I wanted to drop a 'Recommended' list on here to get started on a good note. Plus now I can look back at this and see which restaurants I still need to write up and/or revisit for more inspiration. These places are sure to tickle your fancy:
Terrene
Sen Thai
Sekisui Pacific Rim
Bar Italia
Duff's
Bar Louie
Chi / Cha Yoon
Wasabi
Everest Cafe
Cafe Eau
Balaban's
Soulard Coffee Garden
Sage
Drunken Fish
Senor Pique
Vin de Set
Juniper Grill (probably most underrated)
Kitchen K
Finale
I Fratellini
Pho Grand
OR Smoothie
And if you want to see something straight out of Studio Walk at the MGM Grand, go to ~scape in the new section of Maryland Plaza. Bring your suit.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
I Fratellini is a Restaurant of Choice in St. Louis
I Fratellini is an intimate, upscale Italian restaurant in Clayton near the intersection of Hanley Rd and Wydown. It's a bit of a hidden gem, even among people that are hip on the restaurant scene in St. Louis.
I've been to I Fratellini 3 or 4 times this year and every time it has been phenomenal. On this occasion, we went down for my mom's birthday with a party of 4. The dining room is really small, meaning you better get reservations or you're going to wind up at the bar (done that) or being rushed out cause some bigwig is coming in at 8 (done that). But just get in there and get a seat cause the food is superb.
The menu offers up a nice mix of dishes you'd expect at a fine Italian restaurant and those that you're likely going to have to ask for clarification on. Antipasti options include a few versions of bruschetta, 4-5 distinct salads and some off the menu items that have always included a soup when I've visited. The soup last night was a tomato base oyster soup with various veggies and spices to accompany. Awesome. Honestly, if you ever go to I Fratellini, just order the soup without even asking. I can't remember all the combinations I've had this year but I always feel on top of the world after eating them. All these starter options run between $8 and 15, so not bad.
Entrees include a section of pasta and a section of fine meats. They do offer up more seafood options (in both sections) than you're likely to find at most St. Louis Italian spots, especially the ones on the Hill that chalk up a lot of beef and a lot of nothing else. There is a swordfish entree that comes with two swordfish steaks along with fennel and escalloped potatoes. Like most swordfish it's got a sweet lemony thing going on. The menu also features trout, a seafood linguine (scallops, shrimps, mussels, etc.), and a rotating fish option that comes baked with those finger potatoes and vegetables. Last night's was red snapper and that's what I opted for, served up in full form with the head and tail and all. While it was kind of tedious to pick through the bones, it was cooked to perfection.
You also can't go wrong with their veal chops, or, if they bring it back, the veal cannelloni. All the entrees range from $19 to upwards of $30 I believe. Simply put, it's a nice restaurant and you're going to spend about $50 a person.
I didn't get a chance to look at the wine list but I've had a littany of reds and they've all been top notch. Yes, I drink red wine with fish. I'm not 50, I'm 24. The wife usually goes for the pinot grigio / reisling, which are wines I care so little about I'm not even looking up the spelling. But they've got them. And they've got Hendrick's gin. Best f'n gin on the planet.
You will probably notice that when you walk in there is a Baskin Robbins-style freezer with gelato and ice cream at I Fratellini. So yes, the dessert menu is extensive as well. I'd recommend the blueberry dish. But it's probably impossible to go wrong.
For an intimate dinner in a high class setting, head on down to Wydown and see what the regular patrons probably wish you didn't know existed - I Fratellini. Oh and by the way, its owner also owns Zoe Pan-Asian on McPherson in the CWE. I went there a few weeks ago so I'll look to give my two cents on it in the coming days - also good.
I've been to I Fratellini 3 or 4 times this year and every time it has been phenomenal. On this occasion, we went down for my mom's birthday with a party of 4. The dining room is really small, meaning you better get reservations or you're going to wind up at the bar (done that) or being rushed out cause some bigwig is coming in at 8 (done that). But just get in there and get a seat cause the food is superb.
The menu offers up a nice mix of dishes you'd expect at a fine Italian restaurant and those that you're likely going to have to ask for clarification on. Antipasti options include a few versions of bruschetta, 4-5 distinct salads and some off the menu items that have always included a soup when I've visited. The soup last night was a tomato base oyster soup with various veggies and spices to accompany. Awesome. Honestly, if you ever go to I Fratellini, just order the soup without even asking. I can't remember all the combinations I've had this year but I always feel on top of the world after eating them. All these starter options run between $8 and 15, so not bad.
Entrees include a section of pasta and a section of fine meats. They do offer up more seafood options (in both sections) than you're likely to find at most St. Louis Italian spots, especially the ones on the Hill that chalk up a lot of beef and a lot of nothing else. There is a swordfish entree that comes with two swordfish steaks along with fennel and escalloped potatoes. Like most swordfish it's got a sweet lemony thing going on. The menu also features trout, a seafood linguine (scallops, shrimps, mussels, etc.), and a rotating fish option that comes baked with those finger potatoes and vegetables. Last night's was red snapper and that's what I opted for, served up in full form with the head and tail and all. While it was kind of tedious to pick through the bones, it was cooked to perfection.
You also can't go wrong with their veal chops, or, if they bring it back, the veal cannelloni. All the entrees range from $19 to upwards of $30 I believe. Simply put, it's a nice restaurant and you're going to spend about $50 a person.
I didn't get a chance to look at the wine list but I've had a littany of reds and they've all been top notch. Yes, I drink red wine with fish. I'm not 50, I'm 24. The wife usually goes for the pinot grigio / reisling, which are wines I care so little about I'm not even looking up the spelling. But they've got them. And they've got Hendrick's gin. Best f'n gin on the planet.
You will probably notice that when you walk in there is a Baskin Robbins-style freezer with gelato and ice cream at I Fratellini. So yes, the dessert menu is extensive as well. I'd recommend the blueberry dish. But it's probably impossible to go wrong.
For an intimate dinner in a high class setting, head on down to Wydown and see what the regular patrons probably wish you didn't know existed - I Fratellini. Oh and by the way, its owner also owns Zoe Pan-Asian on McPherson in the CWE. I went there a few weeks ago so I'll look to give my two cents on it in the coming days - also good.
Friday, September 28, 2007
September 28, 2007: Culver's is the Place to Eat in St. Louis for Today
Culver's - Multiple Locations around the St. Louis Area.
Remember to visit www.stlstuff.com for tons of other restaurants and bars.
Culver's is always packed. It is packed because it is good. Culver's is fairly new to St. Louis and they have made a big splash. If you like Steak n Shake hamburgers, then you will love Culver's. Culver's is a step up on taste, and quality. Culver's has a variety of foods. They have the usual burger, but they also have some different items such as the pot roast sandwich, which I had a bite of and it was excellent. Culver's is a fast food restaurant that serves better food than most sit down restaurants.
At Culver's I always order the Double Butter Burger with everything on it. And as a side I get the Cheese Curds. The Butter Burger is never a disappointment and one of the best burgers in St. Louis. Yes, I know it comes from a fast food restaurant, but if you have to give respect where respect is due, and if you have ever eaten a Butter Burger from Culver's you know what I am talking about. The Cheese Curds are little fried cheese balls that are very good as well. But, one thing Culver's severely lacks in the sauce department. The ranch is no good, the horseradish is no good, and the honey mustard looks like a goo. But, Culver's is so good that I don't need sauces.
Prices: About $6 for a ButterBurger, fries and a drink
Remember to visit www.stlstuff.com for tons of other restaurants and bars.
Culver's is always packed. It is packed because it is good. Culver's is fairly new to St. Louis and they have made a big splash. If you like Steak n Shake hamburgers, then you will love Culver's. Culver's is a step up on taste, and quality. Culver's has a variety of foods. They have the usual burger, but they also have some different items such as the pot roast sandwich, which I had a bite of and it was excellent. Culver's is a fast food restaurant that serves better food than most sit down restaurants.
At Culver's I always order the Double Butter Burger with everything on it. And as a side I get the Cheese Curds. The Butter Burger is never a disappointment and one of the best burgers in St. Louis. Yes, I know it comes from a fast food restaurant, but if you have to give respect where respect is due, and if you have ever eaten a Butter Burger from Culver's you know what I am talking about. The Cheese Curds are little fried cheese balls that are very good as well. But, one thing Culver's severely lacks in the sauce department. The ranch is no good, the horseradish is no good, and the honey mustard looks like a goo. But, Culver's is so good that I don't need sauces.
Prices: About $6 for a ButterBurger, fries and a drink
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Pickles Deli is a Restaurant of Choice in St. Louis
Pickles Deli is brand new deli and sandwich shop in the Central West End. It is located at 22 North Euclid Avenue, just across from the Park East Tower and the new Park East Lofts.
Already getting rave reviews on Sauce Magazine's site, I was excited to see Pickles going in on Euclid because the West End was in need of a non-commercial sandwich place. Seeing as I'm moving into the lofts across the street, the fiancee and I can came in with high hopes - and Pickles did not disappoint. One thing that can be tough to find in the Central West End is good, quick carry-out food. We were heading over the St. Louis Symphony's outdoor concert in Forest Park, so we needed picnic food. The time for Pickles had come.
While I was expecting a little more of a Subway setup, from the second you first walk in you can tell that Pickles only serves up the freshest of meats and cheeses. They have each of them still wrapped up and waiting to be sliced just like they do at real-deal delis and grocery stores. Very, very nice.
The menu has all of your typical sandwich options, from Corned Beef or Pastrami, to a Club sandwich and a Veggie offering. I went for the Club just to give an old favorite a try in a new place. You can choose your bread from about 6-7 options (which includes Pretzel bread), and you can choose a cheese - both at apparently no extra charge than the retail price of the sandwich. The price on the Club was $7.95 and most sandwiches are in the $6-8 range.
Of course there is the obligatory chip rack, which had a nice selection of Krunchers, Jays, Sun Chips as well as all the regulars. I got to talking to the owner and what was apparently the co-owner for a few minutes - friendly and down to Earth guys. They told me the cupcakes are made fresh by the owner's sister (they looked tasty). I got to telling them that I would be moving into the area in the near future and that I'd definitely stop by.
Once we got over to FoPo and got to dig in, I was happy at what I ended up with. It's a notch above any Subway sandwich (or the like) that you can find in town. Thumbs up.
Cheap, quick, fresh. That's Pickles. Right in a convenient spot in the CWE.
Already getting rave reviews on Sauce Magazine's site, I was excited to see Pickles going in on Euclid because the West End was in need of a non-commercial sandwich place. Seeing as I'm moving into the lofts across the street, the fiancee and I can came in with high hopes - and Pickles did not disappoint. One thing that can be tough to find in the Central West End is good, quick carry-out food. We were heading over the St. Louis Symphony's outdoor concert in Forest Park, so we needed picnic food. The time for Pickles had come.
While I was expecting a little more of a Subway setup, from the second you first walk in you can tell that Pickles only serves up the freshest of meats and cheeses. They have each of them still wrapped up and waiting to be sliced just like they do at real-deal delis and grocery stores. Very, very nice.
The menu has all of your typical sandwich options, from Corned Beef or Pastrami, to a Club sandwich and a Veggie offering. I went for the Club just to give an old favorite a try in a new place. You can choose your bread from about 6-7 options (which includes Pretzel bread), and you can choose a cheese - both at apparently no extra charge than the retail price of the sandwich. The price on the Club was $7.95 and most sandwiches are in the $6-8 range.
Of course there is the obligatory chip rack, which had a nice selection of Krunchers, Jays, Sun Chips as well as all the regulars. I got to talking to the owner and what was apparently the co-owner for a few minutes - friendly and down to Earth guys. They told me the cupcakes are made fresh by the owner's sister (they looked tasty). I got to telling them that I would be moving into the area in the near future and that I'd definitely stop by.
Once we got over to FoPo and got to dig in, I was happy at what I ended up with. It's a notch above any Subway sandwich (or the like) that you can find in town. Thumbs up.
Cheap, quick, fresh. That's Pickles. Right in a convenient spot in the CWE.
September 27, 2007: McAlister's Deli is the Restaurant of the Day in St. Louis
McAlister’s Deli has three locations around St. Louis. Find one.
I have written about McAlister's Deli before, but this time I ordered on of the spuds.
Last time I was at McAlister's, I noticed everyone ordering baked potatoes piled high with toppings and they looked really good. Get to McAlister's early because the place gets packed by about noon. There was a line all the way out the door, which is a good site to see, because this is a very good place to eat. McAlister's serves high quality food at a good price. It is hard to find a place that does this any more. They also have great service at McAlister's. They have workers walking around filling peoples drinks.
So, I had to order a spud, because they looked so good and they were huge. This is two pounds of potatoes and toppings. They had a variety of different toppings that went on the baked potato, such as, chicken, chili, cheese, ham, turkey, beef, and more. I ordered the chicken fajita spud, which is chicken, peppers, onions, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeno peppers. This thing was delicious. It filled me up for the rest of the day. I highly recommend ordering anything from McAlister's because it is a great place to eat.
Prices: About $6.50 for a huge potato and toppings.
I have written about McAlister's Deli before, but this time I ordered on of the spuds.
Last time I was at McAlister's, I noticed everyone ordering baked potatoes piled high with toppings and they looked really good. Get to McAlister's early because the place gets packed by about noon. There was a line all the way out the door, which is a good site to see, because this is a very good place to eat. McAlister's serves high quality food at a good price. It is hard to find a place that does this any more. They also have great service at McAlister's. They have workers walking around filling peoples drinks.
So, I had to order a spud, because they looked so good and they were huge. This is two pounds of potatoes and toppings. They had a variety of different toppings that went on the baked potato, such as, chicken, chili, cheese, ham, turkey, beef, and more. I ordered the chicken fajita spud, which is chicken, peppers, onions, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeno peppers. This thing was delicious. It filled me up for the rest of the day. I highly recommend ordering anything from McAlister's because it is a great place to eat.
Prices: About $6.50 for a huge potato and toppings.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
September 26, 2007: Chuck's Bar and Grill is the Restaurant of the Day
Chuck's Bar and Grill
1181 Colonnade Ctr
St Louis, MO 63131
Phone Number: (314) 984-0970
Chuck's Bar and Grill is a little place that serves big portions. Chucks is a small bar in a shopping plaza in Des Peres, Missouri. It is around Manchester and 270. Inside Chuck's there is a small little dining area with about 20 tables, and a bar. We went to lunch at 11:30 and by the time we left, the place was full of people. The portions of food were huge. I would look to see what everyone was ordering as the waitress would bring the food out of the kitchen, and every plate was piled high with food. Chuck's has the typical bar menu but the food is good.
I ordered the patty melt burger with a side of fries. The burger was served on marble rye bread, with swiss cheese, and covered with the patty melt sauce. The burger had a little spice to it and was very good. Chuck's serves crinkle fries like the ones at White Castle so that is a plus. The crinkle fries are the best. I don't know what it is about the crinkle fry, they always seem to taste better than any other fry. The person I was with ordered the turkey club and it was huge. It was probably 4 inches high, and looked very good. Go to Chuck's, and you will get a ton of food for your money.
Prices: About $6.50 for a burger and fries.
1181 Colonnade Ctr
St Louis, MO 63131
Phone Number: (314) 984-0970
Chuck's Bar and Grill is a little place that serves big portions. Chucks is a small bar in a shopping plaza in Des Peres, Missouri. It is around Manchester and 270. Inside Chuck's there is a small little dining area with about 20 tables, and a bar. We went to lunch at 11:30 and by the time we left, the place was full of people. The portions of food were huge. I would look to see what everyone was ordering as the waitress would bring the food out of the kitchen, and every plate was piled high with food. Chuck's has the typical bar menu but the food is good.
I ordered the patty melt burger with a side of fries. The burger was served on marble rye bread, with swiss cheese, and covered with the patty melt sauce. The burger had a little spice to it and was very good. Chuck's serves crinkle fries like the ones at White Castle so that is a plus. The crinkle fries are the best. I don't know what it is about the crinkle fry, they always seem to taste better than any other fry. The person I was with ordered the turkey club and it was huge. It was probably 4 inches high, and looked very good. Go to Chuck's, and you will get a ton of food for your money.
Prices: About $6.50 for a burger and fries.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
September 25, 2007: Bandana's Bar-B-Q is the Restaurant of the Day in St. Louis
Bandana's Bar-B-Q - Multiple Locations
Remember to visit www.stlstuff.com for more.
Bandana's is a Bar-B-Q place that makes their home in St. Louis, MO. Bandana's has quite a few locations, but I went to the one at the intersection of Lindbergh Blvd and Gravois. They try to make the inside of the place a more rustic setting so it gives that old western look. Bandana's is a very casual place and you could go in and have lunch or dinner, or call in an order and pick it up. Bandana's smokes all of their meats. On the menu they have beef, port, chicken, turkey, and more. They have lunch plates and dinner platters. With the lunch plate you get your choice of one type of meat and two sides. The dinner platter comes with a choice of two meats and two sides. Bandana's also had a variety of BBQ sandwiches if you were looking to go that direction.
I went to Bandana's Bar-B-Q for lunch and ordered the lunch plate and had pork as my meat, and my sides were fried corn, and potato salad. The fried corn was very good. It was corn on the cob that looked to be pan fried. The potato salad was nothing special, but it was still good. And the pork was very good. The pork was tender and juicy. Bandana's has a variety of bar-b-q sauces on the table for the meat and anything else you would like to dip. There is a flavor for everyone, because there are four different flavors: Sweet and Smokey, Hot, Original, and Spicy. The "Hot" BBQ sauce had some kick to it and was the best, in my opinion. Bandana's was overall good, but I think I make the best Bar-B-Q so no restaurant will ever be better than me at grillin.
Prices: About $6.95 for the lunch plate.
Remember to visit www.stlstuff.com for more.
Bandana's is a Bar-B-Q place that makes their home in St. Louis, MO. Bandana's has quite a few locations, but I went to the one at the intersection of Lindbergh Blvd and Gravois. They try to make the inside of the place a more rustic setting so it gives that old western look. Bandana's is a very casual place and you could go in and have lunch or dinner, or call in an order and pick it up. Bandana's smokes all of their meats. On the menu they have beef, port, chicken, turkey, and more. They have lunch plates and dinner platters. With the lunch plate you get your choice of one type of meat and two sides. The dinner platter comes with a choice of two meats and two sides. Bandana's also had a variety of BBQ sandwiches if you were looking to go that direction.
I went to Bandana's Bar-B-Q for lunch and ordered the lunch plate and had pork as my meat, and my sides were fried corn, and potato salad. The fried corn was very good. It was corn on the cob that looked to be pan fried. The potato salad was nothing special, but it was still good. And the pork was very good. The pork was tender and juicy. Bandana's has a variety of bar-b-q sauces on the table for the meat and anything else you would like to dip. There is a flavor for everyone, because there are four different flavors: Sweet and Smokey, Hot, Original, and Spicy. The "Hot" BBQ sauce had some kick to it and was the best, in my opinion. Bandana's was overall good, but I think I make the best Bar-B-Q so no restaurant will ever be better than me at grillin.
Prices: About $6.95 for the lunch plate.
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