Tucked inside the magical Italian restaurant Casa don Alfonso within The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis is the newly launched Casa Boutique. Offering handcrafted Italian pastries, espresso beverages and takeaway gifts, the new shop has desserts, savory sandwiches and seasonal specialties. Patrons can enjoy the shop's food and drinks on-site at the restaurant or pick them up from this convenient grab-and-go spot.
"We wanted to create a space that feels like home in Southern Italy," explains Mario Iaccarino, partner of Casa don Alfonso and Italian restaurateur of his family’s two Michelin-star restaurant, Don Alfonso 1890. "From the morning croissant to the afternoon espresso and evening pastry box to-go, the Casa Boutique offers guests a way to experience a day-in-the-life of our family's most cherished traditions."
This location at 100 Carondelet Plaza holds a special fondness with Mario since opening Casa Don Alfonso during March 2021. “After being introduced to The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis, I knew this city was the perfect place to open our first restaurant in the United States,” he recalls.
“Casa Boutique is designed to showcase the same level of craftsmanship that defines our restaurant, just now applied to pastry,” Mario says.
“Every cake, pastry and espresso is made with intention, rooted in Southern Italian technique and uncompromising quality. Our goal is for Casa Boutique to become one of St. Louis’ premier destinations for Italian pastry, whether you’re stopping for a morning espresso or selecting a cake for any occasion.”
In addition to daily pastry offerings, the Casa Boutique team introduced a Whole Cake Collection, featuring a rotating selection of handcrafted cakes designed for all occasions and gifting, available by pre-order with 72 hours’ notice.
Mario shares he long felt destined for the world of hospitality while growing up in Southern Italy along the Sorrento Coast. He says he spent many days at his family’s restaurant, Don Alfonso 1890, and around his grandmother Titina’s dinner table enjoying four generations of hard work and well-loved recipes. He followed his calling for hospitality, beginning his professional career in London and then France before continuing his studies at Geneva Hotel School.
“Don Alfonso 1890 is the ‘flagship’ location, but Casa Don Alfonso is the ‘home.’ We share the traditional recipes passed down in our family, and give guests a taste of the dishes that we grew up eating and creating special memories for us," he adds.
Casa Boutique Menu Details:
- Espresso Bar: The espresso bar anchors the boutique, serving classic Italian drinks such as double espresso, cappuccino, latte and mocha, each finished with an almond biscotti for a distinctly Italian touch.
- Breakfast and Savory Offerings: Morning and daytime options include freshly baked croissants, muffins, yogurt parfaits, chia pudding and savory items such as Tuna Croissant Sandwiches, Smoked Chicken Wraps, Roast Beef Sandwiches and a Sorrento Veggie Sandwich with grilled vegetables, mozzarella and lemon aioli.
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Pastries and Desserts: Guests can enjoy classic Italian pastries such as Tiramisù Classico, Neapolitan Cannoli, Pistachio Éclairs, Hazelnut Praline Tarts, Black Forest Cake and artisan chocolate bonbons in flavors like black currant balsamic, salted caramel, tiramisù and lemon.
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Neapolitan-Style Pizza (takeaway and casual dining): This curated selection includes Margherita, Parma Ham, ’Nduja from Calabria, Quattro Formaggi and the house Midnight Pizza with Neapolitan ragù and dried ricotta. All pizzas are made with organic sourdough proofed for 48 hours, staying true to Southern Italian tradition.
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Whole Cakes: This collection includes elegant, celebration-worthy cakes such as Cassata Siciliana, Pastiera Napoletana, Baba Napoletano al Rum, Berry Bliss, Golden Caramel Crunch and Marnier Elegance.
Casa Boutique is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays and Mondays, and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Breakfast is available from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by an all-day menu available from 10 a.m. to close.
"In my family, there's a story and a memory behind each dish,” Mario says. "We're delighted to share that experience with our guests."
314.719.1496
CasaDonAlfonsoStLouis.com