When you arrive at Nathalie's, a recently-opened restaurant at 4356 Lindell, proprietor Nathalie Pettus, left, hopes you feel you're coming to her house for dinner. That's the warm feeling she's created in the three-story Belle Epoque mansion that formerly housed Salt. From the choice of serving dishes that she would use in her own home, to the decor featuring family photographs and her grandfather's paintings (Charles Galt had a studio in his Pershing Place home), Nathalie's is an homage to her family's connections to the City of St. Louis, specifically the CWE, and to the family's Overlook Farm in Clarksville, Missouri.
She's hired talented Jimmy Voss, right, formerly of Duff's, to be Executive Chef of both Nathalie's and Overlook Farm. Nathalie spent 10 years turning Overlook Farm into the Missouri Inn and B & B, as well as a venue for weddings and special events. Overlook is a "working" farm where most of the food served at Nathalie's, Overlook Farm, and The Station at Overlook Farm (Nathalie's other venture in Clarksville) is raised. From Red Wattle pigs, grass-fed beef, to tilapia (raised in fish tanks), the menu is the epitomy of "home grown."
The restaurant's motto, "From our farm to your plate," is evidenced in the menu that Jimmy Voss creates with assistance from Chef de Cuisine Chris Ayala. The menu is based on what's available in season. Nathalie waxes poetic on the subject (don't get her started!), saying "vegetables raised at the farm (in hoop houses at this time of year) are the crowning glory." There are vegetarian entrees and gluten-free dishes on the menu as well.
Whatever Overlook Farm does not produce is locally sourced with the exception of shrimp which comes from the coast of North Carolina. Cheeses are from Goatsbeard Farm, lamb from Peacefield Farm, and trout from Rockbridge, Missouri.
Much of the menu features Jimmy Voss's favorites from his days at Duff's and later at Overlook Farm. One of them is a starter, pictured above, Crispy Sesame Quinoa Crab Cakes with avocado grapefruit salad and ginger citrus vinaigrette, $12.
A photograph of Nathalie's grandmother, upper left, hangs on the wall in one of the dining areas. She was the Veiled Prophet Queen in 1906. The gorgeous bar shown below contains more VP memorabilia.
The restaurant was days away from opening when I visited and Mo, the bartender, was just getting everything in order for the early December debut.
The lower level houses a stunning Chef's Tasting Room with an exotic painted ceiling. The menu is up to the chef, call for details. Contact information is at the end of the post.
Nathalie pointed out that one of the second floor dining rooms is painted in the colors of her alma mater, Mary Institute (MICDS), above.
A second-floor theater (there is an elevator) has seating for approximately 60. There have been musical events in the space since it opened in early December, and Nathalie envisions that the theater could be a venue for one-act plays too. See the Music listings on the blog's sidebar, right, for current entertainment offerings.
Much has been said about the opulent bathrooms at Nathalie's. I can only add my suggestion that you stop in and see for yourself (ladies room above).
There will be outdoor dining on the patio, above, during warm weather months. Though Nathalie's is open for dinner only at this point, there are plans for Sunday brunch and lunch service in the near future.
Nathalie's, 4356 Lindell, open every day but Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., (314) 533-1580, or reservations can be made on Open Table. Check out the website for Overlook Farm too. With its beautiful views of the Mississippi River, It's a lovely spot for a winter weekend getaway!