Meet St. Louis

Meet St. Louis

St. Louis is a place full of incredible food, interesting businesses, some of the nation's best breweries and some of the country's most creative people. Meet St. Louis is the podcast taking you behind the scenes with the brewers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and artists who make St. Louis more than just the Arch.

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Meet St. Louis
Episode 325: Fox Theatre

The Fabulous Fox Theatre is an institution in St. Louis. The marquee shines on Grand Avenue and welcomes St. Louisians to experience the best of Broadway right here in the Midwest. Opened as a movie theater almost 100 years ago, and then renovated and reimagined as a theatre in the early 1980s. Now it’s one of the premier destinations for live theater across the US. We sat down with John O’Brien, the Vice President of Programming and Marketing, to pull back the curtain and take you backstage. From the history to the future, and how exactly they pick which shows to put on the stage.

Take a look at the lineup for the 2025-2026 season. Tickets go on sale later this spring.

00:26:42
Apr 28, 2025 9:0 AM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 324: Clementine’s

This year marks 10 years for St. Louis’ micro creamery Clementine’s. For the last decade, Tamara Keefe has helped put St. Louis on the map when it comes to ice cream. Award after award, including sweeping the national awards for best ice cream, the local ice cream parlor continues to shine. But for Tamara, it’s not about the accolades but the ice cream fans here in St. Louis and beyond. We sat down at their ice cream production facility to talk about expansion plans, the innovations that led to the iconic naughty and nice flavors, plus the origin story of Clementine’s and how a girls' weekend started it all.

00:29:48
Apr 21, 2025 8:0 AM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 323: Farm Spirit

The spirit of spring is in the air and that means Farm Spirit is busier than ever. Farm Spirit has earned a loyal following over the years at the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market, but the brand is much bigger than a stand on Saturday mornings. Between the market, farm dinners and now the food partner at Blue Jay Brewing in Midtown, you can find their famous smash burgers and seasonal offerings most days of the week. Led by Ashley Batist and Ryan McDonald, the team is changing the game when it comes to fast casual, farm-focused food. We sat down with Ryan to talk about his journey from some of St. Louis’ best restaurants, including Monarch and Beast Craft BBQ, to fueling his creative culinary passions on his own terms.

Where to find Farm Spirit and details on Homie Hospitality farm dinners here: https://www.farmspiritstl.com/

00:24:44
Apr 14, 2025 9:0 AM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 322: Missouri History Museum

We can’t think about the future without first understanding our past. That’s the message in this week’s episode as we head to Forest Park to the Missouri History Museum. We sat down with Jody Sowel, the President of the Missouri Historical Society and one of the most fascinating interviews I’ve had in a while. Jody is a transplant of St. Louis but you’d never know it. He has a passion and a deep knowledge of our city that rivals those born and raised here. If you haven’t been to the history museum in a while, listen up because you’ll be shocked about everything new they have to offer and explore. We chat about it all as they gear up for some pretty big milestones.

00:29:06
Apr 7, 2025 8:22 PM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 321: Robin

Chef Alec Schingel has worked in some of the best restaurants in the US and here in St. Louis. Learning from some of the top chefs, each experience helped shape him as a chef and helped him craft the story he’s telling at this first restaurant of his own. Robin, named for his mom, opened in Maplewood this spring. The menu is a prix fixe menu for $75 with a focus on local produce, highlighting Midwestern cuisine. What exactly is Midwestern food? That’s a journey the chef has been discovering for years.

00:25:32
Mar 31, 2025 3:26 PM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 320: Green Dining Alliance
If you want to live a more sustainable lifestyle but don’t exactly know where to start, this episode is for you. The Green Dining Alliance is a unique program in St. Louis that certifies restaurants who are making the commitment to be more green. They just hit their 100th restaurant and the list includes favorites like 4 Hands, Bailey’s Range., Buzz’s Hawaiian – many restaurants you’ve met right here on the Meet St. Louis Podcast. We sat down with the program’s manager Gillian Garland to learn about the local spots serving up sustainability and how little changes can make a big difference in protecting our planet. You can check out more information on what restaurants are included in the Green Dining Alliance, as well as information on Earth Day 2025 at https://greendiningalliance.org/
00:31:42
Mar 26, 2025 12:0 AM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 319: Maxine Clark
Maxine Clark came up with the idea and opened the first Build a Bear store inside the St. Louis Galleria in under a year. But it wasn’t her first experience in retail. The Florida native moved to St. Louis with her job with The May Company and would go on to be president of Payless Shoes. In her career she became an innovator in the retail industry. She joined me on the podcast for an in-depth conversation inside Delmar Divine, the former St. Luke's Hospital turned hub for non-profits. Maxine’s passion for life and improving the lives of those around her shines through each of her endeavors and she’s got quite the story to share.
00:43:47
Mar 14, 2025 12:0 AM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 318: 314 Day
314 Day is a day we can all get behind: a day to celebrate our love for St. Louis. That was the goal for the founders almost 20 years ago - take a day in March that signifies our city’s iconic area code and turn it into a day to hype our community, small businesses and the people that make it special. We sat down with one of the founders, Tatum Polk, and one of the board members for the 314 Day Foundation, Jami Dolby, to find out why this day is one to circle on the calendar and everything that’s in store for this years celebration. List of all 314 Day events: https://tinyurl.com/mrx5n6dm
00:28:23
Mar 7, 2025 12:0 AM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 317: The Black Rep
Ron Himes never intended to spend his life on the stage but when he saw fellow Black students at Washington University left out of productions he wanted to do something. In 1976 he created his own theater company which would eventually evolve into The Black Rep of St. Louis. For nearly 50 years they’ve put on shows of all sizes and in all forms with the goal of sharing the African American experience through the power of art. As they gear up for their milestone season, we sat down with Ron, the theater’s founder to talk about the story behind the company and what the future holds.
00:32:06
Mar 2, 2025 12:0 AM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 316: Rec Hall
If you’ve ever wanted to play life-size Connect 4 or giant ping pong, then you’ll want to listen up. This week’s episode is all about the kid inside all of us. We headed to Rec Hall, a huge indoor game spot in St. Charles. Imagine a bar with games and an arcade with good food. That’s exactly the vision Chris Honstain had when he quit his corporate life to open a business. Chris shares the journey from his first location in The Grove neighborhood, how they helped create the Armory project and how they continue to grow and expand their destination spot in St. Charles, including the expansion into some high-tech virtual reality.
00:28:36
Feb 20, 2025 12:0 AM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 315: Bartolino's
Bartolino’s is a family affair, a generational restaurant group for not just it’s owners but it’s diners. It all started with a pizza joint on the hill and then the Saracino’s opened the first Bartolino’s in 1969. Since then they’ve opened several additional locations including their newest restaurant in Twin Oaks. We sat down with the second generation on this week’s podcast, Mike, Bart and Chris, three of the four brothers who help run one of St. Louis’ favorite Italian restaurants. While the third generation helps ensure they are keeping things new and fresh, there are several menu items that stood the test of time and date back to the original restaurant. For hours and menus: https://www.bartolinosrestaurants.com/
00:28:21
Feb 17, 2025 12:0 AM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 314: Cleveland Heath
For more than a decade Cleveland Heath has helped shape the dining scene of downtown Edwardsville. It is now owned by husband and wife duo Evan and Gina Buckholz. Evan is in the kitchen, and Gina is in the front of house. Together they are bringing farm-to-table and beloved comfort food to diners in the Metro East. Their whole goal is to connect with the community and create a space where all are welcome. Learn more about classes, hours and their menu: www.clevelandheath.com/about
00:27:54
Feb 10, 2025 2:0 PM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 313: Fast Eddie’s Bon Air
For many people, Fast Eddie’s Bon Air is a rite of passage. The Metro East bar hosts thousands of 21st birthdays every year. But it’s much more than that. It’s an institution in Alton, Illinois, and we head there to sit down with co-owners Eddie Scholar and Ross Laux to get the inside story. The history and the future, plus how do they manage to serve up the coldest beer in town?
00:28:26
Feb 3, 2025 2:0 PM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 312: Amaizing Arepa Bar
When Mayra Pacheco moved to St. Louis, she struggled to find a taste of her home country of Venezuela. So she decided to do it herself. She started at the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market with the help of her sister. They started with a small menu and then expanded as customers started making requests for things like empanadas. One year ago, she made the big leap to opening her own brick-and-mortar restaurant. We sat down at her restaurant just off of Washington Avenue in Downtown St. Louis to talk about food, family and the first-year struggles for business owners. Visit their website for hours and menu: amaizingarepabar.com
00:25:22
Jan 27, 2025 2:0 PM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 311: Wellbeing Brewing
When Jeff Stevens stopped drinking in the early 90s, there were very few options when he’d go out with friends to a bar. Finally, he decided to change that. In 2017, he founded Wellbeing Brewing Company, a nonalcoholic craft beer brand that’s help shaped the way of the category in the beverage business. Now, in 2025, they have several different beer varieties, plus they are expanding into the CBD and, eventually, the THC beverage landscape. Jeff shares the science behind the beer, the growing movement away from alcohol and what excites him most about building a community for the sober and sober curious. You can check out a store locator map on Wellbeing Brewery’s website to try them for yourself. Find them at: WellBeingBrewing.com/pages/store-locator During this episode, we discussed an event at Maryland House on January 23. For tickets: TheMarylandHouse.com/event-details/wellraiser
00:29:39
Jan 20, 2025 3:0 PM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 310: Steve's Hot Dogs
Steve’s Hot Dogs is a St. Louis classic. They had a massive year in 2024, opening new locations and serving up their popular hot dogs at St. Louis sporting events and festivals. But when we first talked to founder Steve Ewing on this podcast back in 2018, he was hanging up his hot dog hat, prepared to shut his doors for good. But the community said no way, and after bringing in new partners, the restaurant has seen major success and growth. And to think it all started with a hot dog stand outside a concert venue. We sat down with Steve to talk about how his career as the lead singer for The Urge spurred his second act as a restauranteur. With locations on South Grand, Delmar and now The District in Chesterfield, it’s easier than ever to find St. Louis’ official hot dog.
00:27:03
Jan 12, 2025 12:0 AM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 309: Gateway Arch Park
2025 is a big year for Downtown St. Louis and Gateway Arch Park Foundation is leading the way to bridge the past and the future of our region. This week on the podcast we sat down with Ryan McClure, the executive director behind the philanthropic partner for our beloved landmark – the Gateway Arch. What exactly does the foundation do, and why is it vital for the continued growth and success of St. Louis? We dig into all of it. Plus, the details on the grand re-opening of the Old Courthouse and the contract to purchase the Millenium Hotel. The new year is looking bright.
00:33:30
Jan 6, 2025 2:0 PM
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Episode 308: Chef Cary McDowell
Chef Cary McDowell has worked in some of the most iconic restaurants in the country, and here in St. Louis, he’s made a name for himself in our city’s best kitchens. From The Crossing to Pi Pizza to, most recently, Wright’s Tavern, he just joined the culinary team at Katie’s Piza and Pasta, which continues to grow at a rapid pace. The veteran chef came to St. Louis in the 90s and, thankfully for our dining scene, never left. We sat down for a conversation at Katie’s at Ballpark Village to talk about his journey as a chef, including the way he managed to land his first job in New York. Plus, he shares the St. Louis restaurants he loves and wants to try.
00:33:29
Dec 30, 2024 2:0 PM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 307: Amy’s Cake Pop Shop
Like so many entrepreneurs, Amy Gamlin started her business in her kitchen. She began making cake pops as a creative outlet, but with the urging of friends and family, she turned a hobby into a business. In 2021, she opened her first storefront, and the business has only continued to grow, including a big partnership with a local grocery store, which allowed her to reach a huge new batch of customers. We sat down in her Webster Groves shop to talk about building a new business during one of the most difficult times for her family’s business. Plus, we talk all about her cake pop creations, including one of the craziest requests she ever received. Find hours and information on orders at www.amyscakepopshop.com
00:27:46
Dec 23, 2024 2:0 PM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 306: St. Charles Christmas Traditions
This week we are taking you to the heart of the holidays in our area – Main Street St. Charles. This year marks 50 seasons of holiday festivities where you can step into the history of Christmas. From characters to carolers, chestnuts and Santa, there’s a little bit of everything. But for the small businesses on Main Street it also makes the holidays especially merry as tens of thousands of people walk the cobblestones streets to finish up their gift buying. We sat down with Lydia Crespo, who owns Cozy Shop on Main Street, as well as Jack Frost (yes, the beloved holiday figure) to talk about the magic of the season and the importance of supporting local. For dates and times of Christmas Traditions, check out their website www.discoverstcharles.com/events/christmas-traditions
00:31:23
Dec 16, 2024 2:0 PM
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Episode 305: Trolley Stop Bakery
Most days of the week you will find Diane and Mike Wood inside their bake shop, Trolley Stop Bakery in Chesterfield. Located in a strip mall, you hear the old-fashioned ding of the bell when you walk in, and you're greeted by the delicious smell of cookies. Mike greets customers while Diane takes charge in the kitchen. The couple could be living the retired life, but instead, they’re living out Diane’s dream of an old-fashioned bakery. And it all started with a love of baking cookies. Now she shares that knowledge with other bakers who use the kitchen as a co-op. From macarons by The Tipsy Goat and gourmet nuts by Pete’s Snack Shop, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Many local businesses have graduated to open their own shops; that’s always been the dream for Mike and Diane. Open Tuesday – Sunday at 67 Forum Shopping Center, Chesterfield, Mo.
00:30:22
Dec 9, 2024 2:0 PM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 304: Arch Apparel
Tis the season to shop local, a motto more important than ever this holiday season. Many small businesses make up the bulk of their sales over the next few months, and Aaron Park, the owner of Arch Apparel, joined us to talk about building a business and growing it over the last decade. The streetwear inspired clothing brand started in 2016, one of the first to help people rock their love of St. Louis beyond a sports logo. We chat about the ups and downs of retail, the opening and closing of brick-and-mortar stores and how they’re working to continue to bring unique and innovative designs to your closet. Shop Arch Apparel in person at their Ballpark Village store or online at archapparel.com
00:40:48
Nov 25, 2024 2:0 PM
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Episode 303: Nobletons Distillery
Located in Union, Missouri, Nobletons Distillery may only officially be nine years old. But the tradition of distilling goes back generations for Demetrius Cain and his family. They can trace the beginnings to 1575 with the start of distilling in 1824. If it wasn’t for prohibition, they never would have stopped. Demetrius shares his deep family history and knowledge of whiskey and spirits in this week’s episode. At Nobletons, they pride themselves on the idea of crafting something from ground to glass and have since expanded beyond whiskey to a lineup that includes vodka and gin. You can visit the distillery in Union and even experience a tour to see the artistry of their craft for yourself. For more information: https://www.nobletons.com/
00:33:59
Nov 18, 2024 2:59 PM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 302: STL Barkeep
Like so many, Matt Longueville started his business as a passion project. STL Barkeep started small but has turned into one of the premier cocktail businesses in town. Crafting cocktails for events around town and at their bar, The Vandy, in the Grove neighborhood. That’s where we sat down for a conversation about spirits, the changing hospitality industry and the opening of his new bar in Webster Groves Off Elm. Off Elm was set to open November 21 but due to construction delays the opening has been pushed back to November 26
00:36:41
Nov 11, 2024 2:0 PM
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Meet St. Louis
Episode 301: Mainlander
If you walk down Euclid in the restaurant-filled Central West End, you might miss one of the city’s most popular new restaurants. Mainlander is a bit hidden. Tucked away in an intimate space that transports you when you walk through the door. Chef Blake Askew and his partner Gordon Chen opened the restaurant in 2023, hoping to create an intimate dinner party vibe. With a prix fixe menu, they hope to take the decision-making out of the dining process and allow guests to sit back and enjoy. We dive into a lot in this episode from the inspiration, the fun twists on classic Midwest dishes and the restaurant’s big move to a larger space in the coming months. Mainlander received a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant. Reservations open the first of the month and can go quickly. The Central West End restaurant is open Tuesday-Saturday.
00:49:53
Nov 5, 2024 7:26 PM
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