New in Cottleville: Stone Soup Cottage
I thought I recognized the name when this was announced, and yes, it turns out that Carl McConnell, who brought some reasonably sophisticated dishes to Sherlock’s in Cottleville when it opened several months ago, has amicably parted with Sherlock’s to start an unusual “legal underground” restaurant called Stone Soup Cottage.
The place has been open at 5525 Oak Street since June 25. It’s a restored 1850s farmhouse that holds a maximum of 30 and features prix-fixe menus in four- to eight-course formats with optional wine pairings. It’s only open to the public on selected days; the next seatings are Friday (waiting list only) and Saturday, with the following menu. (There’s also a Sunday brunch.)
Six Course Chef’s Tasting Menu
First Course
Chilled Melon and Basil Soup
Finished with Crème Chantilly
Wine Pairing Option: 2006 Mason Sauvignon Blanc
Second Course
Seared Foie Gras with
Summer Bing Cherries, Micro-Greens, and Black Sesame Tuille
Wine Pairing Option: 2005 Silverado Merlot
Third Course
Roasted Pheasant Served With Brandy and Missouri Sweet Onion
Accompanied by Fresh Baby Artichokes
Wine Pairing Option: 2006 Ponzi Pinot Noir
* Fourth Course
Black Truffle Risotto
Finished with Aged Parmesan
* Fifth Course
Potato Crusted Pacific Northwest Steelhead Trout
Infused with Cottage Grown Herbs, Capers and Lemon
Wine Pairing Option: 2007 Nugan Chardonnay
Sixth Course
Cinnamon Soufflés
Served Directly From the Oven with Carmel Anglaise
OR
Artisan Cheese Plate
Garnished with Dried Fruit and Toast
$49.95 For Four Course Tasting Menu
$69.95 For Six Course Tasting Menu • Price Excludes Tax, Gratuity and Wine
Four Flight Wine Pairing with Both Menus Available- $35.00


(15 votes, average: 4.33 out of 5)
Joe Bonwich has been the restaurant critic for the Post-Dispatch since 2002 and has covered the local food scene for various publications for more than 25 years. He does his best to maintain his anonymity so that he isn't recognized in restaurants (which is why his picture looks like it does).
We went here this weekend for Sunday brunch. I can’t describe how good and how fresh the food was. The staff/ service was just as wonderful. I haven’t been able to stop talking about this place! Sunday brunch was just $20 for a five course meal (one mimosa included!)
Can they quit with all the cutesy descriptions. what the heck is a missouri sweet onion or a cotttage grown herb anyway. the food may be good, but the menu description makes me want to puke.
never mind the discriptions….how was the food, pukeapotomus?
What a coincidence that I came accross this blog after seeing a program on PBS about the American Orient Express train. I recognized Chef McConnell’s name in this write up, and remembered him as being the Chef on the Train, serving the most beautiful food I’d ever seen. I told my husband that if he ever wanted to give me a wonderful surprise he could take me on the Orient Express, but until then, I’m very excited to be able to try his cusine right here in Cottleville, MO.
I watched the work being done to this little cottage over the last few months, and was able to take my Mom there for Sunday Brunch last weekend. The dining room is simply beautiful, with the original 1800’s exposed brick, stone, and hardwood floors. The food was delicious and the presentations delightful. The Chef and his wife made us feel like we were guests in their own home, not just diners in a restuant. What a treat to have this treasure in our area.
I had dinner at Stone Soup Cottage the week they opened, and was extremly happy with the food and service. We liked it so much that we came back last Sunday for Brunch and was equally impressed. I find it a great value for a wonderful meal and very attentive service. For anyone that wants great food in a quaint atmosphere, this is the place.
Notimpressed, you would prefer a Big Mac or a Whopper. Right?
I had the opportunity to dine on a Sunday Brunch and havent been able to stop talking about it. I plan on going as often as possible because once word gets out Im afraid of how long the wait list will be.
-Bravo Chef McConnell
**As for notimpressed….you are more than welcome to go back to your ramen casserole and grilled cheese…this is obvisouly way out of your element and perhaps you should education your palet before opening your mouth, you couldn’t be more wrong in your statements.
Seth, learn how to spell.
We hired Chef McConnell for a private dinner party in our home. We were very pleased with the food, presentation and level of service. He helped us select reasonably priced wines that paired nicely with the dinner. And, he stayed within our budget!!! At the end of the evening, our kitchen was spotless. Our guests were impressed…it was a special evening.