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Thank you, Dan.

2/17/2025

3 Comments

 
Dear friends,

I always talk about how important people are in this business. The 20 or so people who work with me day in and day out are my second family. It is with a heavy heart to share that Dan Helle, one of our “people”, passed away this weekend.

Dan was more than just a line cook in our kitchen, he was a friend, a teammate, and a part of our family. He had character and was a friend to anyone he encountered. Dan’s presence radiated kindness and energy and kept everyone’s spirits up in our busy kitchen. His willingness to lend a hand made him an irreplaceable part of our team, and we were lucky to have him with us.

Dan had a knack for tinkering and finding solutions, especially with his beloved scooter! Solving problems was Dan's way of making a difference. It’s a beautiful reminder that being kind and generous is a great way to navigate life.

To honor Dan’s legacy, Big Sky Café will be closed on Tuesday, February 18th to give our staff time to process and grieve our friend.

Rest in peace, Dan. You will be missed, but never forgotten,
Chef Dom
3 Comments

Happy Holidays!

12/23/2024

 
Looking back as the year closes, I find myself thinking about the same things I think about every year: people. 

There are feelings of gratitude for those who offer their support regularly. Some are unsung heroes, some are a little more obvious.  

Our regular guests truly are considered friends. Just recently, I was talking with an important person to me (and most likely a familiar face to you) about guests we have not seen in a while. And then, just a few days ago, they came for a visit. The way we were so excited to see them sticks with me.

Many of our guests feel the same way about being friends. There is a gentleman who joins us often and considers himself a bit of a challenging guest, but he goes out of his way to make sure the entire staff has some extra happy for their Holiday.  Or when another regular guest hosted a birthday party, and many members of the party were people you would see here any other day.

The people that are Big Sky Cafe are, of course, particularly dear to me. Some of us have been together for quite some time, and I consider family. Some are completely behind the scenes, and some you get to see on any given day visiting the restaurant.  

It's always been about the people. Thank you for being some of those people.  
​
Wishing you peace and happiness this holiday season,

Dominic Weiss and the people of Big Sky Cafe

It's all about the "we" as we move into year 3!

1/5/2024

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As I begin my third year as owner, many things come to mind about the last twelve months.  
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This last year has had some wonderful new additions to the family and a few wonderful people who have moved on to their next adventures. It is always a tough departure when people move on and it never seems to be easy to say goodbye with plenty of heartfelt words and tears all around. That says something about being a part of the Big Sky Café family, especially in an industry that is notorious for turnover! We miss and have only the best wishes for Emma, Mari, Tyler, Skylar, Melissa, Lize, and Shannon for their new endeavors. In turn, our new faces bring new energy and inspiration to help us continue to grow. It has been a pleasure to welcome Amber, Cosi, Remi, Bill, and Victoria into our fold this year. And we are happy to welcome Dan back to the culinary team. 
As with new crew members, new guests come with the excitement of the chance to kindle long-lasting relationships into the future. As exciting as new can be, there is nothing like the comfort of familiar faces. Many of us have been together at Big Sky Café for more than five years and several for more than ten years. For us, our regular guests are truly more like friends than customers. We are so thankful for the continued support, kindness, praise, and gestures of warmth offered by our frequent flyers. Big Sky Café is the culmination of everyone involved, crew members and guests. It's a “We Thing”. 
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This culmination includes people who are written into our history. Many of us, especially my family, will not be able to consider this year without one of the biggest losses I’ve known, Joyce DeNeal. Joyce was truly the Mistress of Celebrations, as her business card stated. Through time, she has touched, taught, and influenced so many people who have been part of Big Sky Café and will always be such an important part of our legacy. I was fortunate enough to know her as my mother-in-law and my dear friend, whom I miss terribly. Thank you for everything, Joyce. We miss you THIS much!

Dominic Weiss, Owner & Executive Chef

Wondering about the watercolor?

When Chef Dom purchased Big Sky Cafe in 2022, a close family member commissioned local artist Marilynne Bradley to do his portrait.

Want to know the coolest part? Not only is Marilynne a regular guest at Big Sky Cafe and active in the Webster Groves art scene, but she was one of Dominic's favorite high school teachers too!
LEARN MORE ABOUT MARILYNNE
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2 Comments

What a difference a David makes.

10/5/2023

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​The man behind the curtain.

​I’d like you to know about David Ericson. I mean, his name IS on the menu. David is the Sous Chef here at Big Sky Cafe, tons of help for me, and a friend to everyone. Now and again I am asked by customers, “If you’re talking to me, who’s is cooking?”. My answer is nearly always, “I have a great team back there!” That team is regularly led by David.
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I first met David more than 10 years ago when he started at Big Sky Cafe as a Dishwasher. He was young and hardworking but after a period of time, David moved on to be part of some other operations. Some years later he contacted me with interest in returning to our fold. There was very little question in my mind, of course! Upon his return, David returned as a Line Cook and quickly showed that he had developed a focus and passion for the craft. He also came back
with a beard...

Side note: while he continued to be one of the pillars here at Big Sky Cafe, David also accented to the crew at Remy’s Kitchen & Wine Bar where he showed his adaptability and interest in learning new things. He still mentions how much fun he had working at Remy's!
David was a natural take on the Sous Chef role. He has an aptitude for consistency and execution. He continues to look for ways to improve efficiency and ensure our dishes are everything you expect them to be.

​If you peek behind the curtain, you will see David is a big part of who we are here at Big Sky Cafe. He endeavors to please as he leads the crew by example, is always excited about new things, and is a great role model!

Chef Dom
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Year 1 is done. Hello year 2!

2/1/2023

2 Comments

 
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​I have been asked many times “How does it feel now that you are the owner?” or “Oh! you’re the new owner.” This is funny because Big Sky Cafe and I have such a history together that the description of new, though very true, doesn’t feel like it fits. I will sometimes reply “yes I am, but I am also the old chef”.


As the "new owner" the biggest difference is that Tim isn’t here every day to discuss the day-to-day operations. We remain close and talk often, but in less detail, than we once did. This is as it should be. Tim is writing his next chapter and Big Sky Cafe & I are working on continuing our story. 
As we always endeavor to evolve and remain relevant, we have no plans to reinvent our wheel. Big Sky Cafe continues to support local producers and focus on natural and sustainably raised products to bring you creative wholesome dishes. We're here to enjoy what we do, earn some money doing it, and make a contribution to our community. The only major change has been with the landlord. The new owners of the building intend to continue operations as they have been for many years and Big Sky Cafe will remain an independent restaurant in the same building.

Year #1 for this "new owner" has been a good one! Everyone appears to be settling into a new normal after the previous years’ uncertainty. I am very thankful for the continued support of our long-time friends, meeting new friends, and for the terrific team of people who work here.

Thank you for helping to continue the story that is Big Sky Cafe,
Dominic Weiss, the “new owner”
2 Comments

Five Star Certification

10/1/2022

 
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READ MORE ABOUT OUR MISSION
As a recertified five-star member of the Green Dining Alliance since 2018 in the areas of water conservation, awareness an2018d education, energy conservation, recycling & waste reduction, and sourcing, we don't just talk the talk.

​We do it by:


  • recycle all glass, paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, wine corks, vegetable oils, light bulbs, and batteries
  • preparing all curbside orders in recyclable containers and only offering utensils upon request
  • compost all organic waste
  • re-use wine bottles to serve water to guests upon request
  • depend on local farmers to source seasonable and sustainable products such as meat and produce
  • source sustainable seafood using the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch App
  • purchase renewable energy through Pure Power Ameren
  • serve straws upon request (and provide compostable straws for those who would like one)
  • re-purpose materials to use in decorating


For us, it IS easy being green.

Chef Dom is taking up the reins.

1/14/2022

 
It is a new year and a new Big Sky Cafe indeed! The beginning of a new year can bring a time of reflection and it certainly does for me this year.
​

You may have heard that Tim has allowed me the opportunity to continue on with one of the Greatest Restaurants I’ve ever known. This change is bitter-sweet for me. It is, of course, exciting and a little scary (in a good way), but it also marks a big personal change. 
As Tim mentioned, Big Sky Cafe and all of the restaurants led by Tim have been an enormous part of my career and life. It goes to follow that Tim has also been a big part of my world. He has been many things to me over several decades. He has been a boss, mentor, a sounding board (both professional and personal), in some cases a guinea pig, but most of all Tim has been and will continue to be my friend. I am going to miss working closely with him on regular basis.  
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Going forward, those original goals stand strong. We endeavor to make a little money to allow us to continue in our efforts to enjoy our work with each other and our guests while we offer something significant to our community. Big Sky Cafe will develop and stay relevant as we move into the future just as we have in the past. I am extremely proud of what we are. The plans for tomorrow are for us to make new friends and keep the friends we have now happy to come back and see us.

Thank you to our guests for all of your support
through thick and thin, and thank you to all of the terrific people I work with for being part of this great team. Most of all, thank you, Tim, for the lessons, much of my experience, and this opportunity.

Dominic Weiss
​ Big Sky Cafe
Owner & Chef

A new year, a new Big Sky Cafe

1/11/2022

 
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great holiday. I was able to take a little extra time for my family to come together in Colorado, where my oldest daughter Montana lives, the namesake for this restaurant. Montana is the Big Sky state after all.
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The changing of the guard: Tim Mallett and new owner Dominic Weiss
After almost 30 years at Big Sky Cafe, I’m sending you this message to inform you that Dominic Weiss has purchased this great restaurant. Many of you know Dominic as the chef, general manager, and more recently, the defender of Big Sky Cafe from the challenges of the last couple of years.  

Many of you may not know that Dominic was here at Big Sky Cafe since the very first few weeks of opening. He has worked in management positions at all of my restaurants, but more importantly, he has managed and directed Big Sky Cafe through without question, the toughest last two years of its existence. There is no better man to carry on Big Sky Cafe's tradition and no one who cares more for the staff and the customers they serve. As Big Sky Cafe evolves and moves forward, Dominic will meet more of you, canvas for your ideas, and work to deliver the dependable quality hospitality experience that you know and love. 
I have worked in the restaurant business for 45 years and had my own restaurants since 1988 when Blue Water Grill opened on Hampton Avenue. We’ve always tried to make a little money (so we could stay in business), enjoy our work (we spend a lot of time with each other), and make a contribution that we could be proud of to St Louis and the hospitality industry here.

As for me, I’ll still be dropping by for a meal from time to time. I love the menu that is always evolving at Big Sky Cafe. There’s a dedicated group of professionals working there that I’ve grown very fond of. I’m gonna miss seeing them if I don’t visit. 

Beyond that, there are gardens to tend to and places to see. Maybe we’ll talk about it when I see you at Big Sky Cafe.

Thank you. Our customers have been the most interesting and generous people I've known over the years. And I promise you, I have never taken that for granted.
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Matchmaker, matchmaker, make us a match!

9/16/2021

0 Comments

 
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It's a "we" thing.

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APPLY NOW!
Many times when I’ve been complimented about an experience at Big Sky I have responded with “It’s a we thing, we have a lot of great people.”

I’ve been caught polishing glasses at the bar and asked, “Aren’t you the chef?”My answer is, “Sure, but it's a we thing, we all work together”.

The most important part of any restaurant is its team of people. No matter how creative or talented a chef can be, they can’t run a kitchen without a crew. The most welcoming manager a the door can't take care of a dining room without a knowledgeable team of servers. And no one can make a move without someone in a dish pit making sure all the materials are clean, sanitized, and ready to go. Each person has their role to play, but we have learned long ago that no matter how terrific any one person can be at what they do, it makes little difference without the rest of the team.

Instead of telling you my feelings about beets or divulging a story about me burning (and ruining) my mother’s cookware in the backyard as a kid, I am sharing this because we are looking to add people to our team.
It’s hard to miss the news about the difficulties of finding people lately. We have a terrific core group of people with tons of experience to share with someone new. We have opportunities in both the front and back of the house. Maybe you know someone looking to join our team like ours? Help us make a match!
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From Earth Day to Birthday

4/22/2021

 
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We're celebrating Earth Day and our 29th birthday
​by turning "Wine Into Water" and helping others.


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Just purchase a designated bottle of sustainable wine in the restaurant or for curbside service, and we will donate 29% to our adopted cause, charity:water.

Not interested in buying a bottle? You can drop your spare change in the wine bottle by our front door or donate directly to the cause here. For all donations made (wine or direct), we match them by 20%! 

Since 2009, Big Sky Cafe has been committed to the cause by raising enough money to help over 550 people in need. Previous "Wine Into Water" events have gone directly to fund water projects in Uganda and Mali and we can't wait to see who we will help this time!

It only takes $40 to supply clean water for one person's lifetime. And all you have to do is drink wine to do good.
MAKE A RESERVATION
DONATE DIRECTLY HERE
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