In this episode of Arch Eats, George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr discuss the latest trends across the local dining and drink scene. The hosts predict a surge in meat alternatives, the concept of "sea-cuterie," and the rising influence of cannabis cuisine. They also discuss the ongoing popularity of bagel spots (Cheryl wonders, "Have we reached peak bagel?"), nonalcoholic drink options, and ghost kitchens. Potential new arrivals to St. Louis include high-tech meal-vending machines, an increase in fast-casual/full-service hybrid restaurants, and more. Cheryl highlights a local restaurant with "the best salad dressing ever to be invented," describing it as the "nectar of the gods" and deeming it transcendent. Plus, George and Cheryl reveal their "trend to die in 2024" and reveal their favorite Taco Bell items. The episode wraps up with a microrant about restaurants' climate-control issues in the winter and a simple, inexpensive solution. Listen, follow, and review Arch Eats on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. In the heart of the ocean, a tale of revenge unfolds—"Moby Dick"—live on stage at The Rep from February 6–25. Don’t miss the drama, the danger, and the hunt. Get tickets now at repstl.org.

Have an idea for a future Arch Eats episode? Send your thoughts or feedback to [email protected].

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Dining newsletters for the freshest coverage on the local restaurant and culinary scene. And follow George (@georgemahe) and SLM on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor?  Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

• Southern: 3108 Olive, Midtown, closed
• Grace Meat + Three: 4270 Manchester, The Grove, 314-533-2700.
• Pappy’s Smokehouse: Two locations (Midtown and St. Peters)
• Chuck’s Hot Chicken: Three area locations (Maryland Heights, Rock Hill, O’Fallon, Mo)
• Heaterz Hot Chicken: Two locations (Kirkwood and Alton)
• Sunday Best: 4101 Laclede, CWE, 314-329-7696.
• Frank & Helen’s Pizzeria: 8111 Olive, U City 314-997-0666.
• Vegan Deli & Butcher: 5003 Gravois, Bevo Mill
• Looking Meadow Café: 2500 Sutton, 314-550-2583.
• Harvest Shreds
• Ivy Café: 14 N. Meramec, Clayton, 314-776-9377.
• Parker’s Table: 7118 Oakland, Richmond Heights, 314-645-2050.
• Bar Moro: 7610 Wydown, Clayton, 314-931-1088
• Annie Gunn’s / Smokehouse Market: 16806 Chesterfield Airport, Chesterfield, 636-532-3314.
• Sado: 5201 Shaw, The Hill, 314-390-2883.
• indo: 1641-D Tower Grove, Botanical Heights, 314-899-9333
• Vicia: CWE, 4260 Forest Park, 314-533-9239.
• Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Tarrytown, NY
• Napoli III: 1450 Beale, St. Charles, 636-757-2418.
• Napoli Sea: 1450 Beale, St. Charles, 636-800-2241.
• Standard Meat Club
• Rooted Buds
• Chartreuse Dinner Club
• Proper Cannabis: Multiple locations
• Balkan Treat Box: 8103 Big Bend, Webster Groves, 314-733-5700.
• None of the Above: 3730 Foundry Way, Midtown, 314-656-6682.
• Tim’s Chrome Bar: 4736 Gravois, Bevo Mill, 314-353-8138.
• New Society: 3194 S. Grand, Tower Grove South, no phone
• Good Company: 4317 Manchester, The Grove, not yet open
• Good Ice STL
• avenue: 12 N. Meramec, Clayton, 314-727-4141.
• Mi Ranchito: 887 Kingsland, U City, 314-883-1880.
• Taquerita Morita: 4239 Duncan, CWE, 314-553-9239.
• Malinche: 15939 Manchester, Ellisville, 636-220-8514.
• El Molino del Sureste: 5507 S. Kingshighway, Southhampton, 314-925-8431
• Mr. Souvlaki: coming in Feb. 2024 to 3301 Meramec, Dutchtown, 314-706-4040.
• Wheelhouse Fish Co: coming in Feb. 2024 to 3301 Meramec, Dutchtown, no phone
• Urban Eats:  3301 Meramec, Dutchtown, 314-665-2464.
• Black Salt: 1709 Clarkson, Chesterfield, 636-204-6441.
• The Hill Food Co. (ghost kitchen): 2360 Hampton, Clifton Heights, 314-708-7670.
• Alibi Cookies: Multiple locations.
• Pizzaforno
• Momo: 9500 Manchester, Rock Hill, 314-942-2172.
• Shake Shack: Multiple locations

Bagel places:

• Bagel Union: 8705 Big Bend, Webster Groves, 314-320-7556.
• Lefty’s Bagels: 13359 Olive, Creve Coeur, 314-275-0959.
• Baked & Boiled Bagels: 1801 S. 9th, Soulard, 314-571-9017. 
• C&B Boiled Bagels: 62 E. Ferguson, Wood River, Il, 618-216-2269.

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