A reunion of sorts is in the works. St. Louis restaurant veterans Dana Holland and John Kekeris are joining forces to open Babalu's Snack Shack at the Kirkwood Farmer's Market this summer. The first day is presently scheduled for Saturday, April 19.

       The two met over 25 years ago at John's first restaurant, SchmeiZing's. After several consulting collaberations recently , the two are excited about working side by side again.

       Babalu's Snack Shack will be a quick service food stall with cuisine based on Dana's popular Caribbean inspired Babalu's, closed since 2001. An offering of updated south-of-the-border "street" foods will include breakfast burritos, Caribbean "gyros", tamales, posole and the quintissential street food, Frito pie. Weekends will bring more full meal items off the grill like citrus grilled chicken, ribs, ancho cranberry brisket and Cuban pulled pork. Delicious side dishes like calypso slaw and big zink salads will also be available.  All will be available to eat at the market or to take away for the home.

      Also look for Friday night specials from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A wing eating contest, New England clam bake and Louisiana shrimp boil are just a few of these events planned for the summer.

     In addition to the great food, Babalu's will also offer Dana's outrageous line of Caribbean grilling sauces called Fallen Angel, and his signature Sun Drenched Foods spice rubs and blends. So you can eat it there and take it home. 

      So throw on your feed bag, pack up the family, and head down to the Kirkwood Farmer's Market for some great produce and mighty fine eating.