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

www.robinrestaurant.com

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🌿 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.