Chatillon Lux AMA, June 4th, 2017

Shawn, I was told that when I'm in St. Louis I must have BBQ at least once.  While I like BBQ, and know St. Louis is famous for it, who is doing it at the meet-up on Saturday?  Is it a St. Louis based company?  Also, is there anything, in the way of food, that St. Louis is noted for, besides BBQ, that you would recommend.  For example, just about everyone knows that Buffalo is known for its chicken wings, and I do like them.  However, when I go there to visit my friend he knows he has to take me to Charlie's, a little hole-in-the-wall type place known for Buffalo's other classic, Beef on Weck.  So, does STL have something besides BBQ that it is noted for?

If you're looking for good BBQ, then you came to the right place! In my day job, one of our clients is Q in the Lou, a BBQ festival that brings in some of the best pitmasters from across the country. Our two local representatives are Pappy's Smokehouse and Sugarfire Smokehouse, the latter of which will be at the meetup. The head of that restaurant is Mike Johnson, a classically trained chef who went to school in Paris and learned under Emeril Lagasse in New Orleans. We got to follow them around in Memphis in May's World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest where they competed in the whole hog category. It was super tasty. Mike opened a bunch of fancy restaurants, but decided he wanted to do BBQ because he said it's deceptively simple because there's such a science to it.

Sugarfire's website: http://www.sugarfiresmokehouse.com/
An interview with Mike: https://www.stlmag.com/Kitchen-Q-A-Mike-...oke-House/

Also, St. Louis has a bunch of weird food items. Brain sandwiches are not as popular as they used to be, but during the days where there many slaughterhouses, that was a popular dish. Some stuff for more regular taste buds:

St. Louis-style pizza (I'm eating some right now, in fact!): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis-style_pizza

Toasted ravioli (an STL staple): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toasted_ravioli

Bosnian food from the influx of refugees during the 90s. It's some tasty stuff. I like Grbic, personally: http://www.grbicrestaurant.com/

Italian food on The Hill, our Italian neighborhood where Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola grew up down the street from Jack Buck. I like Antonino's Taverna and Cunetto's, but Rigazzi's is probably the most popular spot. If it's lunch time, Gioia's hot salami is amazing and recently received national recognition and a lifetime achievement award from the James Beard Foundation. Adriana's is great if Gioia's is too busy or they aren't open that day (as small, family-owned places, the sometimes close up on weekdays for no reason, but the two shops coordinate so that they make sure at least one of them is open)

St. Paul sandwich: probably not a must-try, but I work close to the biggest concentration of Asian restaurants and it's a nice thing to grab for really cheap but tasty and filling lunch: http://www.feastmagazine.com/recipes/art...0f31a.html

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is one of the most St. Louisy of St. Louis food traditions: http://teddrewes.com/

Okay, now I'm hungry.  Thanks for the suggestions.

Shawn, as I've mentioned, Chatillon Lux has become my favorite alcohol aftershave splash, and I've got about 120 of them. After all, the splash is the best part of the shave! Part of the reason I like them (all eight) so much is the somewhat tacky face feel after applying. It feels nourishing, like face food. None of my other alcohol splashes have this feel, although Wm Neumann is better than the rest. My question is: Without disclosing trade secrets, how do you do it? Is it a lower concentration of water and alcohol than others?

My more important question is: You seem to enjoy live music--who is your favorite musical artist? What is your favorite radio station?

Thanks, Scott! I do like that some people like using it and getting the thicker face feel, while others leave the face damp and use it in a more diluted kind of way. I'm really glad you've been enjoying them, especially since you've tried so many! I think the splash is the best part, too, but obviously I'm biased.

I think the high concentration is a big part of it and partially the glycerin, as well.

Lastly, picking a favorite is so hard to do. It depends on the mood, plus I kind of go through phases. Some of my favorites throughout the years include:

- Pixies
- Russian Circles
- Aesop Rock
- The Appleseed Cast
- Black Sabbath
- Rolling Stones
- At the Drive-In


And, much like Rob in High Fidelity, I'm going to be so mad that I left something off this list.

Wow, I would've never pegged you as an Aesop Rock fan! That's awesome! We should've talked music at the Maggard meet. Any other underground hip hop stuff you like?

Shawn, as I've mentioned, Chatillon Lux has become my favorite alcohol aftershave splash, and I've got about 120 of them. After all, the splash is the best part of the shave! Part of the reason I like them (all eight) so much is the somewhat tacky face feel after applying. It feels nourishing, like face food. None of my other alcohol splashes have this feel, although Wm Neumann is better than the rest. My question is: Without disclosing trade secrets, how do you do it? Is it a lower concentration of water and alcohol than others?

My more important question is: You seem to enjoy live music--who is your favorite musical artist? What is your favorite radio station?

Thanks, Scott! I do like that some people like using it and getting the thicker face feel, while others leave the face damp and use it in a more diluted kind of way. I'm really glad you've been enjoying them, especially since you've tried so many! I think the splash is the best part, too, but obviously I'm biased.

I think the high concentration is a big part of it and partially the glycerin, as well.

Lastly, picking a favorite is so hard to do. It depends on the mood, plus I kind of go through phases. Some of my favorites throughout the years include:

- Pixies
- Russian Circles
- Aesop Rock
- The Appleseed Cast
- Black Sabbath
- Rolling Stones
- At the Drive-In


And, much like Rob in High Fidelity, I'm going to be so mad that I left something off this list.

Wow, I would've never pegged you as an Aesop Rock fan! That's awesome! We should've talked music at the Maggard meet. Any other underground hip hop stuff you like?

Nice! I liked a lot of that Definitive Jux stuff, especially Cannibal Ox and the solo C Rayz Walz stuff. Atmosphere and Sage Francis were also big in my rotation. I sometimes would get into cloudead when I wanted to get weird.

Lately, however, I've gotten behind on underground stuff and have been more of a classic hip hop kick. Beastie Boys (especially Paul's Boutique), NWA, Wu Tang Clan, Dead Prez, Eric B and Rahkim, Public Enemy, and Del have been on heavy rotation lately.


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what are some of your hobbies (non-shaving related!)?

where's your favorite place to go on vacation?

Lately I haven't had as much time to devote to these, but I'm trying to make an effort to get back into it:

- Live music
- Watching stand up comedy
- Playing racquetball
- I enjoy both real and fantasy baseball

I haven't done nearly as much traveling as I would like, but here are some of my favorite spots I've been to:

- Chicago (even though I'm supposed to hate it being from STL)
- NYC
- Paris
- San Francisco
- Denver
- Places where my ancestors emigrated from (County Tipperary, Ireland and Heidelberg, Germany)
- And the most obvious answer: I love a good staycation here in St. Louis.

Next month I am going down to Memphis. I have been there on business, but never had a chance to experience the city. I am beyond excited to hit up Sun Studios, the Soul Music Hall of Fame, and all the other cool stuff on Beale Street. And also, more grab some ribs at Memphis BBQ Company and fried chicken at Gus's (we have one in STL, but I hear it's way better in Memphis).

very cool. I also like live music and comedy shows myself.


I've been to NYC & Denver, never anywhere else on your list. I'm trying to get out to Chicago later this year. Any recommendations for a place to get a good burger and beer?

Shawn, I was told that when I'm in St. Louis I must have BBQ at least once.  While I like BBQ, and know St. Louis is famous for it, who is doing it at the meet-up on Saturday?  Is it a St. Louis based company?  Also, is there anything, in the way of food, that St. Louis is noted for, besides BBQ, that you would recommend.  For example, just about everyone knows that Buffalo is known for its chicken wings, and I do like them.  However, when I go there to visit my friend he knows he has to take me to Charlie's, a little hole-in-the-wall type place known for Buffalo's other classic, Beef on Weck.  So, does STL have something besides BBQ that it is noted for?

If you're looking for good BBQ, then you came to the right place! In my day job, one of our clients is Q in the Lou, a BBQ festival that brings in some of the best pitmasters from across the country. Our two local representatives are Pappy's Smokehouse and Sugarfire Smokehouse, the latter of which will be at the meetup. The head of that restaurant is Mike Johnson, a classically trained chef who went to school in Paris and learned under Emeril Lagasse in New Orleans. We got to follow them around in Memphis in May's World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest where they competed in the whole hog category. It was super tasty. Mike opened a bunch of fancy restaurants, but decided he wanted to do BBQ because he said it's deceptively simple because there's such a science to it.

Sugarfire's website: http://www.sugarfiresmokehouse.com/
An interview with Mike: https://www.stlmag.com/Kitchen-Q-A-Mike-...oke-House/

Also, St. Louis has a bunch of weird food items. Brain sandwiches are not as popular as they used to be, but during the days where there many slaughterhouses, that was a popular dish. Some stuff for more regular taste buds:

St. Louis-style pizza (I'm eating some right now, in fact!): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Louis-style_pizza

Toasted ravioli (an STL staple): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toasted_ravioli

Bosnian food from the influx of refugees during the 90s. It's some tasty stuff. I like Grbic, personally: http://www.grbicrestaurant.com/

Italian food on The Hill, our Italian neighborhood where Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola grew up down the street from Jack Buck. I like Antonino's Taverna and Cunetto's, but Rigazzi's is probably the most popular spot. If it's lunch time, Gioia's hot salami is amazing and recently received national recognition and a lifetime achievement award from the James Beard Foundation. Adriana's is great if Gioia's is too busy or they aren't open that day (as small, family-owned places, the sometimes close up on weekdays for no reason, but the two shops coordinate so that they make sure at least one of them is open)

St. Paul sandwich: probably not a must-try, but I work close to the biggest concentration of Asian restaurants and it's a nice thing to grab for really cheap but tasty and filling lunch: http://www.feastmagazine.com/recipes/art...0f31a.html

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is one of the most St. Louisy of St. Louis food traditions: http://teddrewes.com/

Although you don't need it, this sir gets the cobra stamp of approval. Great choices.

Wow, thanks Shawn. I now have my starting itinerary for my St. Louis visit.

Thanks, Scott! I do like that some people like using it and getting the thicker face feel, while others leave the face damp and use it in a more diluted kind of way. I'm really glad you've been enjoying them, especially since you've tried so many! I think the splash is the best part, too, but obviously I'm biased.

I think the high concentration is a big part of it and partially the glycerin, as well.

Lastly, picking a favorite is so hard to do. It depends on the mood, plus I kind of go through phases. Some of my favorites throughout the years include:

- Pixies
- Russian Circles
- Aesop Rock
- The Appleseed Cast
- Black Sabbath
- Rolling Stones
- At the Drive-In


And, much like Rob in High Fidelity, I'm going to be so mad that I left something off this list.

Wow, I would've never pegged you as an Aesop Rock fan! That's awesome! We should've talked music at the Maggard meet. Any other underground hip hop stuff you like?

Nice! I liked a lot of that Definitive Jux stuff, especially Cannibal Ox and the solo C Rayz Walz stuff. Atmosphere and Sage Francis were also big in my rotation. I sometimes would get into cloudead when I wanted to get weird.

Lately, however, I've gotten behind on underground stuff and have been more of a classic hip hop kick. Beastie Boys (especially Paul's Boutique), NWA, Wu Tang Clan, Dead Prez, Eric B and Rahkim, Public Enemy, and Del have been on heavy rotation lately.


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I'm currently in a Blood Orange and Shabazz Palaces groove on the hip hop side. And it's nice to see Chance the Rapper movin' on up.

very cool. I also like live music and comedy shows myself.


I've been to NYC & Denver, never anywhere else on your list. I'm trying to get out to Chicago later this year. Any recommendations for a place to get a good burger and beer?

Oh nice! I hope you have fun! Make sure to visit Q Brothers for a shaving mecca experience.

Also, forget the burger! You've got to have Italian beef and Chicago dogs!

One of my favorite Chicago Dog experience was at Devil Dawgs (http://devildawgs.com/) after seeing City of Caterpillar and Planes Mistaken for Stars playing a reunion show at Reggie's. We were staying close by in the Loop and were too jacked up on rock and roll adrenaline to go to bed, so we stopped in. It was a lot of fun and really good late-night chow.

As far as Italian beef goes, I've had and thoroughly enjoyed Al's, Luke's and Tony's, although I'm sure they're more touristy. But they were close by and we wanted to see the famous joints.

For beer, I had a blast at this beercade: http://emporiumchicago.com/media-gallery/logan-square/
I enjoyed this craft brewery (and the food is supposed to be good, too): https://revbrew.com/

Wow, thanks Shawn.  I now have my starting itinerary for my St. Louis visit.  

If you're coming to STL, count me in sir.

Thanks, Scott! I do like that some people like using it and getting the thicker face feel, while others leave the face damp and use it in a more diluted kind of way. I'm really glad you've been enjoying them, especially since you've tried so many! I think the splash is the best part, too, but obviously I'm biased.

I think the high concentration is a big part of it and partially the glycerin, as well.

Lastly, picking a favorite is so hard to do. It depends on the mood, plus I kind of go through phases. Some of my favorites throughout the years include:

- Pixies
- Russian Circles
- Aesop Rock
- The Appleseed Cast
- Black Sabbath
- Rolling Stones
- At the Drive-In


And, much like Rob in High Fidelity, I'm going to be so mad that I left something off this list.

Wow, I would've never pegged you as an Aesop Rock fan! That's awesome! We should've talked music at the Maggard meet. Any other underground hip hop stuff you like?

Nice! I liked a lot of that Definitive Jux stuff, especially Cannibal Ox and the solo C Rayz Walz stuff. Atmosphere and Sage Francis were also big in my rotation. I sometimes would get into cloudead when I wanted to get weird.

Lately, however, I've gotten behind on underground stuff and have been more of a classic hip hop kick. Beastie Boys (especially Paul's Boutique), NWA, Wu Tang Clan, Dead Prez, Eric B and Rahkim, Public Enemy, and Del have been on heavy rotation lately.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice! Good taste in music, bad taste in baseball teams!