We’re excited to announce that we’re opening our first of many locations and it’s happening this month! Stay up to date with progress, look at photos and get to know us by liking us on Facebook!
So are we excited about a new restaurant or mad because it'll be a chain? Or are we ambivalent because it's a local chain?
We love when accomplished fine dining restaurant owners dial it back a notch to come up with something new. Frank and Carmelo Gabriele of Il Bel Lago have done just that at Cini, where the hook is a mini-arancini—the traditional Italian street food staple—and a fast casual-style array of piadinas (thin, Italian flatbreads), pasta, and salad, sauced and topped a myriad number of ways. The brothers Gabriele (along with partners David Jones and Doug Tieber) designed Cini for both grab-and-go or traditional sit-down dining. (374 S. Grand, 314-531-4433, facebook.com/#!/cinichow?fref=ts. Projected opening: mid-January, with second unit coming to Ladue in spring).
Tried it out tonight. Think chipotle but with italian food. The mini 'cinis' were very flavorful. wine on tap was something unique as well.
Liked the decor with mid-century modern fixtures that embrace the architecture of the building and there were quite a few members of the target demographic (SLU kids) there since it is very affordable.
The area is shaping up as a mid-century island with the flats, the saucer, various highrises and views of the arch. Even the highway activity around there seems to make sense. There is a unique sense of place and time.
I wish them the absolute best. I think more St. Louis-based restaurant concepts is good for the overall visibility and entrepreneurial spirit of the region.
I also think more St. Louis chains need to spread their wings nationally.
Just checked it out for lunch. AWESOME! Truly seeing this one blowing up! The employees are almost too friendly. Its definitely in the bread co market but something a little different.
