Episodes
What's the best restaurant in St. Louis? What are the top five restaurants? What are your favorite new restaurants? In this episode, hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr answer these commonly-asked questions and more. Pivoting off the November/December issue of St. Louis Magazine, which highlights 101 of the best restaurants in St. Louis, hear each of the hosts top picks for 2024. Tune in and get ready to find your new favorite restaurant! Listen and follow Arch Eats on Apple...
Published 11/27/24
Published 11/27/24
"Retired from Sugaree, but not retired from baking," declares George.  Just in time for the holiday season, pie expert Pat Rutherford-Pettine, former owner of Sugaree Baking Company, joins the podcast to share her secrets to baking the perfect pie. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Pat has tips for everyone. Here's what you'll learn: The secret to great pie dough Why quality ingredients matter—and where to find them in St. Louis The best pie pans: which material works best?...
Published 11/13/24
"I wish we were broadcasting from [these patios] right now," says George. In this episode, hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr dive into St. Louis' best fall-friendly patios, offering cozy, comforting spaces to enjoy as temperatures drop. Plus, George and Cheryl discuss how restaurant owners can enhance their outdoor areas to extend their use into the colder months. Tune in for tips on where to dine al fresco before the St. Louis winter sets in! Listen and follow Arch Eats on Apple...
Published 10/30/24
"This might be the most unusual episode yet," exclaims George. Inspired by a recent deep dive on George's "Ask George" column, "How often do you find yourself mispronouncing the name of a restaurant?" the Arch Eats hosts discuss the most misprouncouend restaurant names in St. Louis. From Italian restaurants to the newcomers, learn the correct ways to pronounce these restaurants: Bacaro  Edera Vicia Dou Dou Cafe Trattoria Marcella and more! Plus, hear about George and Cheryl's favorite...
Published 10/16/24
In the spirit of the fall season, hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr discuss their favorite local wineries, but instead of focusing on the wines, they highlight the best food served at these destinations. Based on SLM's comprehensive guide to wineries near St. Louis, they share their top food picks. From enjoying live music to savoring a meal outdoors, tune in to discover which culinary offerings are worth a visit this fall season. Listen and follow Arch Eats on Apple...
Published 10/02/24
Hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr dive into their top dining picks from St. Louis Magazine's annual A-List Awards, which highlight more than 300 winners across multiple categories as chosen by readers and editors. But George and Cheryl aren't just talking about the usual suspects—they bring their favorite "deep cuts" to the table, showcasing some hidden gems. Tune in for an insider's guide to under-the-radar spots across the St. Louis restaurant scene. Listen and follow Arch Eats on Apple...
Published 09/18/24
It's the "wurst" episode yet. Hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr visit with Jim LeGrand of LeGrand's Market & Catering (4414 Donovan), family-owned and -operated in St. Louis Hills for more than three dozen years. LeGrand, the company's head butcher, discusses how the brats accidentally developed a cult following over time. Learn about the best ways to season and cook brats, preferred toppings and condiments, and some creative concoctions, from the crowd-favorite brown sugar pineapple...
Published 09/04/24
If you're a sushi lover, then you won't want to miss this episode. Hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr chat with acclaimed restaurateur Nick Bognar, the chef/owner of indo, Sado, and a forthcoming dining concept: Pavilion, an omakase experience located in Sado’s renovated courtyard. Slated to open this fall, the concept will offer an omakase-style menu that will feature ever-changing dishes, including nigiri, sashimi, and seasonal ingredients imported from Japan. Hear more about the...
Published 08/21/24
Join hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr in this episode of Arch Eats, and beat the heat with frozen treats! From ice cream to frozen custard and other frozen novelties, discover a dozen must-visit spots, including some hidden gems. Listen and follow Arch Eats on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is sponsored by Augusta Winery. Put on your sundresses and sandals and head to Augusta wine country on Highway 94 to experience award-winning wines,...
Published 08/07/24
In this episode of Arch Eats, hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr discuss getting out of town with charming "mini road trips" for great meals within a 45-minute drive of the metro area. From Oprah's favorite pecan pie and unique farm-to-table experiences to a James Beard-nominated restaurant and more, discover 10 spots for your next dining adventure—and enjoy a scenic drive along the way. Note: 1929 Pizza & Wine is moving from Wood River to Edwardsville in October.  This episode is...
Published 07/24/24
In the most recent episode of Arch Eats, hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr addressed one of the questions they're most frequently asked: Where do I go that's delicious and affordable? Listen to that episode to hear their picks for full-service restaurants where entrées are priced in the teens to twenties. With so many St. Louis restaurants serving high-quality, affordable fare, they devoted a follow-up episode to restaurants that serve authentic, reasonably priced international cuisine,...
Published 07/10/24
In this episode, hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr address one of the questions they're most frequently asked: Where do I go that's delicious and affordable? Listen as they share about some of the region's most affordable and delightful dining options, with an emphasis on full-service restaurants where entrées are reasonably priced in the teens to twenties. Hear their picks for standout spots that don't break the bank, from historical institutions to cozy neighborhood joints to wine bars and...
Published 06/26/24
It's grilling season in St. Louis! In this episode, hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr dive into the world of St. Louis barbecue. Instead of simply naming the best spots, they conduct a draft to assemble their ultimate barbecue dream teams, selecting their top choices for ribs, brisket, side dishes, and more. Along the way, learn about the history of St. Louis-style barbecue and how the scene has evolved over time. Tune in to discover which smokehouses make it to their dream team lineup....
Published 06/12/24
Springtime is in full tilt in St. Louis, which means it's finally patio season. St. Louis has so many great patios that it warranted two episodes. In Part 1, George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr talk about the gold standard of outdoor dining, discussing St. Louis' most iconic spots, notable rooftops, and newer restaurants with great patios. In Part 2, dropping May 29, they'll dive even deeper into the alfresco dining scene, including hidden gems and honorable mentions. Listen and follow Arch...
Published 05/29/24
Springtime is in full tilt in St. Louis, which means it's finally patio season. St. Louis has so many great patios that it warranted two episodes. In Part 1, George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr talk about the gold standard of outdoor dining, discussing St. Louis' most iconic spots, notable rooftops, and newer restaurants with great patios. In the next episode, dropping May 29, they'll dive even deeper into the alfresco dining scene. Listen and follow Arch Eats on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or...
Published 05/15/24
As a follow-up to Arch Eats' recent episode highlighting some of St. Louis' best vegan restaurants, hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr chat with Chris Bertke of Vegan Deli & Butcher. As a vegan for almost 30 years, Bertke discusses his history as a chef in St. Louis and the steps that led to his latest project, Vegan Deli & Butcher in Bevo Mill. Hear why George calls Bertke "the reigning OG of local vegan restaurant chefs" and how the sandwich shop quickly became a community hub. From...
Published 05/01/24
Spring is officially here! As we're starting to think about lighter fare in the warmer months, hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr discuss their favorite vegan restaurants in St. Louis. Neither George nor Cheryl are vegan, "but it's not going to stop us from opining about it," says George. Get recommendations for must-try vegan-friendly restaurants, menu items, meat alternatives, and more. And along the way, learn a few things about the health benefits as George shares a personal anecdote...
Published 04/17/24
Spring marks the unofficial start of brunch season, with warmer weather and Mother's Day on the horizon. Hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr share their favorite brunch spots and menu items, from recently opened restaurants to longstanding favorites. Get recommendations for the best buffet, hidden gems, must-visit stops on your next road trip, alfresco options, and more. Listen and follow Arch Eats on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is sponsored...
Published 04/03/24
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Published 03/21/24
Whether it's March Madness or the beginning of baseball season, St. Louis offers countless venues for sports enthusiasts to catch the game. Hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr explore some of the top bars and restaurants in St. Louis for watching the action. They highlight the atmosphere, food and drink offerings, and notable features such as private TV setups, free shuttles, and more. (Listen to hear one restaurateur's March Madness etiquette tips, including how to get control of the TV...
Published 03/20/24
George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr discuss St. Louis' Irish dining options, expressing a desire for more authentic Irish cuisine beyond the Shepherd's Pie and corned beef and cabbage. They highlight several Irish bars, discussing their atmospheres and signature dishes. Additionally, they share insights into the best places to enjoy corned beef, from classic delis to newer spots, while also exploring unique Irish treats like frozen Irish coffee and shamrock potato chips. The episode concludes with a...
Published 03/06/24
In this episode of Arch Eats, George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr dive into the vibrant culture of fish fries in St. Louis during the Lenten season, highlighting how this tradition has evolved. Discover some the most popular fish fries across town, as well as where to go for less common fish fry offerings, such as hush puppies, spaghetti, falafel, hummus, tacos, chile rellenos, and more. The hosts share fun experiences at these gatherings, including church tours led by grade schoolers, priests...
Published 02/23/24
In this episode of Arch Eats, George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr pick their favorite romantic restaurants, just in time for Valentine's Day. Get their recommendations, including old-school classics and contemporary options, all the way down to the specific table. (See table number information below.) They also share their itineraries for a special day out with a significant other, including top picks for all three meals. Discover which neighborhood Cheryl dubs "Romance Row." Plus, learn...
Published 02/09/24
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...
Published 01/26/24