Half & Half (8135 Maryland Avenue, Clayton; 314-725-0719)
The concept behind Half & Half is simple: Treat breakfast -- the most important meal of the day, after all -- in the same manner that a contemporary bistro does dinner. The result of this effort is nothing short of decadent. Breakfast sweets such as pancakes and French toast are elegantly infused with fresh berries and mascarpone cheese. The classic dish of steak and eggs features juicy hanger steak, and sunny-side up eggs are paired with chicken livers and caper aioli. Half & Half manages to balance a high-end sophistication with traditional breakfast comfort. Expect refined versions of the classics, but do not expect run-of-the-mill coffee. Half & Half takes its beans seriously, offering single-sourced varietals prepared by hand with the precision and care of an artisan.
