Edition: Green Dining in STL
Green Dining in St. Louis
Author: Amy Debrecht
These St. Louis restaurants are doing the right thing by doing the green thing - using locally produced foods, and recycling as much as possible.
The Dubliner (1025 Washington Ave., 314-421-4300), a large, lively pub and restaurant where dining displays an emphasis on Irish fare, uses locally-grown lamb, chickens, and produce to supplement traditional Irish ingredients. Owner Eddie Neill once managed Fresh Gatherings, a cafeteria at St. Louis University with a threefold purpose: support local food producers, offer a classroom for nutrition students, and provide inexpensive, healthy, and tasty meals to patrons. Now Neill shares an interest with Irish chefs who rely on "sustainable food sources." In addition to The Dubliner's authentic-looking pub and dinin area, there is also a room on the lower level for larger, private events. The second floor is complete with a bar, game room, and a balcony where Irish and Scottish musiciains perform. Private events can also be booked on the second floor. Lunch and dinner are served every day, and brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday.
The emphasis at Five (4317 Manchester, 314-535-5553) is twofold: the chefs are dedicated to creating dishes with "attention and passion," and offering an ever-changing menu based on whatever is in season locally. Subsequently, eliminating the extra environmentally-unfriendly expense of transporting goods from farther away means diners can expect only the freshes ingredients and a "surprise" menu each visit. The local establishments Five purchases from are Benne's Farm, Ozark Forest Mushrooms, Claverach Farms, Farrar Our Farm, Albert Rissi Farm, Nolte Family Farm, and M & K Ranch. Dress is informal, and reservations are recommended on the weekends. Private events and catering are also available. Five is open for lunch Monday to Friday, and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Dave Bailey's second eatery venture (after Bailey's Chocolate Bar) is Rooster (1104 Locust, 314-241-8118), a "European-style cafe," serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, and brunch on the weekends. The menu is primarily crepes and sandwiches, but soups, salads, spirits, and even ice cream are also offered. Bread and bakery items are from the local Companion Bakery, and the pork, beef, and chicken are all raised on family-owned Missouri farms. Additional "green" practices include a recycle bin in the cafe for bottled drink containers, and all cardstock items are made from recycled paper. Rooster is also available for private parties and catering.
The "green" philosophy at Terrene (33 N. Sarah, 314-535-5100) is truly inclusive. In addition to using locally-grown foods, the menus and tabletops are made from recycled goods, compost waste is sent to City Seeds Urban Farm to become new soil, and a neighbor even receives the restaurant's used vegetable oil to operate her bio-diesel car! The menu changes daily in order to offer the freshest and best-tasting ingredients in season, so patrons can expect something different each visit. Some of the local suppliers are Bellews Creek Farm, Ozark Forest Mushrooms, and Biver Farm. Terrene is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and catering for private events is also available.
Dining at Harvest (1059 Big Bend Blvd., 314-645-3522) is casual, but the dishes are meticulously prepared and presented. Diners should expect to spend a couple of leisurely hours, as the emphasis is on "slow food." Chef and owner Stephen Gontram's interest in providing artful and flavorful sustenance using peak-fresh seasonal ingredients is evident - a rotating menu reflects only that which is in season. Plus, the main menu is now supplemented by a "Wellness Spa Menu," where you'll find dishes very low in fat and cholesterol, but with the same accent on seasonal ingredients. Harvest is open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner, and can accommodate private parties.
Schlafly Bottleworks (7260 Southwest Ave., 314-241-BEER) is entirely dedicated to supporting local farms and ranches. In fact, it hosts the Maplewood Farmer's Market every Wednesday, and has converted a half-acre of the parking lot into a garden that supplies the restaurant's kitchen. Kitchen scraps are thrown on a compost pile, which provides the garden soil with nutrients for further growing. Cardboard and glass bottles are recycled, and the company is devoted to finding other ways to incorporate more "green" practices into its operation. Of course, Schlafly beers are all produced locally, and the restaurant also serves a selection of Missouri wines. Paper beer carriers in good condition can be returned for a discount on the next beer purchase. The Bottleworks is open for lunch and dinner every day, and for brunch on the weekends. Check out the myriad of arts events it hosts, too, such as poetry readings, live music, and a film series.
The Dubliner
1025 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63101
Grab a pint and prop your feet up at this Irish pub and eatery in the heart of downtown St. Louis.
Terrene Restaurant
33 N. Sarah St., St. Louis, MO 63108
A socially conscious restaurant that offers locally grown fare and vegetarian/vegan options.
Five
4317 Manchester Rd, St. Louis, MO 63110
Harvest Seasonal Market Cuisine
1059 S. Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63117
Award-winning seasonal tastes where fresh food is a deliciously perfected and served with pride.
