By Denise Christen
Healthy Planet Lifestyles Editors
Ann Marie Lemcke grew up loving to cook and working in her family’s catering business, Butler’s Pantry (now owned by her brother Richard Nix, Jr.) She saw a void that their full service catering business did not offer which was smaller servings for carry out – and the idea for The Art of Entertaining was born. Twenty years later, they are still cooking!
Opened in 1994 in Historic Webster Groves, with just herself, a chef and a dishwasher, Lemcke soon expanded into the space next door, then in 2002 bought the building at 8796 Big Bend at Gore Ave. She made a statement by painting her new building her favorite color – pink! and it is now considered a true Webster landmark. Easily accessible from Highway 44, the A of E is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm which makes it convenient to pick up breakfast and/or lunch on the way to work, or dinner on the way home. Come in on Saturday 10:30 – 4:00 for a picnic to-go or party appetizers.
When you enter, expect to be greeted by a friendly employee and to peruse the many fresh options available. The store is packed with homemade soups, sandwiches and wraps, appetizers, salads, side dishes, entrees, casseroles, and mouth watering desserts. Dinner Specials featuring seasonal cuisine are offered every Tuesday – Thursday and change monthly. Don’t forget about corporate lunch options and party trays for your next event. Delivery is available for any size order.
Longstanding favorite homemade dishes that have helped make the A of E the success it is today include white bean chicken chili, beef stroganoff, and a full array of creative salads. But the menu has also expanded over the years to include a variety of dishes for those with dietary concerns. The A of E also offers low sodium meals, under 200 mg, lighter side meals, and gluten free options, all deliciously prepared.
Care Packages is a new program at the A of E, designed to make it easy for individuals to eat healthy meals. Put together your own Care Package by choosing five single serve casseroles from a menu of 20 options, plus two soups for only $40. Care Packages was originally developed for customers calling with concerns about their elderly parent’s eating habits, and this program is the answer. Because the entrees can be frozen, it allows anyone to have a stash of prepared, healthy and delicious options that can be ready in minutes.
Come celebrate the A of E’s 20 year anniversary October 20-24 with giveaways, food samplings, and half price dinner specials. And think pink!
For more information please call 314-963-9899. Visit www.theaofe.com.