Kirkwood, MO February 2026

Get Your Kicks

If you’ve driven down Kirkwood Road recently, you’ve likely seen it: the gleaming new Route 66 sign. Take a picture (like Carrie Paske and her friends pictured here) with this symbol of history, cross-country adventure, and the enduring American spirit.

Purely by coincidence, the Route 66 sign is a perfect metaphor for the anniversary of Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine. We’re c ruising into our sixth year with all the swagger of a classic 1950s Ford Country Squire. We’re all revved up for the road ahead. In 1926, the arrival of Route 66 promised a journey of discovery. The arrival of the first Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine in February of 2020 promised to share stories about our community. Both represent the desire to keep moving forward, despite flat tires and oil leaks.

While Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, our journey has been slightly more localized—stretching roughly from the Farmer’s Market in DTK to the Frisco in Webster Groves. But the spiritual connection is undeniable. Much like the tourists and dreamers who traveled the route in search of adventure and something new, we set out in search of the best chocolate (Bijoux) and coffee (LeMacaron). And when we needed a break, we found the perfect little spot along the wall, in the third booth, on the top floor of Pioneer Bakery. We may not have a catchy song written about us yet (I’m working on rhymes for “Kirkwood” and “Webster”—it’s harder than it looks), but we certainly have gotten our kicks on this portion of Route 66.

I invite you to come and celebrate our sixth anniversary at The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center on Friday, February 20, at 7:00 pm, with a free concert featuring local musician Matt Jordan (check out his story on page 22). Because, if there’s one thing we’ve learned in six years, it’s when Kirkwood puts up a sign, it means something. And when Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine hits an anniversary, it means a big party with great live music where the whole community shows up. Come and get your kicks.

RENEE MOORE, PUBLISHER

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kate Berry | kate.berry@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Sydney Taylor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lucy Rogers, Elizabeth Macanufo, Holland Saltsman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Danny Zofness, Nathaniel Rolland, Carey Campbell, Julie George

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Carrie Paske’s

Girlfriend

meets women’s health.

Local singer-songwriter Matt Jordan’s heartland rock career rooted in family, authenticity, and community connection.

Katie Lee, owner of Katie’s Pizza, shares how Greg Dierberg helped her grow.

LOVING LEADING LOCAL

Carrie Paske’s blend of planning expertise and hometown connection is guiding Downtown Kirkwood’s next chapter.

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL

When Carrie Paske walks through the streets of Downtown Kirkwood, she doesn’t just see storefronts and sidewalks: she sees community. As the executive director of the Downtown Kirkwood Special Business District (SBD), she has become the driving force behind the city’s most beloved traditions,

“Kirkwood has arts, history, food, and community; let’s celebrate them together.”

while also pushing for fresh ideas that keep Downtown Kirkwood vibrant and inclusive. Her story of becoming one of the community’s most prominent leaders is an impressive journey that began on an academic pathway, took a turn involving the family business, and included starting a family and wanting to be home for dinner.

Carrie’s credentials are formidable: an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Public Administration, a PhD in Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois in Chicago, and teaching experience as a full-time professor at St. Louis University (SLU) for five years. Her passion for community development took her from organizational assessments for St. Louis-area agencies to leading student

trips to East Africa (Kenya and Rwanda) to study international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). A series of health incidents brought her back to Kirkwood to manage Sunset 44, the iconic restaurant her family has owned since 1985. “I didn’t plan to stay,” she admitted. “But 10 years later, I realized this was where I belonged.”

As the restaurant’s manager, Carrie began organizing events to foster a stronger sense of community. “I wanted to bring people together,” she explained. It wasn’t long until she was invited to join the Special Business District Advisory Committee.

While serving on the SBD hiring committee for a new executive director, Carrie casually mentioned to the committee that Joe, her husband, asked her why she wasn’t applying for the job; it seemed like a perfect fit, and she could be home for family dinners with their toddler son, Barrett. That conversation quickly pivoted to, “What can we do to get you to apply for the job?”

Carrie realized the executive director role was a perfect fit, blending her decade of community engagement experience from the restaurant with her urban planning. “I know this community, I know events, and I know how cities thrive,” Carrie said.

“This is the perfect bridge.”

Her leadership has already expanded Kirkwood’s signature events. The Wine Walk, once capped at 600 attendees, drew 800 this year. The Farmers’ Market added outdoor vendors and launched its first night market, complete with live music and 35 vendors. “I want to grow things, make them more inclusive, and bring more people downtown,” Carrie said.

“People want to be engaged and involved right now; they crave it,” she observed. “My office is the perfect space for them to say, ‘Hey, can we do this?’ And if I can’t help you, I know who to tell you to go to.”

“People want to be engaged and involved right now; they crave it. My office is the perfect space for them to say, ‘Hey, can we do this?’ And if I can’t help you, I know who to tell you to go to.”

Carrie also places a strong emphasis on the arts and beautification. She brought together the Heartland Art Club and the Arts Commission—two organizations that hadn’t previously collaborated—and is working to launch a new arts event in the coming year.  She also continually looks for ways to make Downtown Kirkwood more visually vibrant. As part of that vision, the SBD Commission sought new members who could help advance it, including Trevor Collis, owner of Electric Unicorn

Carrie also partners with organizations beyond her district’s 19 blocks, including the Kirkwood Historical Society, the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, Parks and Recreation, and the Kirkwood Public Library, believing that collaboration strengthens everyone.

The year 2026 promises to be a landmark one for Kirkwood. The Farmer’s Market turns 50, the Library celebrates its centennial, and the city will honor multiple anniversaries with banners, events, and collaborations across organizations.

“I just want to take what we have and make it better known,” Carrie said. “Kirkwood has arts, history, food, and community; let’s celebrate them together.”

Attending city department head meetings is the “coolest part of my job,” Carrie said, as it allows her to have conversations with and forge vital partnerships with all of the city’s diverse departments. She acknowledged, “We need to stick together and keep our momentum going. I feel like that’s how our city will thrive.”

“I just want to take what we have and make it better known. I feel like that’s how our city will thrive.”

Carrie’s vision for Kirkwood is clear: elevate what exists, experiment with new ideas, and strengthen community ties. She’s determined to make Downtown Kirkwood a destination that feels both timeless and fresh: one event, one partnership, and one business at a time.

ELECTRIC UNICORN

Tucked inside an eclectic yet inviting loft space at 108 N Kirkwood Rd, Electric Unicorn Tattoo Studio offers custom, appointment-only tattoos crafted with intention and artistry. Owner Trevor Collis brings more than 32 years of

tattoo experience to the studio, backed by a BFA in Illustration and early work at St. Louis’s Iron Age, where he began tattooing in 2002.

Electric Unicorn celebrated six years in Kirkwood in December 2025, continuing to build a reputation for thoughtful design, technical excellence, and a personalized client experience.

View Trevor’s work on Instagram @electricunicorn To learn more or book an appointment, visit @ electricunicorn_tattoo_studio on Instagram or electricunicorntattoo.com

For more information, visit downtownkirkwood.com

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

GIRLFRIEND MEDICINE: CELEBRATE MIDLIFE WHERE IMPROV COMEDY MEETS WOMEN’S HEALTH.

Forget Zoloft and Xanax—local entertainer Michelle Dougherty has a different prescription for navigating perimenopause and beyond: Girlfriend Medicine.

ARTICLE BY ELIZABETH MACANUFO PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE GEORGE

A multidisciplinary storyteller, Michelle uses humor to forge connections, share knowledge, and entertain. Inspired by countless midlife conversations with her women friends, she began to wonder—what if improv could deliver vital information about midlife changes in a way that actually felt joyful? The result is Girlfriend Medicine, a space where women can laugh, learn, and heal together.

“When women get together, that’s hope and healing right there,” Michelle said.

Blending women’s health education with performance, Girlfriend Medicine aims to center, celebrate, and empower midlife women through comedy, technology, and storytelling. Once Michelle had the concept locked in, she brought it to local OB-GYN, Dr. Becky Lynn.

“When I went to my annual appointment, I walked in with a three-page treatment,” Michelle laughed.

Dr. Lynn immediately loved the idea and joined the project. Michelle then built an all-female creative team—local actresses, comedians, and crew members—to bring Girlfriend Medicine to life.

Born from this collaboration between a practicing OB-GYN and a diverse cast of women performers, Girlfriend Medicine tackles subjects too often overlooked in both entertainment and healthcare: menopause, hormone health, and self-care.

“Health and healing through laughter aren’t new,” Michelle said. “But centering women— especially women in midlife—is radical. Midlife is when many of us start to feel invisible. It’s radical to break that silence and say, We are here. The spotlight belongs on us. We deserve to be seen.”

More than a comedy show, Girlfriend Medicine is a creative intervention—a transformative invitation for St. Louis audiences to laugh, learn, and reconnect around the full spectrum of womanhood.

“I hope people experience those ‘aha’ moments,” Michelle said. “I predict everyone will be healed in ways they don’t expect. I want them to leave happier, more informed—and dancing, because we’re all in this together.”

With generous support from the Regional Arts Commission’s Artist Support Grant, Girlfriend Medicine debuts March 28 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Michelle invites audiences to join her in this “celebration of the truth of women’s lived experiences and call to take up space with joy and fire.”

Girlfriend Medicine: Breaking the Silence, One Laugh at a Time Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center For more information, visit thekpac.org/events.

THE GAMBLE

LOCAL SINGER-SONGWRITER MATT JORDAN BUILDS A HEARTLAND ROCK CAREER ROOTED IN FAMILY, AUTHENTICITY, AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION.

In the heartland of America, where the rock and country lines blur under the influence of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, singer-songwriter Matt Jordan is building a career on his own terms. His high-energy, heartland-rock-meets-country sound has landed his music on national playlists, and his catalog is rooted in authenticity, crafting a storytelling style that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Although he spends a lot of time in Nashville, Matt says St. Louis will always be home for him and his family.

Matt’s story is one of balance—between ambition and authenticity, between music and family, between the pull of the road and the roots of home. His songs carry that same duality: powerful, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. He’s an independent artist who values human connection over industry hype.

Matt’s debut album, The Gamble (2022), and his second fulllength album, Low Lights (2024), showcase his unique blend of rock restlessness and lyrical depth. He is set to release two separate albums back-to-back in 2026. This creative burst came from a writing process that yielded a collection of songs too diverse to fit into a single project. Operating with freedom from a recording label, Matt said: “I think it’s an exciting time to be an independent musician because you can record what you want without a label pushing for radio-friendly singles.”

This freedom, however, comes with its own set of challenges and a lot of work. Matt and his small, dedicated team handle everything from booking shows to marketing. Matt’s degree in entrepreneurship from Belmont University helps with the business side of the industry, but he noted: “It’s like a sales job when you’re trying to book shows or get in front of a publisher... you’ve gotta have a brand to take to ‘em.”

This hands-on approach has shaped his perspective on what it means to make it in the modern music industry. He’s keenly aware of the financial realities. “There’s just very little money in it to give away that much of it,” he stated, explaining that a typical label deal might see an artist keep only 13% of their revenue. When asked about measuring success in an era obsessed with streaming numbers, Matt referenced a recent post-game interview with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow: “He said, ‘I’m a man. I get to play a kid’s game for my job. I have nothing to complain about.’ I kind of feel that way about music sometimes. To make music for a living—whatever I get, I’m happy with.”

Matt’s journey began simply enough—a teenager picking up a guitar with no grand ambitions. “When I sat down when I was 15 or 16 years old, I never even thought about playing it for someone,” he reflected. “It just kind of came to me, and I enjoyed it.”

Matt moved from St. Louis to Nashville after college, but when it came time to settle down, the decision was clear. He and his wife Jenna chose to leave the Nashville grind and return home to St. Louis because they are both close to their families. “We knew we wanted to raise our family here,” Matt said. His commitment to his wife and young children is the engine behind his hustle, proving that you can pursue your dream while still being a present father and husband. His song “Outskirts of Grace” explores what it means to navigate faith, family, and dreams.

“Runaway Heart” was named a Rolling Stone Magazine Country Music Pick for the Week.

Fifth of July – A fan favorite that captures Matt’s Springsteeninspired energy.

Anyone but Me – A raw, emotional single showcasing his lyrical honesty.

Stray Dogs – Title track from his 2025 EP, balancing vulnerability with grit.

Runaway Heart – A soaring anthem that highlights his knack for melody.

She Was – A recent single that blends storytelling with Matt’s signature sound.

Greatest Story – A 2024 release that’s quickly become one of his most-streamed songs.

Taillight Side – A standout from Stray Dogs, full of imagery and drive.

Wrangler – A gritty, rootsy track that resonates with a country-rock audience.

Matt Jordan is a storyteller. Whether he’s on stage in a packed club or playing acoustically in an intimate venue, his goal is the same: to create a connection. His journey is a powerful reminder that in music, as in life, the most rewarding path is the one you build yourself, step by step, song by song.

Join us for a free concert featuring Matt Jordan on Friday, February 20, at 7:00 pm, at The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. No reservations needed - just join us for a great night celebrating our community.

“THE MOST REWARDING PATH IS ONE YOU BUILD YOURSELF, STEP BY STEP, SONG BY SONG.”

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIERBERGS

A Local Connection Changes Everything

Katie Lee, owner of Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria, shares how Greg Dierberg helped her grow beyond a neighborhood restaurant.

CHANGING THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES

Katie Lee, who started Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria, shares how Greg Dierberg’s support helped her grow from a neighborhood restaurant to a brand known across the country.

Katie Lee, the founder of Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Osteria, has always been a trailblazer. From her early days working in restaurants to her time living in Italy, soaking up the culinary culture, Katie’s passion for authentic Italian cuisine has been the driving force behind her success. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Katie faced a challenge that could have derailed her thriving restaurant business. Instead, with the guidance and support of Greg Dierberg, she found a way to pivot and expand her brand into retail grocery stores, reaching customers far beyond St. Louis.

A PANDEMIC PIVOT

Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Osteria had already established itself as a beloved local institution, known for its artisan

pizzas and innovative dishes. However, the pandemic brought uncertainty to the restaurant industry, forcing Katie to think outside the box. “I decided to go into the frozen pizza business during COVID to save the restaurants and save all the jobs,” Katie recalled. But knowing how to make great pizza and knowing how to navigate the complex world of grocery retail are entirely different skills. That’s where Greg Dierberg entered the picture.

THE DIERBERG CONNECTION

Greg Dierberg, 4th-generation co-owner of Dierbergs Markets, didn’t just offer Katie’s Pizza shelf space. He became a mentor, guide, and champion for a restaurateur venturing into unfamiliar territory.

“Greg was the one who really supported and encouraged me to take my pizzas into grocery stores, into retail,” Katie said. “I was very nervous about it and unsure, and didn’t have any experience doing that.”

What followed wasn’t a typical vendor-retailer relationship. Greg helped assemble a team around Katie, sharing decades of knowledge from the grocery

“Greg really supported and encouraged me to

take

my

pizzas into grocery stores, into retail,” Katie said.

business. He walked her through the intricacies of packaging, distribution, pricing, and the dozens of other details that separate a great restaurant product from a successful retail one.

The most remarkable part? “He didn’t ask for anything except that we got to be in his wonderful grocery stores,” Katie said.

FROM LOCAL TO NATIONAL

At Dierbergs, the burrata margherita pizza remains the bestseller—an elevated take on the classic that swaps standard mozzarella for creamy burrata and uses San Marzano-style tomatoes. But Kate is particularly excited about her jarred sauces, especially

the arrabbiata, a spicy tomato sauce that she claims might be the best jarred sauce she’s ever tasted.

Katie’s launched an expanded line of Italian fine foods at Dierbergs: pizzas, pasta bakes, sauces, dry pasta, olive oil from Liguria, and balsamic from Modena–redefining what convenience can mean in modern food.

A NEW CHAPTER

Katie’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community. Her partnership with Greg Dierberg not only saved her business during a challenging time but also opened the door to a new chapter.

“I had no idea that frozen pizza could take you so far,” Katie admitted.

It’s a trajectory that might never have happened without one grocer’s willingness to invest not just in shelf space but in genuine mentorship for a restaurateur taking a leap of faith. In an era when retail relationships are often transactional, Greg Dierberg’s approach offers a different model—one built on community, education, and the belief that sometimes the best business decision is simply helping someone succeed.

“Because of all the things he taught me, all that support and encouragement, we are where we are today,” Katie said.

KATIE INVITES YOU TO HER NEWEST LOCATION IN CRESTWOOD

“Crestwood is a classic mid-century neighborhood from the 1950s, and we want to honor that. My creative director, Tony Gaddis, designed the restaurant with me. He lives in Crestwood and values its history. Everything you see—the colors, materials, and chairs—reflects that mid-century Crestwood style.

When you walk in, you’ll see the largest bar we’ve ever built. Of course, we feature one of our iconic lions from my dad’s collection. You’ll get to watch our pasta chefs hand-fold, hand-stuff, and create beautiful shapes and colors with different pastas. The chef’s counter and the whole kitchen will be open. We’ve made the kitchen line flat so you can see all the stations and watch them cook your meal. We’re excited to show you our custom dome-shaped pizza oven covered in penny tiles.

The patio is a huge space with plenty of seating for everyone. We positioned a lion fountain from my dad’s collection in the center, surrounded by big palms, fig trees, lemon trees, and Italian string lights. At one end, there is a big projector for watching old Italian and European films while you dine at the bar. We’ll also have our signature projector inside. We’re very excited to welcome you,” Katie said.

Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Osteria’s newest location in Crestwood is on the corner of Sappington & Watson roads, adjacent to the Dierberg’s parking lot. Visit both to enjoy a truly local experience.

HOST YOUR PARTY AT

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING

GOLF CLINICS

HAPPY HOURS

GOLF TOURNAMENTS

CHOCOLATE and WINE

The Key to a Successful Wine and Chocolate Pairing Lies in Finding the Right Combination of Flavors and Characteristics.

Pairing wine and chocolate together can be a delightful sensory experience that can elevate the flavors of both. While the concept of pairing wine with food is well-known, pairing it with chocolate may seem unconventional at first. However, when done correctly, it can create a harmonious balance where the flavors of the wine and chocolate complement and enhance one another.

Wine and chocolate have a lot of similarities to each other. Both contain flavanols (antioxidants) and polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based food) that are good for you and have anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics affect flavor so it’s somewhat challenging to pair wine and chocolate together. The more polyphenols, the more pronounced the bitter taste.

For example, if you sip a delicious dry red wine alongside a hunk of dark chocolate, the wine will start to taste bitter and sour. The taste imbalance is coming from the heightened levels of flavanols (different types of tannin) found in both chocolate and wine that end up clashing against each other on your tongue.

While it might sound counterintuitive, a good rule of thumb is to pair a wine that is “sweeter” than the chocolate itself. “Sweet” doesn’t refer to dessert wines alone. In the wine world, the term “sweet” is often used to denote ripe, fruit-forward flavors in a wine. These characteristics provide a nice balance to the bitter flavors of cocoa.

Both wine and chocolate can have intense, dry flavors. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with.

We’ve done the footwork to find several wines that partner well with chocolate. Here are our guidelines for matching chocolate with wine and a few of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. We hope you’ll try them and then get inspired to experiment and create your own.

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

CREATING THE PERFECT PAIR

DARK CHOCOLATE

Bitter to semi-sweet dark chocolates, that are 50 to 100% cacao, have intense, bitter flavors, and earthy to fruity undertones. Match the intensity without adding more dryness by pairing these chocolates with full-bodied, yet fruit-forward wines.

Pairs well with:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Port, Merlot, Shiraz, Barolo

MILK CHOCOLATE

Milk chocolate is typically creamier and sweeter with flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and cream. It requires a wine that is light to medium in body, with a ripe fruit character.

Pairs well with:

Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sweet Riesling, Ice-Style Wine

WHITE CHOCOLATE

White chocolate has a sweet, buttery flavor with notes of cream and honey. Sweet white and rosè wines help cleanse the palate of the rich flavors from white chocolate, as does sparkling spumante like Moscato d’Asti.

Pairs well with:

Sweet Riesling, Moscato, Semi-Dry Sparkling Whites, Gewurztraminer

ARTICLE BY HOLLAND SALTSMAN

LOVE READING Between Lines

THE NOVEL NEIGHBOR TOP RECOMMENDED ROMANCE NOVELS.

Whether you’ve loved romance novels for years or are journeying into the genre, these books celebrate the connections that make us laugh, cry, and believe in love’s power to change us.

1. Book Lovers - Emily Henry might have written the ultimate love story for people who really love books!  2. Romantic Comedy - A hilarious, observant, and deeply tender novel from New York Times–bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld. 3. Caribbean Heiress in Paris - It’s safe to say that Adriana Herrera is your favorite romance novelist’s favorite romance novelist.  4. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping - The ultimate cozy read! Sangu Mandanna’s “romantasies” are perfect to curl up with under a blanket on a cold winter day.  5. A Love Song for Ricki Wilde - Tia Williams’ enchanting story of a leap year follows two lovers whose lives intersect in unexpected ways.  6. Wicked and the Wallflower - An updated play on historical romances of old, but this time with Sarah Maclean’s signature empowered heroines. Visit thenovelneighbor.com

Love

Where You Liv e

As a local resident and trusted real estate professional, I’m proud to call this incredible community home. With its charming neighborhoods, unique shops, great dining, and beautiful parks and trails, there’s truly something here for everyone.

If you or someone you know is considering selling— or looking for a home to truly love—I’d be honored to help. As a consistently recognized top-performing agent, I provide discreet, personalized guidance at every stage of the process. Let’s work together to create a tailored plan and find the perfect fit for you and your family.