It was a given that the ground floor space of the brand-new Barnes-Jewish Center for Outpatient Health at the corner of Euclid and Forest Park Boulevard would become some type of food establishment, but what kind has been the mystery. One of the rumors circulating was that it might be a Culinaria, Schnuck's grocery store located downtown. Curiosity led me to contact June Fowler, Vice President of Corporate and Public Communication at BJC, who put me in touch with Scott Lewis, VP of Compass Group, NA. Scott was happy to provide the following information and renderings (updated 3/6) of Central Table Food Hall, located at 23 S. Euclid, above, which will open in early May.
The 10,000 square foot "Market-meets-Mainstreet" restaurant and retail destination is similar in concept to the Plaza Hotel's Food Hall and Eataly, both in New York, and Umamicatessen in Los Angeles.
Those involved in the planning process include restaurant developer Walter McClure, formerly of
Palm Restaurant Group, a team of restaurant designers, urban development
planners, consulting chef Cary Neff, & executive chef Nick
Martinkovic, who was most recently at Roberta's Pizza in Brooklyn. Local chef Matt McGuire formerly of long-shuttered and fondly-remembered King Louie's, and most recently general manager of Gerard Craft's Brasserie, has been hired as general manager with responsibility for operations.
The renderings above and below show seven distinct food and beverage areas with seating for 200 inside. Central Table will offer outside dining opportunities as well. While a 200-seat restaurant is huge, BJC employs approximately 27,000 people and there are many thousands of visitors to the hospital complex each day. The location is also close to SLU and WU, and within walking distance for many residents of the CWE.
Food areas will include a Tapas and Flat Breads Bar, Raw Bar, Sushi Bar, The Deli, and a seasonal grill. An artisan market will offer prepared foods available for take-out.
When possible, Central Table plans to source foods locally to support the St. Louis community and contribute to the restaurant's healthy and fresh options.
Restaurant plans include a casual wine bar, above, and coffee & European chocolate bar, below. Wi-Fi will be complimentary. According to the press release, "The design of Central Table takes into
account the efficiency required by fast-paced professionals and
students, while simultaneously meeting the needs of those looking for
the social connectivity of communal dining."
Look for Central Table's opening in early May. Stay tuned for news of an opening event for neighbors, perhaps through the CWEA.