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The Sauce - A St. Louis Restaurant Show
For over 25 years, Sauce Magazine has been the go-to guide for St. Louis’ best culinary experiences. Now, The Sauce podcast is back with a new host and a renewed mission: to take listeners behind the scenes with the incredible people shaping the local hospitality industry – from chefs and restaurateurs to brewers, bartenders, bakers and beyond.
Hosted by Sauce Magazine’s executive editor Lauren Healey, who has spent her career honing her writing, editing and photography skills at various media outlets in the Midwest, the show blends insider stories with inspiration on where to eat and drink right now. Since joining Sauce in 2018, Lauren’s passion for St. Louis’ culinary scene has only deepened, fueling her pride in calling the city home and her drive to help you discover your next great meal.
The Sauce - A St. Louis Restaurant Show
Alec Schingel – Robin Restaurant
On this week’s episode of The Sauce, host Lauren Healey is joined by Alec Schingel, executive chef and owner of Robin Restaurant in Maplewood.
Alec shares his journey from growing up in the Midwest to cooking in St. Louis, Charleston, Belgium, and New York, before returning home to open Robin. He talks about how European neighborhood restaurants, Midwest heritage, and intentional hospitality all shape the restaurant’s identity.
In this episode:
- Alec’s path through Vicia, Winslow’s Table, and pop-ups that led to opening Robin
- What “comfort fine dining” means and how Robin fits into its own category
- The story behind the mushroom hot dish and Midwest-inspired cooking
- How a visit from Eric Asimov and The New York Times changed everything overnight
- Why intentionality matters more than perfection in hospitality
- Building a restaurant designed to age well, not chase trends
Plus:
- European influences behind Robin’s four-course prix fixe format
- The meaning behind the restaurant’s name
- Favorite St. Louis spots Alec loves to eat and drink
🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.
📅 New episodes of The Sauce drop every Tuesday.
🌿 The Sauce is presented by Swade, with 11 Missouri locations, and LHM, which has several properties around St. Louis, including Union Station and Westport Plaza.