Bob Mitchell and Adam Pashea
ST. LOUIS, MO (December 5, 2024) — Casa Don Alfonso [2] (100
Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, MO 63105), the elevated Southern Italian
eatery located in The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis [3], is proud to announce
the addition of two team members in their beverage program, Certified
Sommelier Adam Pashea and Mixologist Bob Mitchell. Opened in March of
2021, Casa Don Alfonso brings the recipes and traditions of the
acclaimed Iaccarino family, who have operated the famed Don Alfonso 1890
[4] in the heart of Sant’ Agata, Italy, for the past four generations,
to St. Louis. The menu honors the culinary heritage of the Campania
region with seasonal ingredients that closely resemble the produce
harvested at the Iaccarino family’s farm. With a distinguished
background in hospitality and more than 15 years of industry leadership
experience, Pashea is set to elevate and expand the restaurant’s wine
program and Mitchell to continue growing their inventive, elevated
cocktail offerings.
“We are thrilled to welcome Adam Pashea and Bob Mitchell to the Casa Don
Alfonso family,” said General Manager Greg Gerber. “Adam’s deep
expertise in wine and hospitality will be instrumental as we continue to
refine our offerings and provide guests with unforgettable hospitality
moments. Bob’s extensive experience behind the bar and in high-end
beverages will ensure guests enjoy just as
thoughtfully crafted cocktails as our food.”
Casa Don Alfonso’s wine program was awarded the Wine Spectator “Best
of Award of Excellence” in 2023 and 2024; it is a thoughtfully curated
collection that showcases the best of Italian and California wines while
also embracing exceptional offerings from renowned regions like France
and Spain, as well as unique selections from Cascadia, South America,
and the Mediterranean. Pashea, a native of St. Louis, brings a wealth of
knowledge and passion for wine and fine dining to Casa Don Alfonso. His
journey in the hospitality industry began with the founding of Erato
Wine Bar in Edwardsville, IL, which quickly became known for its
boutique wine selection and expertly crafted cocktails. His success with
Erato led to the opening of a second location in the vibrant Tower Grove
Heights neighborhood on South Grand, further cementing his reputation as
a leader in the local wine scene. Pasha’s career includes notable roles
as Beverage and Front-of-House Manager at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in
Chesterfield, General Manager at Louie’s Wine Dive [5] and Robust Wine
Bar [6], and Assistant Food & Beverage Manager at the Hyatt Regency St.
Louis at the Arch [7]. He holds both a BBA in Business and an MA in
Communication from Saint Louis University, where he honed his skills in
both business strategy and communication.
“I am excited to join Casa Don Alfonso and to lead a wine program that
complements the restaurant’s authentic Southern Italian cuisine,” said
Pashea. “I look forward to bringing my passion for wine and commitment
to hospitality to create a curated wine experience that delights our
guests.”
Mitchell has a vast background in the hospitality industry, with 15
years of bar experience in establishments, including Four Seasons St.
Louis [8] and Four Seasons Westlake Village [9] as a lead bartender,
Loews Hotel [10] as a co-lead bartender, and Blood and Sand [11] as a
bar manager. Many different sectors of the industry have made an impact
on Bob, including opening Dos Salas nightclub, exploring high-end
tequila at Diablitos, and mixing beverages in craft cocktail bars. His
leadership in the industry is only topped by his dedication to the craft
of the cocktail.
“Cocktails became my greatest passion through 15 years of working
behind the bar,” Mitchell shares. “Every drink tells a story, and
I’ve always been inspired by the opportunity to create memorable
experiences for people through the art of cocktail making. Casa Don
Alfonso is the perfect place to continue that journey, where I can push
the boundaries of creativity while staying true to the craft.”
Casa Don Alfonso is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, with
a specialty Sunday Brunch each weekend, and dinner service is available
Tuesdays through Saturdays. Reservations can be made via OpenTable [12]
or by calling (314) 719-1496.
