew to local
In the café, you’ll find specialty espresso drinks, tea, homemade
farmer’s markets, and people loved it. “They would come to the booth
desserts, and lunch items, such as sourdough grilled cheese, chicken
and say they could smell us from the parking lot, it was so fragrant.”
salad and quiche.
They sell bundles of lavender to the public, and also debud the
Tracy says plans for the near future call for a large patio on the
lavender to make sachets and other products. “People enjoyed the
North side of the building. “We want folks to come out, enjoy the
gift shop, but they would tell us that they’ve traveled a ways to get
beauty of nature, music, lingering with friends. We’re planning to
there and were asking where they could get something to eat. Since
plant daffodils along our walking trails; it would be gorgeous to see
there’s not much in the area, and they really didn’t want to leave
them blooming in the spring.”
the farm, we decided that, since we actually needed more storage
For more information and directions to Long Row Lavender:
and work space, we would develop a building to also house a café.
LongRowLavender.com.
CityLifestyle.com/Clayton
29
CULINARY CREATIONS
Br i ng i ng Joy B ack i nt o t he K it chen
WHETHER YOU KNOW HIM FROM THE NETFLIX HIT RESTAURANTS
CHEF DENNIS PRESCOTT TALKS FALLING IN LOVE WITH FEEDING PEOPLE AND THE CONNECTION FOOD CREATES
ON THE EDGE OR FROM HIS ABSOLUTELY MOUTH-WATERING FOOD PHOTOS AS @DENNISTHEPRESCOTT ON THE ‘GRAM, THIS FORMER-MUSICIAN TURNED INTERNATIONALLY-RENOWNED CHEF IS AN AMAZINGLY TALENTED, THOUGHTFUL, AND GLOBE-TROTTING FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis
T r avel R ecom mend at ion s for Food ies
The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on.
S c a n fo r t h e f u l l article online.
“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are
a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.” Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland. “Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.” 30
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
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31
OCTOBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
1
2-3
15
FRIGHT FEST
29TH HISTORIC SHAW ART FAIR
PARTY IN THE PATCH
Zombies and ghouls take over Six
east of the Missouri Botanical Garden
Celebrate fall with candy hunt, hay
Flags through Oct. 31. Fright Fest
Advance tickets are $8 each; $10
rides, inflatables, crafts, games and
offers family-friendly
and
at-the-gate, with at-the-gate ticket $1
activities.
attractions during the day, plus sev-
off option with canned food donation.
departments of Clayton, Maplewood
eral haunted houses and scare zones
Tickets are valid both days; age 14
and Richmond Heights are host-
located throughout the park during
and younger free with adult. Artwork
ing. Advance registration is $8 per
evening hours.
includes: Ceramics, Digital Art, Drawing
youth (ages 14 years and younger)
/ Pastels, Fiber Art, Glass, Jewelry,
or $13 at event via The Center of
1
Metalwork, Mixed Media, Painting,
Clayton; 314.290.8500; hot dog din-
Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture,
ner included with child's registration
MOVIE IN THE PARK: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN
Woodwork. Info at: ShawArtFair.org
or $5 per each additional meal.
– Facebook.com/historic.shaw.art.
Six Flags St. Louis
Flora Place & Tower Grove Avenue, just
shows
fair – or phone 314.771.3101.
AB Green Park Field
City of Richmond Heights staffers host this experience at the intersection of Dale Avenue and Laclede
5
Shaw Park
Parks
and
Recreation
16 ST. LOUIS BEER FEST
St. Louis Science Center
RH NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME
The inaugural St. Louis Beer Fest
Richmond Heights neighborhoods
will take over the St. Louis Science
chasing for those 21 and older by
This event runs through 9 p.m. as a
Center to feature more than 40
Side Project Brewing and a viewing
night for neighborhood block parties so
breweries, 100 beers and access
of “The Greatest Showman." $10/
residents get to know each other bet-
throughout the museum. Admission
person (children 2 and younger are
ter, which has been found to increase
will include unlimited samplings, plus
free). 7:30 p.m./Circus Performances:
community safety. City police officers,
some unique surprises in addition to
7:45-8:15
Showing:
firefighters and elected officials try to
access to the museum’s exhibits. All
8:30-10:30 p.m. Register by calling
stop by organized parties and chat. For
attendees of this Fest must be fully
314.645.1476.
more details or to request barricades
vaccinated related to COVID-19.
Station Road: Live circus performances, concessions, tasting/pur-
p.m./Movie
to block traffic in select street portions,
2 COMMUNITIES' MULTI-HOUSEHOLD ANNUAL GARAGE SALE
call 314.645.0404.
13
APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL Kimmswick
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS BBQ
The
Clayton City Hall Fire Station
Kimmswick's largest celebration of
City staffers of Richmond Heights
Clayton Fire Department Community
the year. More than 100,000 visitors
and Maplewood join forces through
Outreach Committee members will
fill Market Street and the city park to
PARC to organize an annual com-
host an annual barbecue at the fire-
sample apple butter and dozens of
munity garage sale event. Residents
house, 10 N. Beminston. All proceeds
other foods. Hundreds of craft ven-
of Richmond Heights or Maplewood
are donated to the David C. Pratt
dors sell their goods at booths around
who wish to have their address on the
Cancer Center. Scheduled entrée
town from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
online map could submit it. A map of
options include pulled pork plates,
For
all the participating addresses will be
hamburgers, large franks, chicken,
or Kimmswick Visitor Center at
available on Oct. 1 on the Richmond
veggie burgers and choice of sides
636.464.6464.
Heights city website.
(potato salad, coleslaw, chips, baked
Richmond Heights and Maplewood
beans). The barbecue likely will conclude between 2-3 p.m. 32
30-31
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
Apple
Butter
questions,
Festival
is
call 636.467.1436
. r e h t e og T y p Hap
travelleaders.com/stlouismo
636.778.1081
17281 Chesterfield Airport Road (I -64 & Boone's Crossing near Starbucks)
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CALL FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION (314) 727-6162 CityLifestyle.com/Clayton
33
PARTING THOUGHTS
Clayton Mayor Michelle Harris // Photo by Barbi Macon
MAYOR'S MESSAGE INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION ARE HALLMARKS OF CLAYTON'S MAYOR MICHELLE HARRIS ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON
ONE MAINSTAY OF CLAYTON'S CURRENT
value hosting locals, regional visitors and
MAYOR, MICHELLE HARRIS, IS LONG-
out-of-towners. We're eager for offices and
TERM COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.
hotels to be full and adding to our down-
"Clayton is a great place to be. I encour-
town's vitality. Elected leaders and business
age everyone to enjoy our parks, restaurants
owners continue to work together to navi-
and unique small shops," she proclaims.
gate these challenging times," she adds.
Michelle knows the city's diversity from
Michelle says with the current down-
being a 31-year resident of Clayton. Among
turn in revenues, city leaders face tough
community efforts that Michelle participates
decisions but will maintain a vision for
in, she's currently a board member of the
the future.
Metropolitan Zoological Park & Museum
"Some of our priority and future ini-
District and the Municipal League of Metro
tiatives are already in motion, such as
St. Louis. She served on the founding boards
our Community Equity Commission and
of the Shakespeare Festival and the Clayton
Commemorative Landscape Task Force,
Century Foundation.
which will make Clayton an even more
She began as mayor in April 2019, follow-
welcoming city to all. We've made major
ing 11 years of service as an alderwoman.
accomplishments in environmental sustain-
Her professional background encompasses
ability, and improvements in energy usage
18 years at Nestle and DuPont, as well as
and control of invasive species," she says.
11 years with her own consulting firm. She
Citywide surveys attest that residents
holds a bachelor's degree in art and edu-
are happy with above-norm city services for
cation, as well as a master's degree in busi-
public safety, streets, parks and facilities,
ness administration.
such as the Center of Clayton. "We're lucky
She says the city is still dealing with COVID-19's impact. "Clayton has a well-earned reputation as 'the' destination for dining, and we greatly 34
Clayton Lifestyle | October 2021
to have an engaged, informed residential and business citizenry who continually bring good ideas and give their time and experience generously," says the mayor.
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