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XANADU
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Ever since Al Baker’s closed its doors, Karin and Tom Krakover have been waiting for someone to fill the void. This past New Year’s Eve, Xanadu did just that.
 Owners Karin and Tom Krakover enjoy a glass of wine. |
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“We loved Al Baker’s,” says Karin Krakover. “But when it appeared no one was going to open another restaurant like it, we decided to do it ourselves. Xanadu is very much like Al Baker’s, very elegant, yet comfortable.”
Considering that Krakover named the restaurant after the 1980s disco movie Xanadu, elegant is not exactly what comes to mind. But what does come to mind when you walk through the door is the casual elegance more associated with the Rat Pack. And that means relaxed and very cool.
| Live entertainment Monday through Friday. |
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The décor is done primarily in red, black and gold even down to the china and tablecloths. Striking red and gold chandeliers provide a subtle lighting in the main dining area where several large plush red booths line the perimeter. A private dining area is located just off of the main dining room behind a curved wall of glass blocks. And a terrace complete with fireplace sits a step up from the bar area where live music sets the mood.
“We wanted Xanadu to be an experience not just a place to eat and run,” Krakover explains. “Our waiters dress in tuxedos and we have nightly entertainment in the bar. This is something that has been missing in the St. Louis area. There’s no place else like it.”
Krakover calls the food at Xanadu American cuisine at its finest. This means steaks, seafood and pasta dishes accompanied by a hefty price tag. But it also means you will not be rushed and anything you would like the chef to prepare he will gladly do as long as the ingredients are available. “And we don’t skimp on our ingredients,” Krakover says. “For example, all of our beef is prime cut. Most restaurants serve prime choice.”
Steak prices range from $26 for an eight ounce Filet Mignon to $35 for a 24 ounce Porterhouse. There’s also a Chateau Briand for two for $59, but customers really seem to enjoy the Roast Prime Rib of Beef. A regular 16 ounce cut will cost you $29. But if you’re
really hungry you can order a 32 ounce
fantasy cut for $39.
In addition to steak, Xanadu also boasts some unique items on their dinner menu. The Dover Sole baked with lemon butter for $35 is something Krakover says hasn’t been seen in St. Louis since Al Baker’s. Then there’s the
lobster tails. “We serve South African Lobster Tails which are much better than the Maine Lobster you normally see,” Krakover comments. “Of course, the price fluctuates depending on the market value.”
Lunch is a bit less expensive and will give you a taste of what Xanadu is all about, although with a completely different menu and without the full-tuxedoed waiters. “We find people don’t have the time or desire to spend a long time eating lunch,” explains Krakover. “So our lunch menu consists of sandwiches and salads.”
Lunch prices range from $9 for such items as a Xanadu Burger or Pear Salad, to $16 for a New York Strip Steak sandwich. Blue Crab and Maine Lobster Cakes with Mornay sauce and Xanadu’s Roast Prime Rib of Beef open faced on brioche with au jus and horseradish mousse also are available in the
mid-price range.
No reservations are necessary for lunch or dinner, however dinner on weekends does get crowded so reservations are strongly suggested. Live music is played in the bar all week from 5 p.m. until closing time.
TalkingPOINT
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Xanadu
280 Long Rd.
Chesterfield, Mo.
(636) 532-9262
Hours:
Lunch: Monday – Friday: 11 - 5 p.m.
Dinner: Monday - Saturday: 5 -10 p.m. Happy Hour: Monday - Friday: 5 - 7 p.m. with complimentary hors ‘d oeuvres Live entertainment: Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. until closing |
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