Where Randolfi's used to be in the Delmar Loop, there's a slightly bent paper sign taped to the door that reads Privado. Privado, which means private in Spanish, is the name of restaurant that recently opened. At this point, you're probably thinking, this cant be the location of a fine dining restaurant with a sign like that. But still, you open the door, pull back the black curtain and realize, this really is the place.
Mike Randolph said, "We're really trying to put our brand on fine dining and take the stuffiness out of it and have people come in here 2-3 hours with no idea what they're getting and put their faith in our hands."
Faith... because you're not presented with a written menu and the next 2 and a half to 3 hours, you'll be served course after course after course.
"It's more like 14 or 15 when its all said and done.
"You heard that right, up to 15 courses, small ones- per person.
"We try to dabble in the luxury ingredients as best we can. Caviar, lobster, truffles, uni all make an appearance. Squab, dry age beef," he said.
Mike Randolph also owns Half & Half and Publico but unlike the others, Privado is only open two nights a week, Friday and Saturday.
"I would say its the epitome of a passion project," he said.
Privado only seats 16 people each evening and you have to have a ticket to eat here. Those can be purchased online at $120 a person.
"Started at $100 and struggled and wanted another ounce of caviar for table," he said.
Privado is one of priciest restaurants in town,
"I think there may be another one thats a little bit more expensive," he said.
But it's also one of the hottest tickets in town. The restaurant is booked until March.
"Knock on wood, up to this point, we've been serving a full dining room," he said.
Privado
6665 Delmar Blvd.
privadostl.com
314.899.9221
Fri & Sat- 7 PM seating
Privado Bar seats- 7:30 PM-11 PM
