The Fountain restaurant on Locust has long offered St. Louisans a chance to enjoy a hearty dinner, fancy cocktails, delicious ice cream, and the most decadent ice cream martinis money can buy in a retro cool art deco environment. Last summer, though, the business expanded into the Delmar Maker District, a short drive east of the U. City Loop and just around the corner from the Central West End. This second location, The Fountain on Delmar (5242 Delmar Blvd.), is an “express café” twist on the Fountain concept, offering a menu of soups and sandwiches in addition to the infamous ice cream, cocktails, and ice cream cocktails.
Expanding its purpose beyond just food and drinks, the Fountain on Delmar has also started hosting the Sunday Salon, a monthly series of intimate conversations with stars of the literary world held in conjunction with Subterranean Books, their neighbor right down the street (at 6271 Delmar Blvd.) and one of St. Louis’ preeminent independent bookstores. This month’s edition of the series—taking place on Sunday, April 13, from 6:00-9:00pm—features St. Louis’ own Ann Leckie, a sci-fi author whose debut novel, 2013’s Ancillary Justice, brought home the Hugo, Nebula, Arthur C. Clarke, and British Science Fiction Association awards. Leckie will be reading from her two most recent works: 2023’s Translation State, a side story from the same universe as Ancillary Justice; and last year’s Lake of Souls, a collection of Leckie’s short fiction works. Following the readings will be a Q&A led by Emmy-winning journalist Holly Edgell, plus a signing and meet and greet. The night will also include an exclusive signature cocktail called “The Void,” which the Fountain describes as “a bold, atmospheric drink inspired by Leckie’s immersive storytelling.”
The event is free. You can reserve your spot (seating is limited) as well as buy an advance copy of the books to have them signed using this link. Take a peak at the menu before you go at findmeatthefountain.com. | Jason Green
