Not good for watching carbs... But worth checking out these great new restaurants!
What’s new and notable this month
By George Mahe
January 14, 2016
Porano
Combine a James Beard Award–winning chef with a customer-friendly, fast-casual, and inexpensive Italian concept, and the result is Porano, the fifth restaurant from chef Gerard Craft. poranostl.com.
Parigi
Parigi is Italian for “Paris,” so expect Italian dishes with French influences, as well as an emphasis on grilled meats. Ben Poremba’s first restaurant outside of Botanical Heights is the first envelope-pushing restaurant in Clayton since The Libertine. 8025 Bonhomme.
olive + oak
Mark Hinkle, former general manager at Annie Gunn’s, has dialed down Annie Gunn’s prices yet maintained the quality, thanks in part to two other AG alums, including executive sous chef Jesse Mendica, a 16-year vet. oliveandoakstl.com.
Melo’s Pizzeria
Vince and Joe Valenza’s mini-pizzeria behind Blues City Deli serves up 12-inch Neapolitan-style pies, with several named after relatives of the father and son. 2438 McNair, 314-833-4489.
LoRusso’s on Grand
Only open before select Grand Center events, chef Rich LoRusso’s new place presents the same high-quality Italian fare as at his flagship Cucina. He does so in prix fixe and buffet formats. 601 N. Grand, 314-601-3063