Subject:

Ian Froeb

  • Blogs

    April 29, 2013

    Sneak Preview: The Libertine Aims to Reclaim Cool in Clayton

    Opening day draws near for The Libertine (7927 Forsyth Boulevard, Clayton). The married team of Audra and Nick Luedde, who moved last year from Chicago to Nick's native St. Louis with their young son, plan to debut their 60-seat restaurant, with acclaimed chef Josh Galliano leading the kitchen, on M ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 26, 2013

    The Shack Pubgrub's "Shack-Which": One of 100 St. Louis Dishes You Must Eat Right Now

    The Gut Check One Hundred is our accounting of the 100 dishes in St. Louis that you must eat right now. These are the best dishes at the newest restaurants and the newest dishes at the best restaurants. These are the 100 dishes that define St. Louis dining in 2013. Our list culminates this fall when ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 1, 2012

    New Buffet Restaurant for Richmond Heights

    Looks like the former Outback Steakhouse at 6710 Clayton Road in Richmond Heights, next to the AMC Esquire 7, will soon have a new tenant after several years of sitting empty. Signage is up announcing Dynasty, featuring hibachi, sushi, seafood and a buffet. (Or a buffet featuring hibachi, sushi, sea ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 27, 2012

    Nine More St. Louis Soups for National Soup Month

    All month Gut Check has been counting down our favorite St. Louis soups in honor of National Soup Month. If these fifteen standouts still aren't enough to sate your soup appetite, my 100 Favorite St. Louis Dishes features nine soups and stews for you to try. The list is after the jump.

  • Blogs

    December 23, 2011

    Top Ten Dishes 2011 #8: Red Beans and Rice at Riverbend Restaurant & Bar

    I'm counting down my ten favorite dishes from the restaurants that I reviewed in 2011. The top dish will be revealed on Tuesday, December 27, and look for a slideshow featuring most of the winners on Wednesday, December 28.Ian FroebThe red beans and rice at Riverbend Restaurant & Bar​As is tra ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 15, 2011

    UPDATED: Timeless Authentic Garments (tag) in Loop On Fire

    Ian Froeb​Update December 15: Crews are currently inside tag and its two neighbors, Chipotle and Noodles and Company, to clear out the toxic smoke smell. Both restaurants will be closed till tomorrow. Rearrange your dining plans accordingly. Inside the store, many of the clothes are still int ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 15, 2011

    Fire Temporarily Closes Delmar Loop Chipotle, Noodles & Company

    Ian Froeb​Yesterday, a fire struck Delmar Loop clothing store Timeless Authentic Garments (6314 Delmar Boulevard). No injuries have been reported. Cleaning and restoration crews are at the store today.The fire forced the immediate closure of both of the  restaurants that neighbor TAG, Chipotl ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 2, 2011

    Flavors BBQ Sports Bar & Grill Closed

    Ian FroebThe smoked wings at Flavors BBQ​Flavors BBQ Sports Bar & Grill (4317 Manchester Avenue; 314-533-1288) has finally closed for good. The restaurant's furniture is gone, save for the bar and its shelving, and the phone number has been disconnected.I say "finally closed" because the resta ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 14, 2011

    Fire Strikes Mathew's Kitchen

    Ian Froeb​Firefighters responded early this morning to Mathew's Kitchen (5625 Hampton Avenue; 314-351-1700), a new restaurant in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood of south city, according to multiple media reports.KMOV reports that the cause of the fire was towels left in a dryer overnight. Both KM ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 27, 2011

    Mangia Mobile Now Sicily Streat

    Ian FroebDon't call it Mangia Mobile.​There was a food truck. Then there was a lawsuit. Then there was an injunction. Now there is a new name.Mangia Mobile announced via Twitter this morning that it will now be known as Sicily Streat. The "streat" is [sic]. As in eat. It took us a second, but we h ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 23, 2011

    Flavors BBQ Returns (Possibly)

    Ian FroebSmoked chicken wings at Flavors BBQ​The fate of Flavors BBQ Sports Bar & Grill (4317 Manchester Avenue; 314-533-1288) remains unclear. Gut Check reported last week that the restaurant, home of one of my favorite St. Louis dishes, had temporarily closed due to a "family emergency" -- a ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 6, 2011

    Royal Kabob Restaurant Opens in South City

    Ian Froeb​Royal Kabob Restaurant is now open at 3611 Bates Avenue (the former location of El Burrito Loco). As Gut Check learned last month, Royal Kabob shares an owner with the small grocery store across the street at 3608 Bates, Ariana Market.According to a sign on the front door, the restaurant ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 10, 2011

    Try Red Beans and Rice at Riverbend Restaurant & Bar

    Ian Froeb​Riverbend Restaurant & Bar (701 Utah Street; 314-664-8443) is a corner restaurant and bar serving Creole cuisine just outside the Anheuser-Busch campus in Soulard. The red beans and rice are available only on Mondays, according to the menu, but on the not-Monday when I dined there, m ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 26, 2011

    New Bakery and Wine Bar for Central West End?

    Ian Froeb​Yesterday, I spotted banners in the windows of one of the retail spots at 3949 Lindell Boulevard advertising Desserts on the Boulevard, a "bistro-bakery-wine bar." The banners include both a phone number and a URL. Right now, however, the phone isn't connected, and the URL leads to ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 25, 2011

    You Say Tomato, I Say Bullshit

    Ian Froeb​I don't know what this wedge-shaped item on my plate is, but it isn't a tomato, and a restaurant shouldn't call it such -- especially not in the middle of summer.I haven't yet completed my visits to the restaurant in question, so you'll have to wait a couple of weeks to find out ex ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 6, 2011

    Adding the Question Mark to It's a Better Burger

    Ian FroebA bacon cheeseburger with fries at It's a Better Burger​The Place: It's a Better Burger (4881 Mexico Road, St. Peters; 636-922-7706), the fast-casual burger joint that former (football) Cardinals and Rams coach Jim Hanifan opened in St. Peters a few months ago.The Lunch: The half-pound bu ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 10, 2011

    This Week in Gut Check, Regurgitated

    Ian Froeb​This week was full at Gut Check International Headquarters. We ate the green tamale at Nachomama's, some cheese toasted ravioli from Mangia Mobile and a beef tenderloin sandwich from Yia Yia's Euro Bistro. What else did we do this week? We took first looks at Underground Lounge a ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 27, 2011

    Are There Good Fajitas?

    Ian FroebWhat am I missing?​Recently, as I sometimes do, I drove a major thoroughfare until I saw a restaurant where I've never eaten. Which is how I ended up having lunch at an unnamed Mexican restaurant in a strip mall. (Why I'm not naming the restaurant should become clear shortly.)As most Mexi ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 26, 2011

    Pickles Deli Opens Downtown

    Ian FroebThe new Pickles Deli at Olive and 7th​Gut Check reported in February that Pickles Deli was planning to open a second location, after the original in the Central West End, at 701 Olive Street downtown, in the location last occupied by Teutenberg's. The downtown location is now open. Word m ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 20, 2011

    Try the Yakitori Tare at Izakaya Ren

    Ian FroebYakitori tare and a bacon-wrapped shrimp at Izakaya Ren​Whenever I recommend a new restaurant, I do so knowing that trying it represents a far greater investment for you than it does for me. Today, however, I can make a suggestion confident that, if I'm wrong, or if you and I simply have ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 19, 2011

    A Root Beer Floater at Chill

    Ian Froeb"Root Beer Float" frozen yogurt at Chill​The RFT likes Chill (7610 Wydown Road, Clayton; 314-932-5010). Honest we do. We named it "Best Frozen Yogurt" last year, and we take our Best of St. Louis issue almost as seriously as we do our unsolicited parenting advice.But, man oh man, the "Roo ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 18, 2011

    El Burrito Loco Closed

    Ian Froeb​El Burrito Loco (3611 Bates Avenue; 314-457-8600) has closed. I haven't seen this reported anywhere else -- my apologies if I missed something -- but based on a comment on its Yelp profile, the restaurant has been closed since at least early April. At any rate, the interior is mostly cle ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 17, 2011

    The "Zen Toast" at Zen Thai & Japanese Cuisine

    Ian FroebThe "Zen Toast" at Zen Thai & Japanese Cuisine​In yesterday's "Lunch Bucket List" post, I wasn't blown away by the red curry that I had at Zen Thai & Japanese Cuisine (9250 Watson Road, Crestwood; 314-842-0307). However, I liked my appetizer, "Zen Toast," very, very much."Zen Toas ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 16, 2011

    Trying to Favor Curry at Zen Thai & Japanese Cuisine

    Ian FroebRed curry at Zen Thai & Japanese Cuisine​The Place: Zen Thai & Japanese Cuisine (9250 Watson Road, Crestwood; 314-842-0307), a bustling little restaurant in a homely strip mall.The Deal: Red curry with beef, with a complimentary starter of miso soup and two egg rolls, for $7.49

  • Blogs

    May 6, 2011

    The Hungriest Gas Pump in St. Louis

    Bad enough that gas costs $4 a gallon. Now, the gas pumps are getting all pushy-like, demanding that we feed them.Ian Froeb​

  • Blogs

    May 6, 2011

    The Return of Schlafly's American IPA

    Ian FroebThe Schlafly American IPA​You probably don't need me to tell you to try a beer. Heck, you probably don't need me to tell you to try this beer. But in case your hophead has been in the clouds over the past couple of weeks, let me be the bearer of glad tidings: The Schlafly American IPA is ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 4, 2011

    Not Feeling Friskies: A Modern Supermarket Tragicomedy in One Act

    "Feed the cat? Or obliterate the pain of my daily existence? Feed the cat? Or obliterate the pain of my daily existence?"Ian Froeb​Sorry, Mr. Whiskers.

  • Blogs

    April 29, 2011

    This Week in Gut Check, Regurgitated

    Ian Froeb​This week, Ian reviewed the barbecue at Bogart's Smokehouse. He also counted down to #2 and, finally, #1 on his countdown of 100 Favorite St. Louis Dishes. What else did we do this week? Katie chatted with Danielle from Yellow Tree Farms about their Raising Urban Livestock worksh ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 28, 2011

    Kampai Temporarily Closed [Updated]

    Ian FroebThe signs in the window of Kampai​The Central West End sushi restaurant Kampai (4949 West Pine Boulevard; 314-367-2020) is temporarily closed "due to necessary maintenance," according to the signs in its front window and the message on its voice mail.I have a call into the restaurant to f ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 15, 2011

    This Week in Gut Check, Regurgitated

    Ian Froeba Mr. X Pizza​This week, Ian established a brand new column -- Lunch Bucket List. In it, Gut Check will scope out local lunch specials and give you a full report. The first installation posed the question "Does Mr. X Pizza Hit the Spot?" What else did we do this week? We introduc ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 11, 2011

    Does Mr. X Pizza Hit the Spot?

    Welcome to Lunch Bucket List, a new recurring feature in which Gut Check checks out the many lunch specials available at restaurants around town. Know a lunch special we should check out? Drop us a line.Ian FroebMr. X Pizza on Morgan Ford Road in south city​The Place: Mr. X Pizza (5922 Morgan Ford ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 29, 2011

    Get Your Rocks (Charge) Off

    Ian Froeb​As we wrap up the week of fancy ice here at Gut Check International Headquarters, I thought I'd point out the controversy roiling -- roiling! -- the New York branch of the restaurant website Eater.A reader sent Eater a receipt for that included a $2 surcharge for serving the drink on the ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 23, 2011

    The Red Velvet Cupcake Cappuccino, or Would You Like Some Coffee with That Sugar?

    Ian FroebWhen you look into the red-velvet-cupcake-cappuccino abyss, the red-velvet-cupcake-cappuccino abyss looks back into you.​Yesterday I posted a picture of an advertisement for the new "Red Velvet Cupcake Cappuccino" at Circle K convenience stores. Because I love you and want to spare you th ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 22, 2011

    Annoying Trend of the 1990s Meets Annoying Trend of the 2000s at Gas Station

    The 1990s saw the swift rise of Starbucks and its ilk, swamping the world with higher-end coffee and increasingly un-coffee-like coffee drinks.The 2000s saw the inexplicable rise of cupcakes from grade-school birthday treat to "in" dessert.Now, spotted yesterday the Shell station and Circle K mini-m ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 21, 2011

    This Week's Review Is on Ice

    Ian FroebThe ice cylinder at Taste​No restaurant review this week. Instead, a look at the coolest* development in mixology since the cocktail shaker:As you peruse the cocktail menu at Taste, the restaurant and bar that opened earlier this month in the Central West End, you might be intrigued by th ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 14, 2011

    A Condiment for the Germaphobes

    Ian Froeb​Spotted recently on the table -- on every table, in fact -- of Shu Feng (8435 Olive Boulevard, University City; 314-983-0099). Don't think I've seen this before. Anyone else?

  • Blogs

    February 10, 2011

    Nubia Cafe Closed for "Remodeling"

    Ian FroebNubia Cafe on Delmar Boulevard​Nubia Cafe, the West African restaurant located at 5860 Delmar Boulevard, has closed for "remodeling," according to the sign taped to the front window. There certainly appears to be some work being done inside, though it's difficult to tell whether things ar ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 24, 2010

    This Week in Gut Check, Regurgitated

    Ian Froeb This week, Ian began his countdown of the Top Ten Dishes of 2010. Check out his introductory post for all the details and then see his picks for the first three slots: dishes from Flavors BBQ, Vine Mediterranean Cafe & Market and the Tavern Kitchen & Bar. Keep visiting ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 23, 2010

    #5: Torta Ahogada at Taqueria Durango

    Ian FroebThe torta ahogada at Taqueria Durango​Ahogada means "drowned," and a torta ahogada brings carnitas and grilled onions on the traditional oblong bolillo roll coated with red-chile sauce. The sauce is smoky and, to my capsaicin-craving palate, medium hot. The carnitas are equally impressive ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 22, 2010

    #10: Smoked Chicken Wings at Flavors BBQ Sports Bar & Grill

    Ian FroebSmoked chicken wings at Flavors BBQ Sports Bar & Grill​The wings here are smoked, not fried, and they are massive. Each is served as one whole wing, all three parts (tip, middle wing and drumette) still attached, and even the typically scrawny tip is plumper than usual. The exterior h ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 21, 2010

    The Top Ten Dishes of 2010: An Introduction

    Ian FroebThe torta ahogada at Taqueria Durango is on the list -- but at which position?​You had to look around a little to find this year's best dishes. There were few splashy restaurant openings -- even fewer worthy of the hype they received. On the margins, though, tucked into strip malls and re ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 19, 2010

    This Week in Gut Check, Regurgitated

    Ian Froeb​Well, kids, this is it: It's the last Friday before Thanksgiving, so from here on out it's going to be all turkey, all the time. What's that you say? Your persnickety palate is looking for something a little less...traditional? Then check out the two latest additions to Ian's favo ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 18, 2010

    Gyro House Opens New Location

    Ian Froeb​How about some good news for this Monday afternoon? Delmar Loop favorite Gyro House has opened its new location at 6152 Delmar Boulevard, several blocks east of its previous home at 571 Melville Avenue. This caps a tumultuous year for the restaurant: Owner Ahmed Eltawmi was murdered in J ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 15, 2010

    Five Totally Sweet St. Louis Sweets

    Since February, I've been sharing my 100 Favorite St. Louis Dishes. From time to time, I'll highlight groups of these dishes that fit together in some way. Today, five great desserts.The Lemon Meringue and Pine Nut Torte at BitterSweet BakeryIan Froeb​The lemon meringue and pine nut torte is a sta ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 5, 2010

    The Gumbo Shop Expands

    Ian Froeb​When Riverfront Times dubbed The Gumbo Shop "Best Approximation of New Orleans" last week, we noted that the Rock Hill restaurant is "barely big enough to contain those eating and those waiting in line to order."It turns out the Gumbo Shop was already working to fix the (good) problem of ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 5, 2010

    National Restaurant Association Reveals Chefs' Top Trends for 2010

    Ian FroebDelicious? Yes. Trendy? No.​The National Restaurant Association has released its annual survey (link PDF) asking chefs nationwide for the year's top trends. The top trend, with nearly 88% of respondents saying it's "hot," is locally grown produce. The #2 trend is locally sourced meat and ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 27, 2010

    On a Cell Phone? No Sub for You!

    Signs imploring customers not to talk on their cell phones when dealing with the cashier are common -- and commonly ignored. So kudos to a local outpost of Penn Station for taking a more proactive approach. Ian Froeb​

  • Blogs

    September 27, 2010

    Five Ridiculously Awesome St. Louis Lunch Values

    Since February, I've been sharing my 100 Favorite St. Louis Dishes. From time to time, I'll highlight groups of these dishes that fit together in some way. Today, five ridiculously awesome lunch values.Banh Mi Dac Biet at Phuc Loi ($3.50)Ian Froeb​To hell with the $5 Footlong. Phuc Loi's banh mi d ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 16, 2010

    Seafood City Supermarket Opens New Location

    Ian Froeb​Seafood City Supermarket has relocated from the corner of Olive Boulevard and North and South Road to the long-vacant grocery store space roughly a half-mile west on Olive -- directly across the street from the Olive Famers' Market.The new Seafood City truly lives up to its supermarket m ... More >>

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