Hometown hits: Best of St. Louis
Best Overall
Tucked away on a sleepy street across from Anheuser-Busch's enormous brewery, this is the low-key vibe kind of place that, if you know, you know. With a hint of Cajun influence, but a multi-cultural and constantly-changing influence on their daily menu, you can hardly go wrong. But bring that business meeting here and try not to miss th
Tucked away on a sleepy street across from Anheuser-Busch's enormous brewery, this is the low-key vibe kind of place that, if you know, you know. With a hint of Cajun influence, but a multi-cultural and constantly-changing influence on their daily menu, you can hardly go wrong. But bring that business meeting here and try not to miss the BBQ Shrimp appetizer; or the house-made, slightly-spicy but ultimately delicious Cioppino; or the indulgent (and award winning) Creme Brulee. Here is a place you can have a go-to dish, or choose to explore the daily specials. Or sample the craft cocktails. It's all good, and one of the best (and under-rated) in St.Louis.
Best Fried Chicken
St. Louisans boast about a south city place called Hodacks for elevating fried chicken. But the real winner is in an unlikely place - a casual out-of-place Mexican place called Amigo Joe's. Joe's has the best fried chicken in the city: expertly spiced and crunchy on the outside; juicy and delicious on the inside. You can get it two wa
St. Louisans boast about a south city place called Hodacks for elevating fried chicken. But the real winner is in an unlikely place - a casual out-of-place Mexican place called Amigo Joe's. Joe's has the best fried chicken in the city: expertly spiced and crunchy on the outside; juicy and delicious on the inside. You can get it two ways: regular or Habenero style; and you can get typical american sides (green beans & mashed potatoes) or mexican (tortillas, rice and beans). Sometimes the greatest surprises come from the most unexpected places. Try this.
Best Italian
Best Italian
St. Louis has an "Italian area" of the city called "the Hill" and it's chock-full of restaurants all claiming to be traditional Italian fare. Most of these locations are under-whelming: Americanized versions of traditional pasta dishes buried in sauces and sugar that mask any sense of tradition. Closest to the real thing is Guido's, a
St. Louis has an "Italian area" of the city called "the Hill" and it's chock-full of restaurants all claiming to be traditional Italian fare. Most of these locations are under-whelming: Americanized versions of traditional pasta dishes buried in sauces and sugar that mask any sense of tradition. Closest to the real thing is Guido's, a corner place on the edges of "the Hill" that mixes Italian and Spanish tapas with some real success. Their pasta menu is a real Italian less-is-more approach, which features fewer ingredients and more concentration of flavors. And it's a huge, diverse menu that will take at least a few visits to explore fully. Have fun.
Best Mexican
There is no clear answer to this one. St. Louis enjoys a large and active Mexican restaurant scene, so let's break this one down in parts.
1. Best Salsa - hands down, the Soulard neighborhood's CHAVAS takes home the gold here. It's chunky, with a deep, smoky flavor.
2. Best Street Tacos - it's a close race here, but give PRADINOS on
There is no clear answer to this one. St. Louis enjoys a large and active Mexican restaurant scene, so let's break this one down in parts.
1. Best Salsa - hands down, the Soulard neighborhood's CHAVAS takes home the gold here. It's chunky, with a deep, smoky flavor.
2. Best Street Tacos - it's a close race here, but give PRADINOS on South Grand a look here. Their street tacos are fresh and flavorful.
3. Best Upscale/Unusual Mexican - the buzzy Benton Park ARZOLAS gets it; and gets our vote for a great patio (heated in colder weather), too.
4. Best Local Chain - EL MAGUEY has several locations and each are consistently good.
Best Pan-Asiatic
The city has an abundance of unusual Asian eateries; and here are a couple of favorites:
EVEREST is a Nepalese restaurant in the heart of The Grove neighborhood; and you can hardly make a bad choice from their savory, delicious menu. On Kingshighway, HIMALYAN YETI offers up a sumptuous daily buffet with Indian and Nepalese favorites.
The city has an abundance of unusual Asian eateries; and here are a couple of favorites:
EVEREST is a Nepalese restaurant in the heart of The Grove neighborhood; and you can hardly make a bad choice from their savory, delicious menu. On Kingshighway, HIMALYAN YETI offers up a sumptuous daily buffet with Indian and Nepalese favorites. Also in The Grove, the Thai-inspired CHAO BAAN is fresh and delicious. Try the Beef Nam Tok, a main plate salad, for something different. For Vietnamese cuisine, look no further than Richmond Heights MAI LEE, for an expansive menu of fresh and delicious entries. But head back to the city and down South Grand to GRAND BISTRO (formerly PHO GRAND) for -hands down- the best Spring Rolls in town.
Best Greek Food
Best Greek Food
Decades after the Central West End's mainstay MAJESTIC DINER closed, St. Louisans still wax poetic about their no-frills food while they search for another Greek outlet. Many have settled on the OLYMPIA KEBOB HOUSE & TAVERNA for it's Greek menu, along with American favorites (like great burgers). It's casual atmosphere, frequently punct
Decades after the Central West End's mainstay MAJESTIC DINER closed, St. Louisans still wax poetic about their no-frills food while they search for another Greek outlet. Many have settled on the OLYMPIA KEBOB HOUSE & TAVERNA for it's Greek menu, along with American favorites (like great burgers). It's casual atmosphere, frequently punctuated with servers setting cheese afire in the dining room is a great place to meet and mingle. There is also Ari's, in the South-Hampton neighborhood that attracts a weekend brunch buffet. And finally, head to "the Hill" neighborhood for ANTHONINO'S TAVERNA, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu that includes Greek food as well as a sprinkling of Italian dishes.
EXPLORER GLORIA ON FINDING THE LOST KITCHEN
Nestled in the tiny town of Freedom Maine is one of the most sought-after dining experiences in the world.
The Lost Kitchen, founded by Chef Erin French, is everything I thought it would be. While I was only able to experience a dessert and a drink on the day of the farmers market, I met Erin, walked the grounds of the “Old Mill” she has transformed into this magical place. The blueberry tart (pictured) and elderberry lemonade did not disappoint. Known for placing edible flowers on her dishes and drinks, it was the perfect touch. Creamy and fresh was only made better by the fact that Erin herself served it to me.
Erin is currently traveling on a book tour with her third book. I recommend watching her fabulous show, The Lost Kitchen, with three seasons of amazing cooking, telling her life story and sharing breathtaking scenery in the state of Maine.
Check out the website The Lost Kitchen (findthelostkitchen.com) and how you can send in a post card to be selected for one of her dining experiences.
The Lost Kitchen is a wonderful place that deserves to be found! Seek it out.
more from the lost kitchen
Explorer Gloria with Lost Kitchen owner Erin French.
Beautiful Maine
The Farmers Market at Lost Kitchen.
Mini waterfall - Maine!
EXPLORER THOMAS ON EATING KANGAROO & HAVING THAI NEXT TO A GAY SAUNA
Explorer Thomas recommends trying something different when exploring foods in different regions of the country, or different countries. "One of my most unusual meal experiences was in Madrid, where I noticed on a menu that a restaurant had kangaroo steak. I'm relatively adventurous, so I tried it: a little gamey but not altogether awful. And I know it sounds relatively plain, but I have experimented a lot on cruises, given the availability of different choices that you can sample off the menu - for example, I sampled escargot on cruises, which it turns out, I love. When we were in Greece, we discovered baked feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough and drizzled with honey & sesame seeds...which immediately became an appetizer go-to when we got back home. When I think about specific restaurants, two come to mind: the class Cajun restaurant in New Orleans called The Gumbo Shop is plain and delicious. And yes, you should order the gumbo there ... it's just the right amount of spice and savory. The other is a Thai restaurant in Las Vegas called Lotus of Siam. It explodes with smell and flavors, and is delicious. And, even with a galaxy of stars autographed photos lining it's walls, Lotus of Siam isn't fancy - in fact, one of their locations was in a strip mall next to a gay sauna. There was also a wonderful experience in Athens where we discovered a family-owned restaurant that served 16 small dishes that the whole table got to share, and that was also amazing. My biggest recommendation is to take the opportunity of discovering new delights in new places! You just never know."
EXPLORER DOUG & THE GLORY OF THE EUROPEAN BREAKFAST
Explorer Doug is a sometimes finicky eater, but has taken to at least trying “one bite” of something new everywhere he goes. He says, “my favorite travel food experience is a European breakfast. Any European country – France, Spain, Great Britain, Prague, etc – brings with it a promise of a European breakfast. Nothing is better than waking up in a unique hotel, sipping on fresh-pressed coffee. You can always count on fresh baked bread, preferably croissants, jams & jellies, and my particular favorite, a hard-boiled egg. As one of the earlier risers of our group of traveling friends, I can always enjoy some peace and solitude to contemplate the days events. If I think about a particular restaurant, it’s a challenge. For us, we try to seek out local, authentic and accessibly-priced food. I would rather eat like a local than partake in a fine-dining experience. So you can throw into that category any number of restaurants in Italy, sea-side cafes in Greece or an outdoor café La Rambla in Barcelona.”
DEstination dinner: the quay - sydney, australia
Often touted as one of the best restaurants in the world, The Quay in Sydney, Australia, is a surprising and beautiful culinary stop. A multi-course tasting menu was only a part of the experience, as the restaurant itself sits at the outer edges of an actual quay (a dock jutting into Sydney Harbor) with spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House on one side and the Harbour Bridge on the other.
Although it's price-point might make it a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, we took the plunge! One of the early courses was white asparagus and house-made chocolate with oyster cream, served in a petite bowl of ice. (see right)
Another course consisted of a meaty, delicious mushroom with delicate white fish interspersed, sitting in a succulent bath of light gravy.
Then there was the beautifully appointed roast duck breast, seared perfectly and paired with a smattering of greens to counter to richness of the duck.
There was a risotto course that had the velvety texture of a savory pudding; topped with local edible plants and served with eye-popping technique.
Desert was another showstopper - a snowball of meringue with house-made lemon sorbet capped a wonderful evening of dining with dear friends. (And there were other courses as well - we just forgot to take photos of all of them). When in Sydney, if your budget allows one splurge, reserve your spot at The Quay and see why it has the reputation it does.
Tasting menu at vegas' china poblano - a mexican/chinese fusion restaurant inside the cosmopolitan.
Inside The Cosmopolitan is China Poblano - a mexican/chinese fusion restaurant. Several years ago, we discovered this with friends and it was so good, we tempted fate again with a second visit. Try the 9-course 'tasting menu' - a highlight of the trip!
An early course of pickled cucumber salad with a slight bit of heat but not overpowering.
Young coconut ceviche - the meat of the coconut was soft and this was truly a 'perfect bite'.
A quick course of wok-fried green beans with garlic and chili's. Delicious!
Next up: a mouth-watering carnitas taco.
Probably the most unusual course - 'shrimp mole'.
A hefty portion of '20 vegetable fried rice' capped off the savory courses.
There were two deserts - a cinnamon-sugar churro, and this prize for a birthday treat: fresh mango and whipped cream with crisp rice sprinkles.
exploring 'attica' in melbourne
ATTICA ATTACK
While in Australia, we traveled from Sydney to Melbourne to escape the city for a few days. Unbeknownst to me, Melbourne has a very east coast city vibe. A lot of young people, hustle and bustle, and A LOT crammed into a small space. Additionally, it has developed quite a reputation for fine dining and mixology. Much of our side trip was consumed…pardon the pun..by eating and drinking.
A notable experience was Attica. This unassuming restaurant sites on a tree lined street in the suburbs of Melbourne. Just enough hustle, and not too much bustle. The evening was an 11 course experience that began with “finger food” for the first three courses, and moved slowly to cutlery. During that transition, guest are ushered thru the kitchen (with a stop to try a vegemite puff pastry), to their version of a Melbourne Lane (aka alley) for Kangaroo tail sandwich (think pulled pork) and their own brew (beer). Then we were whisked back thru the kitchen to preview the 3 dessert courses. Back at the table, we settled in for the remainder of the experience. I can honestly say it was like NO other dining experience I’ve ever had. Its rewarding to step outside of your comfort zone, and that’s exactly what travel should offer up! (from Explorer Doug)