Subject: Eating Out

• Weed Eaters: A raw-food movement is beginning to sprout in St. Louis

  September 9, 2009

• Cold Spell: Ice Kitchen deserves a chilly reception for its concept and its food

  September 9, 2009

• Vote Now for Best of St. Louis 2009!

  ​You're running out of time to cast your vote for Best Mexican Restaurant, Best Sushi Restaurant and numerous other food and drink categories in the Riverfront Times Best of St. Louis 2009 Readers' Poll. Voting ends Monday, September 14. This year you can cast your ballot online only. Click on the link above, register and then choose your favorite restaurants, chefs and dishes -- as well as your favorites in many other non-food categories. Look for the results and our choices on October

  September 9, 2009

• This Week's Tip of the Tongue Newsletter

  Sign up for Tip of the Tongue here.Gut Check not providing enough dining tidbits for you? Consider subscribing to Tip of the Tongue, the Riverfront Times' weekly e-mail dining newsletter.In this week's edition, learn what's new on the menu at the downtown location of Mango, how you can dine out to help Farm Aid and all about the Tenderloin Room's prix-fixe meal.Subscribing is easy. Visit this page, enter your e-mail address and sign up for Tip of the Tongue as well as (if you wish) our weekly m

  September 10, 2009

• Photos: The Grand Opening of Red Kitchen & Bar, 9.10.09

  Photo: Stew SmithA plate of ahi tuna poke at the opening of Red Kitchen & Bar in the Hyatt Regency Riverfront hotel downtown. See more photos from last night.​ The grand opening of Red Kitchen and Bar (315 Chestnut Street) in the Hyatt Regency St. Louis Riverfront hotel was held last night. While there wasn't much food available -- mostly drinks, very large drinks and hors d'oeuvres -- the "menu focuses on small plates, creative cocktails, wines by the glass and a selection of RED specialt

  September 11, 2009

• Simple Melody: It's not the same song and dance at Seasons St. Louis

  September 16, 2009

• The Novice Foodie: The Prix (Fixe) Is Right at Acero

  Two common obstacles to people who want to explore cuisine are 1) money and 2) feelings of insecurity. St. Louisans as a whole seem obsessed with value in dining. They want a lot for their money -- ever seen the lines outside Cunetto's? -- and in this economic climate, they might not have much money to go around. If dining out, particularly in a fancy place, is a treat, then you want to make sure you get your money's worth.The insecurity is something I still struggle with. What should I wear?

  September 15, 2009

• Java Enabled's Best of St. Louis Coffee, Part 1

  With the release on October 1 of the Riverfront Times Best of St. Louis 2009, I decided this is a great time to set the stage with Java Enabled's own Best of St. Louis Coffee. I've decided to break up my Best Of into two umbrella categories: Cafés and Coffee. In this post, I'll list my picks for the best in local cafés. Next week, I'll review my selections for St. Louis coffee, from roasts to drinks.I wanted to lead off with cafés since their attraction is related to coffee but distinct from

  September 16, 2009

• FoodWire: New Restaurant with Familiar Name on Laclede's Landing

  Splashy ad in this week's dead-tree RFT for a new restaurant and bar at 800 North 3rd Street on Laclede's Landing: King Louie's Courtyard Bar & Pizzeria. Yeah, they went there, taking the name of the late, lamented restaurant at 3800 Chouteau Avenue.At first, I was all, "Oh, no, they didn't!" But, upon reflection, I'm suprised it hadn't happened already. King Louie's is a pretty good name.At any rate, the new King Louie's Courtyard Bar & Pizzeria advertises pizza by the slice till 2 a.m.

  September 16, 2009

• Gyro Scoop: Meaty Middle Eastern pleasures abound on South Grand

  September 23, 2009

• A Table for How Many? at the Shaved Duck

  ​The Shaved Duck2900 Virginia Avenue314-776-1407; websiteI'm Late for a Very Important DateMy husband and I were late to Dinner Club. We knew that we were dealing with adults, but still we worried about the other members fending for themselves. Would chaos ensue? Sadly -- for our egos -- we weren't needed. We arrived to find our group at a big table happily chatting away and sipping their drinks. The Shaved Duck had prepared a table for us despite its policy of not taking reservations. Do

  October 1, 2009

• FoodWire: Casino Queen Opens Sevens

  Kelly Martin, Wikimedia Commons​Casino Queen -- all together now: Home of the Loosest Slots! -- has opened Sevens, a restaurant, sports bar and entertainment venue. From the press release:SEVENS' mouth-watering dining menu will satisfy taste buds with gourmet food specialties complete with a full bar. The budget-friendly menu consists of delectable appetizers, salads, soups, pizza and sandwiches. Guests will enjoy items from "SEVENS Sandwich Club" such as the "The Hill", a seven-inch long It

  October 5, 2009

• The Novice Foodie: Monarch, Fit for a Queen (and Her Hungover Husband)

  The first time my husband and I ate at Monarch was for my 29th birthday. This was not so long ago, when our visits to nicer restaurants were reserved for a birthday or our anniversary. I'd chosen Monarch because we'd never been there and also because I'd loved chef Josh Galliano's food when he was at An American Place. To say I was looking forward to our Saturday reservations would be an understatement.The night before, my husband and I had thrown our annual backyard trivia party. It was a rough

  October 6, 2009

• Chez Leon gives way to a new Niche

  October 7, 2009

• Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fond

  October 7, 2009

• A Deleted Scene from This Week's Review of Fond, or A Storm for Every Port

  David Shankbone, Wikimedia CommonsShe looked like Edie Falco -- but she wasn't smiling.​In my otherwise very positive review of Fond, I note a couple of service issues, including a dessert wine pairing promised on the chef's tasting menu that never arrived. This scene, written for the first draft of my review and then discarded, provides one possible explanation for the wine's absence."Oh, God, he just ordered another glass.""That's his third, right?""Fourth. And their entrées still haven't a

  October 7, 2009

• Java Enabled's Postcard from Costa Rica: Typical Coffee

  At first glance it looks like a baby's sock hanging from a mini oil derrick, slowly dripping the black liquid into the cup below. OK, maybe it's closer to a Chemex than I'm making it sound, but the "typical" -- or "tipico," as restaurant menus across the country will remind you -- percolador style of coffee preparation in Costa Rica is certainly unique.

  October 7, 2009

• Chef's Choice: Vito Racanelli, Onesto Pizza and Trattoria

  Robin WheelerVito Racanelli of Onesto Pizza & Trattoria​Vito Racanelli, owner and chef of Onesto Pizza and Trattoria (website), comes by his food roots honestly. Born in New York City to parents from Bari and Calabria, he moved with his family to St. Louis when he was thirteen years old.The Racanellis brought a lot of Old World ways with them: "I didn't have peanut butter and jelly and things like that. Breakfast at my house was a couple of raw egg yolks beat with sugar. More of a Europea

  October 8, 2009

• Review Preview: Taste by Niche

  Jennifer SilverbergThe crew, starting in front, going clockwise: Gerard Craft, chef de cuisine Adam Altnether, mixologist Ted Kilgore, cook Nick Blue, pastry chef Matthew Rice and sous chef James Peisker.​This week I visit Taste by Niche, the new offering from acclaimed chef Gerard Craft. Of course, once you're seated in Taste's close quarters, at the bar or the communal table, you'll find it difficult not to order more than you'd planned. The dishes being set down in front of diners mere inch

  October 12, 2009

• FoodWire: The Return of Balaban's

  Well, this one caught me by surprise: Central West End institution Balaban's is being reborn in (wait for it...) Chesterfield as (wait, again, for it) Balaban's Wine Cellar & Tapas Bar. The new Balaban's will be located at 1772 Clarkson Road, in a Dierberg's shopping center. The Balaban's website predicts a November opening. Steve McIntyre, who bought the original Balaban's from Herbie Balaban in 1986 and owned it for most of the next twenty years before selling to Brendan Marsden and Harlee

  October 12, 2009

• Accounting for Taste: Niche gets a new next-door neighbor — think of it as mini-Niche

  October 14, 2009

• FoodWire: More on New Balaban's

  As I reported on Monday, Steve McIntyre, who owned Balaban's in the Central West End for a good portion of its 36-year run, is opening Balaban's Wine Cellar & Tapas Bar this November at 1772 Clarkson Road in Chesterfield.Today I received the official press release announcing the opening, and it suggests that retail wine sales will play a large part in the new venture. A couple of choice bits after the jump...

  October 14, 2009

• A Table for How Many? at Taqueria La Monarca

  Taqueria La Monarca8531 Olive Blvd. 314-995-7018It's your birthday, and you and your friends are all heading out to that Mexican joint near Olive and Interstate 170. You chose it because it's big (you would have no problem getting a seat if everyone else in town didn't have the same idea), your friends are all familiar with the menu (there are five other area locations), and the staff will sing to you and send you home drunk on margaritas (¡Olé!).

  October 15, 2009

• Chef's Choice: Jeffrey Constance, Hanley's Grille and Tap

  Robin WheelerChef Jeffrey Constance of Hanley's Grille and Tap​What do you mean, you haven't heard of Hanley's Grille and Tap? Chef Jeff Constance took over the former J.Buck's locations at St. Clair Square in Fairview Heights, Illinois, and West County Center in Des Peres a few months ago. Though brand new, Hanely's is already providing Euro-inspired comfort food and excellent service like an old pro. For the 42-year-old Belleville, Illinois, native, it's the culmination of many years in the

  October 15, 2009

• FoodWire: Owner Steve McIntyre on the New Balaban's

  As I reported last week, Central West End institution Balaban's is making a comeback of sorts as Balaban's Wine Cellar & Tapas Bar at 1772 Clarkson Road in Chesterfield. Steve McIntyre, who owned Balaban's for much of the twenty-year period between 1986 and 2006, is behind the new location, which is slated to open in November. (The original Balaban's location at 405 North Euclid Avenue is now Herbie's Vintage 72.) Last Friday, I had the chance to speak with McIntyre about the new Balaban's.

  October 19, 2009

• Re-Enter Balaban's — and Exit Ozzie's

  October 21, 2009

• FoodWire: Serious Eats Visits Thai Pizza Co.

  Well-respected national food blog Serious Eats today pays a visit to Thai Pizza Co. (608 Eastgate Avenue; website). In the article for Serious Eats' pizza blog Slice, Chicago-based Serious Eats contributor Daniel Zemans stops by the Delmar Loop restaurant to test the "universality of pizza." Zemans doesn't think that Thai Pizza Co. is up to snuff:There really isn't much worth reporting on the actual pizza. There are twelve different options for toppings and two different crusts, one thin and one

  October 21, 2009

• Chef's Choice: Josh Galliano, Monarch

  Robin WheelerJosh Galliano, executive chef at Monarch​In the summer of 2005, Monarch executive chef Josh Galliano was working at New York's Restaurant Daniel when his girlfriend, Audra, paid him a visit. She wasn't happy with what she saw."She said, 'Okay, A, you look anorexic. You're working too much and not eating anything. B, you're broke. I can't believe you're paying for this apartment. C, your subletter just bailed on you.' August 17th, she said to pack my bags, we were going back. Got b

  October 22, 2009

• FoodWire: Beechwood Bistro Closed?

  ​Looks like Union Station might have claimed another one: Beechwood Bistro by Sage, the offshoot of Soulard's Sage, appears to be closed. The restaurant was closed during its usual operating hours this afternoon, and the phone number (314-621-1161) has been disconnected. Beechwood Bistro opened in early March of this year, featuring many of the same dishes as Sage, which debuted in the summer of 2007.

  October 27, 2009

• Chile Reception: Ian goes for the burn with Mayuri's Indian cuisine

  October 28, 2009

• A Table for How Many? at Yummies Restaurant

  ​Yummies Restaurant3149 Shenandoah Avenue314-226-9800The Draw of MeatloafWe had more people attend our Dinner Club meeting at Yummies Restaurant than we've had in months. It could be the placement of the moon -- or it could be meatloaf. You wouldn't think that something as simple as meatloaf would have such a draw, but in a group where many of us live far from the comforts of Mom's kitchen, the appeal of simple home cooking can be huge.Yummies excels at bringing the feel of family dining to a

  October 29, 2009

• Gut Check: Kaldi's cops coffee kudos

  November 4, 2009

• (City)Garden Spot: Downtown's new cultural gem gets a restaurant to match

  November 4, 2009

• Pleasures of the Flesh

  November 4, 2009

• 12th Street Diner Holds Grand Opening Friday

  12th Street Diner on Friday, located below the Washington Avenue Apartments.​Although it opened back in August, the 12th Street Diner (1137 Washington Avenue) hosted a "grand opening" of sorts on Friday night. Here's an early look at the exterior of the diner and some of its menu choices. The diner is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday. It's open 24 hours on weekends, and closes at 3 p.m. on Sundays.The owner of 12th Street Diner, Eyad Tammas, also operated Copia Urban Winery, whic

  November 9, 2009

• Review Preview: Molly's in Soulard

  This week I visit Molly's in Soulard (808 Geyer Avenue), the new bistro opened by the original Molly's in the former Norton's space. Follow me after the jump for a sneak preview of my review.Steve TruesdellInside the new Molly's in Soulard​

  November 9, 2009

• Choose St. Louis' Most Underrated Restaurants

  David Benbennick, Wikimedia CommonsYou're the critic.​Niche. Monarch. Pi. Certain St. Louis restaurants are discussed frequently around these parts. Too frequently, some might argue. But regardless whether or not you believe those particular places are deserving of the hype, you probably can think of at least one area restaurant that undeservedly flies under the radar.I want to highlight these places. Or, rather, I want you to highlight these places. Choose the restaurant you think is the most

  November 9, 2009

• FoodWire: Four Forbes Stars for Tony's Restaurant

  Forbes Travel Guide -- formerly known as Mobil Travel Guide -- is out with its annual star ratings of restaurants nationwide, and Downtown institution Tony's (410 Market Street; website) is the highest-rated St. Louis restaurant, scoring four out of a maximum five stars. The only other four- star restaurant in Missouri is the American Restaurant in Kansas City.No Missouri restaurants joined the rather select company of five-star winners. According to the Forbes website, a four-star restaurant "p

  November 10, 2009

• The Novice Foodie Goes Clandestine with the Clandestine Chef

  Kelli Best-Oliver​I'd read about underground supper clubs before. The New York Times has written a few features on them, as have several of the food magazines. But I didn't have the in on any operating here in St Louis -- being a Novice Foodie and all -- and I was intrigued by the speakeasy-ish allure of the ultimate insider's dinner.So when my friend Matt's wife unexpectedly couldn't attend an underground supper held this past Saturday, he offered his extra seat on Twitter, and I gladly thre

  November 10, 2009

• Creole Belle: Molly's in Soulard branches out with a bistro

  November 12, 2009

• A Table for How Many? at Royal Chinese Barbecue

  ​Royal Chinese Barbecue8406 Olive Boulevard314-991-1888The music is blasting, half the table is up dancing, and you're stuck screaming across the centerpiece to the groom's 80-year-old grandmother, whose name you can only remember because of her place card.The wedding round table never seems to work out.The other place where round tables are commonly found? Chinese restaurants. There the quiet almost forces you to converse. The dialogue seems to spin carefree around the table with each turn of

  November 12, 2009

• Chef's Choice: Josh Allen, Companion

  Robin WheelerJosh Allen, founder of Companion​It doesn't take much to change the face of baking in a city. For Companion founder Josh Allen, it started with a few watts. "I have a fond memory of stealing my sister's Easy-Bake oven, so I was pretty good at baking brownies by the heat of a light bulb."Growing up surrounded by his family's food distribution business, Allen Foods (now a part of U.S. Foodservice), he knew he'd be in the food business as an adult. He also knew he didn't want to wea

  November 12, 2009

• FoodWire: New Chef, Menu at the Delmar Restaurant & Lounge

  The Delmar Restaurant & Lounge (6235 Delmar Boulevard) has undergone a rather striking menu transformation, with new head chef Randy Wilson drawing upon the flavors of soul food and South Carolina. The menu that the restaurant's new general manager, Phil Ingram, sent me includes such entrées as crawfish and andouille sausage with bell peppers, garlic, white wine and butter over cheddar-cheese grits; bone-in, buttermilk-fried chicken breast with butterbeans, mashed potatoes and black-pepper

  November 16, 2009

• FoodWire: Sanctuaria "Wild Tapas" Now Open in Forest Park Southeast Grove

  Sanctuaria is now open at 4198 Manchester Avenue in Forest Park Southeast's Grove neighborhood (the former Agave location). Heading the kitchen is chef Christopher Lee, who might be the new busiest man in the St. Louis restaurant biz, thanks to his work at Café Ventana and the new Chuy Arzola's. The restaurant refers to its cuisine as "wild tapas." How wild is it? Read the menu -- or, better yet, go try it out -- and decided for yourself.Sanctuaria is open for dinner 5-10 p.m. Tue.-Sun. The bar

  November 16, 2009

• FoodWire: The U Introducing Breakfast Soon

  Popular Midtown eatery The U (3108 Olive Street; website) will soon add breakfast to its menu of sandwiches, burgers, wings and more. Owner Adam Kustra emailed to inform me that the new breakfast menu will debut soon and will be available at 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There will be pancakes, omelets, fries topped with sausage gravy -- and, oh yes, there will be slingers. I'll let you know the exact start date for the breakfast menu once I learn it.If you h

  November 17, 2009

• FoodWire: New Sunday Supper at Fond Begins 11.22

  Edwardsville restaurant Fond (106 North Main Street; website) will introduce a new Sunday menu format this Sunday, November 22. From 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. will be Sunday brunch. From 2 until 5 p.m., the restaurant will offer wine and light snacks. Finally, from 5 until 8 p.m. Fond will serve supper for $25 per person. The meal is served family-style -- see the menu here (PDF) -- and the announcement I received from Fond recommends it for groups of four or more. Call 618-656-9001 for more info.

  November 17, 2009

• Gut Check: Let Us Praise the Unsung Restaurant

  November 18, 2009

• Whole Hog: Looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine without the Americanized trimmings? Phuc Loi is the real deal.

  November 18, 2009

• The Novice Foodie in Asheville and Atlanta

  Kelli Best-Oliver​My husband and I were in desperate need of a road trip. Didn't care much where or why, we just wanted to hit the open road and get out of St Louis for a while. We ended up heading toward Charlotte, North Carolina, to see friends who'd moved out there. Along the way, we planned on taking my food adventures to the South, hoping to sample some casual fare.For several reasons, mostly time and unplanned detours, we ended up eating at only two places worth mentioning. The first wa

  November 17, 2009

• Chef's Choice: Chuck Friedhoff, Persimmon Woods Golf Club

  Robin WheelerChuck Friedhoff, Director of Food and Beverage at Persimmon Woods Golf Club​"I never realized that hot dogs and golfers are such a big thing," says chef Chuck Friedhoff, Director of Food and Beverage at Persimmon Woods Golf Club. "I've been told it's because it's an easy thing to eat. It's somewhat clean. I said to myself early on that we should make bratwurst. We did that this summer, and it was a huge success. So we now have our house-made bratwurst. We grind our own sausage."S

  November 19, 2009