With summertime heat and humidity reaching unbearable levels, Arch Eats hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr are looking for any way they can find to cool off. There are the usual suspects—the classic frozen treats like custard, snow cones, and slushies—but in this episode, they’re covering the under-the-radar, unexpected desserts that have been in their rotation this season. From fish-shaped waffles stuffed with black sesame brittle ice cream to Korean shaved ice and ice cream nachos, they’ll tak...
Jul 09, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this episode of Arch Eats , hosts Cheryl Baehr and George Mahe talk with Danni Eickenhorst of HuSTL Hospitality Group about the May 16 tornado and its impact on the Delmar Maker District—home to two of her own restaurants. Eickenhorst shares how the local hospitality community has rallied in response, highlights the success of the Take Back The Block concert she organized, and offers practical ways people can continue to support affected restaurants. Drawing on her experience witnessing the 2...
Jun 25, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 45
When Tony’s served its last guests this past February, it was more than a restaurant closure; it was the end of an era. St. Louis has been mourning the loss of this beloved titan of its restaurant community, which defined fine dining in the city more than any other establishment. On this episode of Arch Eats , George and Cheryl sit down with James Bommarito, son of Tony’s legendary Vince Bommarito, Sr. and the person who was running the ship until it said its final goodbyes. James has many stori...
Jun 11, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Everyone has their favorite spots for ribs or pulled pork or brisket, but where do you go when you get a hankering for something a little more unusual? On this episode of Arch Eats , hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr search St. Louis smokehouses for their most unique dishes—everything from Jamaican-inspired chicken to a vegan specialty that can fool even the most avowed carnivore. Tune in to hear about their mouthwatering finds. Listen and follow Arch Eats on YouTube , Spotify , Apple Podcasts ...
May 28, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 43
In a special edition of the Arch Eats podcast, co-hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr are back with an exciting scoop for St. Louis food fans. Joining them in the studio is Kurt Eller, the visionary behind the beloved Taco Buddha restaurants. Kurt reveals exclusive details about his highly anticipated third restaurant—from its location and design details to the planned opening timeline. Get the inside scoop straight from the source—and maybe even a sneak peek at your new favorite spot. Listen and...
May 21, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Just a few years ago, St. Louis felt like a bagel wasteland as boiled bread enthusiasts mourned the loss of the beloved Bagel Factory, and with it their access to respectable versions of the form. Today, we suffer through this bagel-shaped-bread era no more thanks to a bagel renaissance that, over the past few years, has brought excellent options to the metro area. On this episode of Arch Eats , George and Cheryl walk listeners through the St. Louis bagel scene, sharing their favorite picks from...
May 14, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 41
The St. Louis restaurant community may know her as the matriarch of the beloved late restaurant, Café Natasha , but for many, Hamishe Bahrami is “mom.” On this special Mother’s Day edition of Arch Eats , George and Cheryl sit down with the beloved restaurant mom and her daughter, The Gin Room and Salve Osteria ’s Natasha Bahrami, to talk about what it was like raising a child in the restaurant industry, what sort of wisdom she imparted along the way, and what she’s been up to since closing Cafe ...
Apr 30, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Sure, we could talk about the oldest restaurants in St. Louis—but let’s be honest, age doesn’t always mean excellence. In this episode of Arch Eats co-hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr spotlight over a dozen iconic eateries continue to deliver with character and consistency. The youngest is 50 years old; the oldest is 127. Let your cravings guide you back in time—and maybe back to the table—at one of these beloved culinary institutions. Listen and follow Arch Eats on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , ...
Apr 16, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 39
If you’ve gone out to eat lately, chances are you’ve been struck with sticker shock when the bill arrives. There’s no question that going out to eat is getting more and more expensive—but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, Arch Eats co-hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr scour some of the area’s finest restaurant menus for the best happy deals in town. And they’re not talking about the divey $2 draft beer spots. The pair found positively jaw-dropping deals at some of the biggest nam...
Apr 02, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 36
On this special episode of Arch Eats , co-hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr are breaking some big news for the St. Louis restaurant scene: A brand new restaurant from one of the area’s most popular chefs. After running a series of wildly successful spots, beginning with a beloved pizzeria that opened in 2008, this chef has been keeping a fairly low profile for the last couple of years. He’s back and ready to launch an exciting new project that is sure to delight area diners, especially those pa...
Mar 12, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Prompted by a spate of prominent closures that rocked the St. Louis restaurant scene over the last few months, Arch Eats co-hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr found themselves asking this question a lot—and they know you’ve been doing the same. After jotting down at least 50 places they wish they could dine at again, the pair narrowed down their list to their 13 most-missed spots that include everything from a long-lost Loop wine bar to a basement Italian joint in the Central West End and a sout...
Mar 05, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Some like it hot… others it prefer mild, smoked, or even glazed in sweet chili sauce. In this episode of Arch Eats , hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr delve into the seemingly endless world of chicken wings and help you make sense of the city’s best offerings by breaking them down into categories and sharing their top picks. They’ll talk about the usual suspects, but they’ve also unearthed some surprises, including a popular Middle Eastern restaurant that boasts a cult following for its wings a...
Feb 19, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 35
What makes a restaurant sexy? Co-hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr have some thoughts, as well as their picks for the spiciest spots in St. Louis. Recorded by candlelight and over a bottle of wine, George and Cheryl uncover some hidden gems and perennial favorites, and touch on a few interesting tidbits that will help you heat up your Valentine’s Day, including: The difference between a romantic restaurant and a sexy restaurant A certain restaurant table that might be the most coveted couples s...
Feb 05, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 34
What dining trends are hot, and which ones are not? It's a question that Arch Eats hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr get asked all the time. The dawn of a new year is the perfect time to discuss what's coming and what needs to go. Tune in to get the dish on what to expect this year, both culinarily and experientially. Listen and follow Arch Eats on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube , or wherever podcasts are available. This episode is sponsored by St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum . Ex...
Jan 22, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Which 2025 restaurant openings are you most excited about? Hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr dive into their most anticipated restaurants list. Get the dish on new restaurant concepts, additional locations of familiar favorites, and collaborative partnerships. Among them: A revolving sushi bar A multi-use complex / distillery in Cottleville An Instagram sensation-turned-pizzeria The return of Oprah's favorite pie shop Tune in, and get ready to plan your 2025 dining bucket list! Listen and follo...
Jan 08, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Holiday traditions. All of us have them. In this episode, hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr dive into a few holiday essentials for St. Louisans—the dishes, the drinks, the places, and the feel good stuff we look forward to experiencing every year. Get the dish on classic traditions including: Where to find the best baked goods in town—for gifting, or indulging yourself The most festive spots in St. Louis to soak up the holiday spirit Classic Christmas Eve dinner options The coziest fireplaces f...
Dec 18, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 31
What's the best new restaurant in town? Where should we be going this week? Give me a short list of the best restaurants in St. Louis this year. 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 favorite recently-opened restaurants. Tune in and get ready to find your new favorite restaurant! Listen and...
Dec 11, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 30
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 Podcasts , Spotify ,...
Nov 27, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 29
"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? Mastering ...
Nov 13, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 28
"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 Podcasts , Spo...
Oct 30, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 27
"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 foods from ...
Oct 16, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 26
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 Podcasts , Spotify , YouT...
Oct 02, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 25
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 Pod...
Sep 18, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 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 brat...
Sep 04, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 23
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 one-of-a-k...
Aug 21, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 22
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, l...
Aug 07, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 21
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 sponsored...
Jul 24, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 20
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, whethe...
Jul 10, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 19
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 mo...
Jun 26, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 18
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. Listen ...
Jun 12, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 17
