The address 48 Maryland Plaza—in the Central West End, the former home of Scape American Bistro—is one of the best parcels of restaurant real estate in the city. Add in the semi-private European courtyard tucked behind the building, and it might be the best.

In 2007, following a revitalization of Maryland Plaza, the Koplar family partnered with former St. Louisan and industry mogul Larry Levy of Levy Restaurants to open ~scape. The restaurant became the CWE’s fine-dining bistro, a door left ajar by the passing of legendary Balaban’s.