Kirkwood, MO October 2023

The Foodie Issue

We are so grateful for our loyal customers & the continued opportunities to help you make your house a home for 20 years.

Three French Hens was founded by Jeanie Hood in 2003, with the help of her husband, Alan, and their family + friends, she turned the old Hill Behan Lumber Yard into a beautiful furniture store. Continuing with Jeanie’s vision, granddaughter, Rae Sutton and the rest of the Three French Hens team have adopted a business model that puts our clients first. At our showroom, you’ll find premium pieces for your home that will stand the test of time. With its third generation of ownership, the 10,000 sq ft showroom is always changing and evolving! Custom furniture, rugs, lighting, decor, fabrics, art, and more can be found at Three French Hens with our fun and experienced designers ready to pull it all together - in-store or with our in-home design services.

The Foodie Issue

“Have you ever sat with an old person and looked at their photos? Every photo’s got a story. ‘What’s this, grandma?’ ‘Here is a picture of your great-grandfather standing beside Charles Lindbergh before he flew across the Atlantic.’ Can you imagine listening to the stories of old people’s photos 50 years from now? ‘What’s this grandma?’ ‘Here is a picture of my breakfast.’” - Lachlan Patterson, comedian.

Here is a picture of my breakfast. Here is the story. We went to Disney World on our honeymoon 30 years ago. Since we had never traveled outside the country, we embraced EPCOT as our romantic worldwide trip. On the last night of our honeymoon, we sat by the edge of the lake with the Mickey Mouse waffle iron we bought and watched the fireworks over the castle. We said, “We’ll come back every year.” We thought it would be funny when we have kids to continue to come to Disney every year but not bring them. We never been back to Disney. But we still smile every Sunday when we make Mickey Mouse waffles for breakfast.

The pictures of food in this issue have back stories that transport us to countries around the world, center around generations of families, beckon friends to discover new places, and invite us to greet new people - perhaps with a smile and a “Bonjour! Hello.”

Kirkwood City Lifestyle magazine is distributed in Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Glendale, Warson Woods, and Des Peres. We love sharing stories of the people, places, and things that make our community a great place to live, work, and shop. But this issue is full of food connections that expand beyond our community and across the globe. I love the simplicity of how a plate of food can become the start of a profound story. When is a plate of pasta more than just a picture of noodles and sauce? - When the story behind that plate of pasta begins in Italy and ends with someone singing opera at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center.

So, yes, we absolutely  do want to see your pictures of food because we know you have remarkable stories about the photos. Follow and share your pics with us @KirkwoodCityLifesytle on IG and FB.

RENEE MOORE, PUBLISHER

@KIRKWOODCITYLIFESTYLE

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Renee Moore

renee.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Elizabeth Nowakowski

elizabeth.nowakowski@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lucy Rogers, Lydia Gwin, Trisha McConkey, Carly Larson, Elizabeth Nowakowski, Katy Jamboretz

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carey Campbell, Natasha McGuire

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Don Don Giovanni Giovanni

Sung in Italian with English supertitles

Friday, November 17, 2023

Featuring Jacob Lassetter

Sunday, November 19, 2023

7:30 pm 2:00 pm

Sponsored by Mary Pillsbury

Conducted by Scott Schoonover

Directed by John Stephens

Robyn Marie Lamp Nathan Whitson Gina Galati

Performances at: For tickets call: 314-865-0038 or visit:

Kirkwood Performing Arts Center 210 E. Monroe Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122 winteroperastl.org

BONJOUR, HELLO

Le Macaron French Pastries of Saint Louis, nestled at 111 Lockwood in the heart of Old Webster Groves, offers a colorful, culinary, authentic French experience.

With his genuine warmth and charming quick-wit, owner and St. Louis native Jim McKibben welcomes guests into Le Macaron French Pastries of Saint Louis with a friendly "Bonjour, hello" and an invitation to breathe, relax, decompress, and enjoy life's little delicacies.

"Come in, sit down and relax. Stay as long as you want. Bring your laptop and enjoy a cup of coffee while you work. We'll serve you water in a nice glass. If you are European, you won't want ice in your water, but we'll offer it anyway," Jim said with a wink. "If you need your order to go, we will elegantly prepare your treats, drinks, cakes, tarts, or gifts."

Everything at Le Macaron is intentionally European, from the meticulously prepared Lavazza coffees and espressos served on a saucer with a spoon and a properly placed napkin to the 26 flavors of fresh and authentic French macarons. If you haven't tried a macaron, Jim recommends starting with the Madagascar vanilla and jokingly warns, "I'll see you tomorrow," as these delicacies are hard to resist.

The heart and soul of Le Macaron's culinary artistry lie in the pastry creations of French Chef Didier Saba. The delicate confections crafted by Chef Didier rival the finest delicacies found in France. If customers ask whether

Jim makes the pastries, he replies with a sly smile and his best French accent, "No. That is precisely why they are so exceptional."

Jim offers insight into Chef Didier's creative culinary process, describing how each confection is created and how every decoration is placed on cakes and desserts. "It's like watching an artist paint on a canvas," noted Jim, who affectionately refers to the refrigerator in the shop filled with these one-of-a-kind creations as "the art cabinet.'

Chef Didier's commitment to excellence begins with the freshest, world's finest ingredients. His pastries remain unapologetically un-Americanized, free from extra sugar, and prepared "old world style" au natural. When describing the chocolate truffles, Jim explains that QR codes are available to list all of the intricate ingredients, like those found in the cherry cheesecake truffle. "It has brandy-soaked cherry bits and white chocolate wrapped in dark chocolate with color embossing," explained Jim. "The French have a penchant for floral flavors, resulting in desserts like violet gelato, rose, and lavender macarons. It's a multi-sensory experience." Le Macaron's motto is 'First bite is a surprise. The second bite is the flavor. The third bite is the pleasure.'

Transitioning from years in the corporate world to owning a French pastry shop might seem like a leap, but Jim humorously says that opening Le Macron is his answer to the question, "What are you going to do when you grow up?"

"The idea of owning a French pastry shop appealed to me, partly because of the historical connection between France and St. Louis," shared Jim. He revealed that his decision to open the shop in Old Webster Groves was influenced by three compelling aspects: business, practicality, and romance.

EVERYTHING AT LE MACARON IS EUROPEAN, FROM THE LAVAZZA COFFEES SERVED ON A SAUCER WITH A SPOON AND A NAPKIN TO THE 26 FLAVORS OF FRENCH MACARONS.

Le Macaron's authenticity, quality, and imagery are a testament to the vision of the founders Rosalie Guillem and Audrey Saba, the French mother-daughter team whose influence on Jim has been transformative.

His eyes light up as Jim shares his conversations with Rosalie and Audrey. "Rosalie said to me, 'Jim, you are a gem. We love you. We don't want you to just survive. We want you to thrive. We know you are doing well, but are you happy? I must know.' You can't help but be happy with those interactions, love, and support. They have truly changed my life," smiled Jim. "I know I am where I should be because of the energy I feel each time I talk with or about them." Jim is one of the few non-French owners chosen by Rosalie and Audrey. He proudly honors their approach and vision, which profoundly impacts his business and interactions with others. "They approach everything with an attitude of c'est la vie; that's life - don't let things bother you; tomorrow's another day. It's infectious, and that mindset allows you to project differently," stated Jim.

That French mindset and Jim's flair for fun have translated into an exceptionally talented service team that greets customers in the bright, cheery, sun-filled shop. "The team is as much a part of Le Macaron as I am," said Jim. "These high school and college students are more than just employees; they're scholars, athletes, dancers, and achievers. But they are also warriors radiating a vibrant and fearless spirit." Jim beams proudly when customers compliment his exemplary team and says the friendships the staff has formed and how they project their energy and kindness are rewarding.

Jim's commitment to the local community and the city's French community reflects Le Macaron's vibrant spirit. From collaborating with Alliance Français and Centre Francophone at Webster University to creating custom corporate gift boxes for St. Louis City Soccer season ticket holders to hosting French jazz musicians Elsie Parker & The Poor People of Paris in the event space on the lower level of the shop, Jim is eager to immerse his community and his customers in French culture. "Webster is the City of the Arts, and St. Louis has an active French community," said Jim, adding, "To everyone, I say, 'Bonjour. Entrez, respirer, detendez-vous, decompressez et savourez let petites gourmandises de la vie.’ Hello. Come in, breathe, relax, decompress, and enjoy life's little delicacies."   https://lemacaron-us.com

Dine Around The World

Travel the world through your taste buds in Kirkwood, Webster, or Des Peres with Chef Lydia Gwin.

Our communities have a world of flavors to discover. Explore various global cuisines and experience a new culture, untried ingredients, authentic cooking techniques, and a remarkable story.

Thailand:

Chiang Mai is named after the city where the owner grew up. Their dishes are connected with the eastern and southern regions, delivering more aromatic herbs and produce (cilantro, green onion, toasted garlic), complex broths and sauces, and hearty grilled meats indicative of the region. Thai cuisine is a simple yet clever combination of Eastern and Western influences—a blend of sour, sweet, bitter, salty, and spicy.   Meyou brings the taste of the northern region forward with a selection of six different Thai curries along with classic Thai favorites, rice, and noodle-based dishes.

Vietnam:

DD Mau means to “go fast and hurry up” in Vietnamese. DDMau owner Julie Truong offers fresh, healthy, and tasty Vietnamese street food staples with recipes from her mom and aunties as inspiration.

India:

Flavors Indian Cuisine offers an extensive menu of classic comfort dishes, a variety of protein, including goat and lamb, and a selection of Indo-Chinese dishes. From dal, masalas, and curries, they have something for everyone.

Remember the sides of raiti or a mango lassi to help balance the heat. Indian food is a beautiful balance of warming spices, chili spices, and cooling sides.

Balkan Peninsula:

Balkan Treat Box has been honored in Food and Wine for the year's best bites! Fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, small hot peppers, and feta cheese make each bite a perfect symphony of flavors. Pide is a great go-to for first timers!

France:

Café Provencal serves a traditional bistro-style menu with all the butter, mother sauces, and slow-braised meats. Transport yourself to the City of Lights with a simple drive down Kirkwood Road.

Italy:

Peppe's Apt. 2 on the corner of S. Geyer Road and W. Rose Hill in Kirkwood appears to be a Victorian-era house with a cute black and white striped awning. It is an elegant white linen, glittery chandelier Italian dining experience. For 43 years, Chef Peppe Profeta has been hands-on, constantly perfecting his Italian and Mediterranean specialties.

WANT MORE OF A HANDS-ON INTERNATIONAL DINING EXPERIENCE?

Chef Lydia Gwin offers culinary adventure classes at the Kitchen Conservatory from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Out of Tanzania will be held on November 10, Nordic Holiday Baking is on December 6, and Culinary Adventures of Norway is on December 13. For more information visit  www.gwinstinykitchen.com

ARTICLE BY LYDIA GWIN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Homework With Trisha

ARTICLE BY TRISHA MCCONKEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HIBBS LUXURY HOMES

Older homes often have odd rooms that don’t fit the lifestyle of modern families….especially families as big as ours. Except for reconfiguring the kitchen at 408 Gill, I didn’t want to make many significant changes to the layout of this characteristically classic old home. The existing sunroom will become our ‘pool house’ room, and the old sleeping porch will become our family room. But what will we do with the home’s formal family room? We are converting it into a Hollywood Regency Cocktail Lounge.

Hibbs Luxury Homes shared these inspirational design ideas. The transformation project at 408 Gill promises to merge the old and the new, and it will be exciting to see the final results. Follow on Facebook and Instagram at @HomeWorkWithTrisha and @408GillAve.

THE CIGAR BAR LIFESTYLE

Step into a new era of sophistication and refinement at Santino's, where patrons pursue exquisite cigars and rarefied whiskeys. Michael Marino, the visionary behind Santino's Cigars & Cocktails, says, "It's about embracing a distinct lifestyle that caters to connoisseurs seeking the exceptional."Perched just off Highway 55 South, Santino's is a space for date nights, discussing business outside the office, enjoying wine with friends, savoring a hand-rolled cigar and bespoke cocktail, or watching the sunset on the outdoor patio.The key to Santino's allure is Michael, a certified tobacconist who guides newcomers to luxury cigars and cocktails. "Every day, I encounter people intrigued by the resurgence of whiskey, bourbon, and cigars," Michael remarks. While he offers insights into the origins of the tobacco, the body's richness, the intricate flavor notes, and the significance of wrapper color, he readily acknowledges

that taste is still subjective. With a vast array of pipes and pipe tobacco and a staggering selection of over 50 cigar brands, including elusive names like Davidoff, Fuente, and Padron, there's a cigar match for every discerning palate.Pairing cigars with scotch is a hallmark of Santino's appeal. Like the cigar collection, the venue boasts an exclusive array of hard-to-find spirits. "I'm fortunate to acquire highly sought-after spirits from distributors," Michael reveals. "Santino's is renowned for our rare selections of rum, tequila, gin, scotch, bourbon, and Irish whiskeys." The likes of Pappy Van Winkle, King Louis the Thirteenth, and Opus One wines grace the shelves, representing some of the most coveted names in the industry.The moniker "Santino's" holds a personal significance to Michael. Named after his mother's maiden name, it's a tribute to her unwavering support while acknowledging his father's business legacy. "I wanted to create a haven for the community, irrespective of their socioeconomic status. Santino's is a space where individuals can be authentic, regardless of who

they are."Santino's caters to everyone – from seasoned cigar aficionados and seekers of rare spirits to novices discovering the art of cigars, whiskey, and bourbon. Non-smokers enjoy a pristine, well-ventilated lounge and a dedicated smoke-free wine room. The venue's cutting-edge lighting and sound technology provide a chic, vibrant ambiance or a refined, mellower atmosphere. Yet, the pièce de résistance remains the perfectly climate-controlled humidor, safeguarding an array of cigars, complete with members' personalized lock boxes."Santino's is united by a shared purpose – a pursuit of a luxury lifestyle unlike any other," Michael affirms. "This sanctuary is a place of equality, where everyone can relish a remarkable time."

DOMINIC GALATI: A LEGACY OF LOVE

dad to send one of my brothers to America. My brother Pino was all set to go, but then he fell in love and said, 'No. I'm not going. Finito.' So, my uncle asked me to come." Dominic is the youngest child in his family.

Dominic's on the Hill and Dominic's Trattoria in Clayton are more than places to enjoy world-class Italian fare; they are testaments to the vision, passion, and family of Giovanni Dominic Galatior Dominic, as he is affectionately known.  Lauded as one of the country's top Italian restaurants by Conde Nast Traveler, Dominic's on the Hill is the result of over 50 years of love and dedication poured into every dish, every interaction, and every detail. The distinguished accolades, the authentic ambiance, and the exceptional experience transcend culinary fame. When asked about his proudest accomplishment over the many decades, a gentle smile graces Dominic's face, and his response is as humble as it is profound; "I make a lot of people happy. That is what I enjoy."

Dominic's story begins with an opportunity to come to a new country. Dominic was living in Rome with his older brother when his uncle, who lived on the Hill in St. Louis asked Dominic to come to America. "My uncle tragically lost his two sons," explained Dominic. "So, he asked my

His uncle's request resulted in two life-changing conversations for Dominic. The first conversation was between Dominic and Father Sal Polizzi (now known as Monsignor Polizzi). Father Polizzi often traveled from St. Louis to Rome and was Dominic's second cousin. "Father Polizzi would say, 'Your uncle wants you to come to St. Louis. Why don't you come? If you don't like it, you can go back to Italy.'" Soon after that conversation, Dominic received a ticket to America. The second and most impactful conversation was between Dominic and his mother. "I went to see my mother, and she told me, '"Andare. Perché non c'è niente per te in questo paese, in questa città. Which means, 'Go. Because there is nothing for you in this country, this town.' My mom was very special; I'll never forget what she told me. That is my memory of leaving Italy."

While the success of Dominic's on the Hill is undeniably anchored in an exceptional culinary experience, it also embodies Dominic's unconditional love and gratitude for family. "My wife Jackie and my in-laws were all involved in the restaurant from the beginning," Dominic shared. "It was a family affair." And it continues to be.

Today, his wife Jackie, and his daughter, Maria, run Dominic's Trattoria in Clayton, while 79-year-old Dominic continues to create exceptional memories for guests at Dominic's on the Hill. His oldest daughter, Gina, balances helping her father at the restaurant while also having a career as the General Director of Winter Opera St. Louis. Winter Opera opens its

17th season on November 17th at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center.

Gina, an accomplished opera singer, and her sister Maria, the General Manager of Dominic's Trattoria, epitomize the family's commitment to their culinary heritage. "We all put our hearts into this work," said Gina. "It's our livelihood. As family-run restaurants, we are able to endure quite a bit because of what we've endured so far."

Dominic's story is the quintessential American dream driven by dedication, fortified by a loving family, rooted in tradition while embracing a new future. The restaurants are more than places to dine; they embody the celebration of family and friends and the joy of shared moments around a table.

"God bless America. This country is the greatest. It gave me an opportunity," Dominic said softly. "The best decision I ever made was marrying my wife. I have been very blessed. I want to be remembered as a simple person who works hard, has passion, and a good family."

Who's Hungry?

Quick – how many restaurants are in Downtown Kirkwood?  There are over 40 restaurants featuring hundreds of delicious menu choices, from Chilean sea bass to a Bravocado bowl. If you haven’t been to a Downtown Kirkwood restaurant in a while or just need a great place to grab a bite with family or friends, these are a few local favorites to keep in mind when some asks, "Who's hungry?"

AMIGOS CANTINA

Have you tried the Honey Pear Margarita? It's the perfect blend of honey, pear juice, and El Jimador Blanco Triple Sec. Known for its incredible margaritas, Amigos general manager Joe Kennedy attributes its 15 years of success to the quality of their freshly made food. "We stay true to our roots," said Joe. In addition to their secret-recipe margaritas, the most popular and authentic items on the menu are the fish and shrimp tacos and the fajitas. The menu includes daily specials, and if a dish is a hit, Marcella, the kitchen manager, will permanently add it to the menu. Joe credits his remarkable staff for creating an inviting atmosphere that keeps customers returning to share a meal with family and friends at Amigos.

IMO'S PIZZA

Step into Imo's Pizza on a Friday night and you'll find owner Michael Prosperi crafting pizzas – the same as he's done for over 30 years. "I've been around a long time, and it only gets better," said Michael. He's excited to introduce a new cauliflower crust pizza. In a town with many pizza options, Michael graciously said, "I want to thank our customers for all these years." He praises his team for enthusiastically embracing his mantra, "Let's plan on making everyone happy tonight." Michael noted, "You'd be surprised how many people come here because of our staff. I've got the best team you could imagine." Not to mention St. Louis' iconic pizza.

MIKE DUFFY'S

Mike started the restaurant because his buddies craved a burger, beer, and sports spot for lunch. Katie, his wife, was his first hire. What began with just ten tables, the restaurant has expanded four times, including adding a patio. Stepping into Mike Duffy's Pub & Grill feels cozy and inviting, like home – perfect for connecting with friends and family. With daily specials, renowned burgers, "tremendous" fried chicken, pizza, and "phenomenal" meatloaf, Mike Duffy's secret lies in consistency. "Excellent food and friendly service every time," said Mike, reflecting on the past 37 years.

SAPORE

The name means "flavor" in Italian. Paul Buzzetta, the founder of Sapore Italian restaurant since 2011, showcases diversity, spotlighting favorites like Chilean sea bass, seafood risotto, Prince Edward mussels and clams, lemon chicken, and amatriciana pasta. Paul developed recipes passed down by his mother and proudly talked about his parents' role in the restaurant. "My father makes sure everything runs smoothly," said Paul. "Sapore is based on family and love. If you put love into the food, it will be good, and people will notice."

SUNSET 44

After flooding the bar and restaurant on Christmas Eve 2022, Sunset 44 was remodeled and reopened in April 2023 - better than ever. The closing allowed the chef and staff to rework the menu and cocktail list. This family-owned and operated restaurant will impress you with its diverse cuisine, homemade bread, and a wine list of over 200 wines. Wine tastings are offered monthly, and the restaurant sells wine to go for prices that cannot be beaten. There is a reason Sunset 44 has been a Kirkwood favorite for over 30 years.

Brothers Beer & Bourbon House

The local bourbon and beer scene is better than ever with the recent opening of Brothers Beer & Bourbon House at 3880 Lindbergh Boulevard in Sunset Hills. Initial owners and brothers Daniel and Jeff Gustafson invited Kirkwood native Bob Sears to join in the endeavor, and these three dudes know a thing or two about the perfect pour.

Specializing in small-batch bourbons and craft brews, when guests stop in for a drink, they stay for the experience. This isn't just

a store or a bar... it's a gathering spot where you can order some house-made nachos as the guys talk you through a master distiller's latest bourbon release. The location offers comfy seating and an abundance of beers, bourbons, and local BBQ. With a huge selection of brews in single cans, getting one ice-cold with an instant chiller takes just a few minutes. "People are looking for more than just a bar or a place to get a drink," says co-owner Bob Sears. "They want to be

welcomed like family in a friendly, comfortable space." All three owners have extensive knowledge of bourbon and beer and are eager to share their passion. "We have a deep appreciation for the nuances of bourbon and love to share our knowledge with our customers," says Jeff Gustafson. The same goes for the continual variety of new beers they offer. Join them for an opening celebration on Saturday, October 7. For details, visit www.3BHouse.com.