Alec Schingel – Robin Restaurant

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 RobinWhat “comfort fine dining” means and how Robin fits into its own categoryThe story behind the mushroom hot dish and Midwest-inspired cookingHow a visit from Eric Asimov and The New York Times changed everything overnightWhy intentionality matters more than perfection in hospitalityBuilding a restaurant designed to age well, not chase trendsPlus:European influences behind Robin’s four-course prix fixe formatThe meaning behind the restaurant’s nameFavorite St. Louis spots Alec loves to eat and drinkwww.robinrestaurant.com🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms. 📅 New episodes of The Sauce drop every Tuesday.🌿 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.