Bistro La Floraison to Open in Old Bar Les Freres
After much anticipation since Bar Les Freres closed its doors, the space has been reinvented and is set to open soon!
Michael and Tara Gallina and Aaron Martinez of Take Root Hospitality (TRH) are set to open Bistro La Floraison (BLF) with a series of ticketed events July 9-10 in the Clayton location that formerly housed Bar Les Freres. BLF will retain its French flair and fare, while adding TRH touches to both the food and aesthetic and will open to the public on July 13 for its first dinner service.
The culinary focus will feature top ingredients, with TRH’s signature attention to detail present in every dish. While French classics that were menu favorites at Bar Les Freres like Gougeres (French cheese puffs), oysters, and French 75s will remain, expect new items like chilled seafood, charcuterie, and caviar service to round out the menu. Sample dishes may include Smoked Salmon Rillette with crème fraiche, chives and toasted brioche, Tomato Salad with whipped goat cheese, basil pistou, and toasted levain bread, and Short Rib Au Poivre with potato pave, arugula, and salted peppercorn cognac jus. Patrick Fallwell will serve as Head Chef, with all culinary elements overseen by chefs Michael Gallina and Aaron Martinez. Christina Schlicht (formerly of TRH owned Winslow’s Table) will take on the role of General Manager.
The wine program, spearheaded by TRH Beverage Director Kara Flaherty, will place a strong emphasis on wine, and will be managed by Certified Advanced Sommelier Patricia Wamhoff. Her expansive knowledge of French wines will enhance the guest experience as they discover new and familiar offerings. The cocktail program will feature modern takes on French classics from TRH Bar Manager Phil Ingram Weaver.
“We plan to stay loyal to the vibe and essence that helped establish Bar Les Freres as an iconic St. Louis restaurant,” said Tara. “But we’re looking forward to bringing our own style to the restaurant as well, starting with a new name, and incorporating a playfully innovative take on French fare and our signature service experience.”
With St. Louis based firm SPACE taking the lead on design, the cosmetic refresh will include modern elements and warm details like a custom pink banquette, sage green wall coverings, and romantic drapery. Featured artwork from Andrew Millner will be a highlight of the space, which includes seating for 40 guests indoors, and 24 outside.
After finding great success with the launch of their first restaurant, Vicia, TRH acquired neighborhood eatery Winslow’s Home in 2019, similarly giving it a refresh and a new name. Now a thriving farm-fresh restaurant with a growing retail component encompassing the best selection of local products and artisanal goods, Winslow’s Table has provided a successful model for reimagining a St. Louis institution and helping it flourish under the TRH umbrella. Bistro La Floraison is the fourth restaurant owned by TRH, following the opening of TRH owned Taqueria Morita last month.
Located at 7637 Wydown Boulevard, Bistro La Floraison will be open Wednesday -Sunday and more information can be found at www.bistrolafloraison.com.
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