South City Brunch at Russell's

You know what they say: Once is a fluke, twice is a coincidence, three

times is a trend.  If that's the case,  Russell's on Macklind is 

trending in our Sunday brunch routine. 

We first stumbled on the neighborhood gem back when it

was Murdoch Perk.  After we learned of its closing, we 

were a little devastated, but that was very shortly lived after

we discovered its replacement, Russell's Cafe. We have not ordered an item we have not loved, including beverages, and the biscuits are a must order item. We are thrilled to find a farm-to-table cafe that we can walk to, especially after we've had too many mimosas.

Their Philosophy

"Russell’s is your neighborhood café and bakery. We’ve adopted the principles of farm-to-table cooking to create a gourmet, homespun menu of signature sweets, savory comfort classics, creative sandwiches, 100%-from-scratch cakes & café favorites. We believe in an uncomplicated style of cooking because our quality ingredients speak for themselves. The few provisions that are not produced in-house are all carefully sourced from local small businesses:

• Hearth-baked breads are delivered still warm every morning from Breadsmith of St. Louis
• 
  
• We collaborated with Kaldi’s Coffee to develop a signature house blend
• 
  
• We feature gourmet potato chips from the St. Louis favorite, Billy Goat Chip Company"

fox + gypsy

The London Tea Room

Brunch is our favorite day of the week.  Yes, you read correctly, day.  We like to spend more than just a 30-minute meal on brunch-days.  It's our day of the week to plan, gab and anything in between. 

Recently, we had the chance to go to The London Tea Room. Nestled upon the hustle and bustle of Washington Avenue, this quaint and intimate tea house is the perfect haven.  Known for being a supplier for some of the finest and most rare teas, the tea room has an extensive tea list that is organized in " state of being" chapters to help you find exactly what you are looking for-whether it's to help you focus, invigorate, or bring peace. Perfect for both connoisseurs and "beginners."

The London Tea Room serves both breakfast and lunch items all day, along with an assortment of sweets served from the pastry case. We came in for a late lunch and each tried a different sandwich on the menu, which changes seasonally. The pastry chef bakes fresh goods every morning. We went treated ourselves to the multi-colored macaroons, lavender and lemon pound cake, and pain au chocolate, none of which disappointed.

Food aside, the laid back, mod-contemporary environment was most enjoyable. We loved the attitude and presence The London Tea Room possessed.  We also got a kick out of the witty menu descriptions. For example, the pastry case: "Consult our pastry case for daily specials.  And by "consult" we mean: buy something and eat it." Or how about the Bacon Butty Sandwich? "This is a bacon sandwich.  No more need be uttered."  Brilliant!

The LTR is open from 11 am ‘til 2:30 pm on days Mon through Fri; Saturdays ’til 5 pm; Sundays ‘til 4pm

"Attempts to secure lunchtime sustenance outside of these hours may result in us giving you “that look” and henceforth some embarrassment on your part."

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fox + gypsy