The Mildred is Coming Next Week to Bella Vista

Chef Michael Santoro's long-in-coming restaurant, The Mildred, is opening for business next Wednesday night, September 12. Taking over the space that once housed cult-favorite James, Santoro and co-owner Michael Dorris are ready to convince the fans of chef Jim Burke's ex-restaurant that they're a worthy replacement.

"You know, we are excited to show people that we have a ton of respect for what Jim Burke was doing here, and are ready to give it our own spin," Santoro told Eater. "We've kept the skeleton the same but with a new life around it. You'll still recognize the bar from the James days, but the energy is different. We were meticulous with the design, and think it really shows."

The restaurant boasts 90 seats, including outdoor seating along the sidewalk on 8th Street. The menu of The Mildred is filled with classic dishes that have been given a British spin, some French influence, and the promise of being affordable. "We are determined to be a part of the neighborhood, and that means making the place approachable," said Santoro.

Some of the dinner menu items include hand spun taglioni with cockles, bacon and beer; Sheep's Milk Ricotta Gnudi with crispy kale, parmesan crème and mushroom sauce; bratwurst with charred onions, grapes and lovage; and braised cod wrapped in swiss chard with melted leeks and crispy veal.

Santoro is also offering a bar-only menu that features house-made ricotta with honey and pistachio; sardines on toast with "peppers and onions;" suckling pig croquettes with fig puree; and The Mildred pot pie which is stuffed with escargot.

For you adventurous eaters, Santoro is doing a seasonal tasting menu that is only available at his 8-seat chef's table with a menu that will change almost daily.

· All Coverage of The Mildred [~EPHI~]