By KERRY SMITH, EDITOR, ST. LOUIS CONSTRUCTION NEWS AND REVIEW MAGAZINE
Restoration St. Louis is completing work to convert a former Irish sports pub in The Grove to a bistro-style, fast-casual restaurant and bar featuring creative renditions of the Liège waffle paired with signature cocktails.
Iron & Rye, 4353 Manchester Avenue, will open in early July as a waffles and spirits destination, according to General Manager Wes Rowley. The establishment is located at the northwest corner of Manchester and Newstead, just east of Urban Chestnut.
Restoration President & Board Chairman Amrit Gill and CEO Amy Gill drew inspiration for the venue’s cuisine from the recipe belonging to a Belgian roommate Amrit Gill knew during his university days who prepared the Liège waffle, a Belgian creation prepared with yeast-raised dough rather than batter and infused with pearl sugar. Pearl sugar’s compressed crystals retain their consistency through the baking process.
Beginning in mid-April, Restoration St. Louis self-performed the construction work, which entailed restoring the 80-year-old structure’s original windows, creating new exterior signage and window logos, restructuring the kitchen, restoring the hardwood floors and repainting the ceilings and walls to give it a light, airy feel.
“The Grove is becoming an emerging, creative food scene and we’re excited to be a part of that,” said Rowley. “We saw the need for breakfast options and a destination for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays,” he added. “At Iron & Rye, you will find not only sweet in the middle of savory waffles, but soups and salads along with waffle cones, all in one location.”
Amrit Gill said Iron & Rye – located within a block of Restoration St. Louis’ headquarters – is meant to enhance walkable dining opportunities for those who live and work in The Grove. “Iron & Rye is another concept to help grow this unique neighborhood in which we live, work and play,” said Gill.