Indulge in Eco-friendly Cuisine at Sassafras Café
Enjoy a Biophilic Experience at Missouri Botanical Gardens
Welcome to Ambassadeur Hotel, where sustainable dining is at the forefront of our culinary offerings. One of the highlights is our very own Sassafras Café, situated in the east wing of the stunning new Jack C Taylor Visitor Center. Designed with a commitment to LEED GOLD certification, our café incorporates cutting-edge sustainability features that enhance your dining experience.
Embracing Green Design and Technology
As you step into Sassafras Café, prepare to be immersed in a biophilic wonderland. The café showcases a plethora of eco-friendly elements, such as energy-efficient HVAC systems, state-of-the-art LED lighting, and Energy Star equipment. Natural light floods the space, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The parking lot itself is a testament to our commitment to the environment, featuring rain gardens and bioswales that effectively filter pollution and reduce stormwater runoff.
Sustainable Dining Practices
At Sassafras Café, sustainability extends beyond design. We are proud to serve our delectable dishes on reusable plates and flatware, minimizing waste. For those who prefer takeout, we utilize compostable containers, cutlery, and to-go cups for soft drinks and coffee. However, we highly encourage guests to bring their own reusable drink cups and cutlery, further reducing their ecological footprint.
Locally Sourced and Seasonal Delights
We take pride in supporting our local food system and economy. Sassafras Café partners with Catering St. Louis, our dedicated food service contractor, to supplement our menu with seasonal produce grown on their farm. From succulent heirloom tomatoes to vibrant radishes and fennel, these locally sourced ingredients add a fresh and flavorful touch to our dishes. We also collaborate with What Chefs Want, Marcoot Jersey Creamery, and Ozark Forest, supporting known and grown producers in our community.
A Haven for Vegetarians
Vegetarians will delight in the abundance of options available at Sassafras Café. Our chef designs daily menus and specials that showcase delicious and satisfying vegetarian dishes. Whether you’re a devoted herbivore or simply seeking a meatless alternative, our café has something to tantalize your taste buds.
Reducing Single-Use Waste
To further promote sustainable practices, Sassafras Café offers reusable water bottles and coffee mugs for purchase. We encourage our guests to steer clear of single-use disposables whenever possible. By opting for these eco-friendly alternatives, you play a crucial role in minimizing your personal environmental impact. Additionally, both guests and employees are encouraged to participate in single-stream recycling and food waste composting programs.
Stunning Biophilic Designs
Prepare to be captivated by the stunning biophilic designs at Sassafras Café. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking 50-foot-tall glass “lantern,” adorned with punctured aluminum screens that cast enchanting shadows resembling a ginkgo tree canopy. The terrazzo floor is a work of art in itself, featuring intricately inlaid river stones and hundreds of brass leaf outlines representing Missouri’s native trees. Cloud-shaped lighting fixtures, reminiscent of blooming roses, add a touch of elegance to the space. As you continue your journey, be sure to admire the magnificent carved tree bench, hewn from a Shumard Oak that gracefully fell in 2021. The same tree was also repurposed to create a communal table, showcasing the craftsmanship of David Stein and the Tao + Lee team.
Commitment to Sustainability
At Sassafras Café, sustainability is ingrained in our values. Our dedicated staff works in partnership with the EarthWays Center, the Garden’s esteemed sustainability division and a leading environmental education resource in St. Louis. Through initiatives like the St. Louis Green Business Challenge and the Green Living Festival, we actively contribute to the efforts of the Green Dining Alliance, further promoting sustainable practices in our community.
Easy Access to Sassafras Café
Getting to Sassafras Café is as eco-friendly as the experience itself. Hop on your bicycle, take a Metro bus, or recharge your electric vehicle as you savor a delightful breakfast or lunch accompanied by a local beer. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the captivating Missouri Botanical Garden, a true treasure of St. Louis.
Join us at Sassafras Café – the epitome of sustainable dining at Ambassadeur Hotel. Experience the perfect harmony between culinary delights, eco-consciousness, and the natural beauty of Missouri Botanical Gardens.
