Restaurant Tidbits from Jim Fiala, Pi

By Ian Froeb on Thu, Apr 21, 2011 at 8:00 am

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Jennifer Silverberg

The Terrace View, a Jim Fiala restaurant, at Citygarden downtown

I'm nursing a high ankle sprain -- imagine me making a puppy-dog sad face, asking for your pity -- which means I'm currently housebound and just a skosh behind the curve. At any rate, lots of chef shuffling over the past few weeks, plus a cool tidbit from Washington, D.C.

- Sauce was first to report that Matt Abeshouse, formerly the executive chef at Franco, has taken over the kitchen at Jim Fiala's The Crossing (7823 Forsyth Boulevard, Clayton; 314-721-7375). If you want to check out Abeshouse's work and try some new wine, the Crossing will be hosting a wine dinner featuring Peay Vineyards out of California's Sonoma Coast on Tuesday, May 10. The five-course meal, with wine pairings, is $100 per person.

- Meanwhile, Evan Benn of the Post-Dispatch reported via Twitter that Jonathan Olson, formerly of Erato on Main in Edwardsville, Illinois, has taken charge of the kitchen at another Fiala spot, The Terrace View (808 Chestnut Street; 314-436-8855). For a look at Olson's philosophies in the kitchen, check out Robin Wheeler's Chef's Choice Profile of him from last year.

- Finally, you might know already that Pi has had its Washington, D.C., food truck on the streets for a few months now. The Washington Post has weighed in with a favorable review of Pi's truck.