Jennifer Silverberg

Post of the Month: The Five Best New Restaurants in St. Louis

Gut Check is constantly working to bring the latest food news to our readers. As a result, we do a lot of blogging. In an effort to draw attention to great posts that may have otherwise been lost in the blogosphere (and to recognize our hard-working writers), we present Post of the Month.Selecting t ... More >>

New Restaurant in Old Mama Pho Space?

Jennifer SilverbergInside Mama Pho, now closed​Mama Pho Vietnamese Restaurant closed its doors at 3737 South Grand Boulevard last fall after only a year in business. The building at the intersection of South Grand and Chippewa -- a former McDonald's -- has been empty since thenNow, however, the "N ... More >>

Review Slideshow: Riverbend Restaurant & Bar

Jennifer SilverbergRiverbend Restaurant & Bar owner Sam Kogos​You have to go south, of course, for authentic Creole cuisine. In St. Louis that means heading to the very southern end of Soulard to visit Riverbend Restaurant & Bar (701 Utah Street; 314-664-8443). My review of Riverbend Resta ... More >>

Review Slideshow: Half & Half

Jennifer SilverbergThe "Clara Cakes" at Half & Half​Half & Half (8135 Maryland Avenue, Clayton; 314-973-0446) gives breakfast special attention. It is the most important meal of the day, you know. My review of Half & Half is now available online, as is Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow o ... More >>

Review Slideshow: Adobe Reds

Jennifer SilverbergSoft tacos at Adobe Reds​Adobe Reds (3108 Olive Street; 314-678-7999) offers a taste of New Mexico in Midtown. My review of Adobe Reds is now available online, as is Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of the restaurant.

Review Slideshow: PW Pizza

Jennifer Silverberg The "South of the Border" pizza at PW Pizza​PW Pizza (2017 Chouteau Avenue; 314-241-7799), the new restaurant from the folks who brought you Eleven Eleven Mississippi and Vin de Set, serves good pizza, plain and simple. My review of PW Pizza is now available online, as ... More >>

You Say Tomato, I Say Bullshit: The Reckoning

Last week, I showed you the alleged tomato that I was served at a local restaurant. Today, the review of this restaurant is published, and I can reveal the culprit: PW Pizza (2017 Chouteau Avenue; 314-241-7799). The terrible tomato is especially galling because PW Pizza is, as my review makes clear, ... More >>

This Week in Gut Check, Regurgitated

Jennifer Silverberg​This week, we lunched on a mandarin orange-and-chicken salad from 6 North Café, brunched on a frittata at Schlafly Bottleworks and continued our countdown of favorite dishes with sizzling rice soup from Hunan & Peking Garden and vegetarian meatballs at Lucas Park Grille. ... More >>

Review Slideshow: Salt

Jennifer SilverbergSalt owner and chef Wes Johnson​Wes Johnson's Salt (4356 Lindell Boulevard; 314-932-5787) is only three months old, but already very well seasoned. My review of Salt is now available online, as is Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow.

Laganini Pizzeria & Restaurant Closed

Jennifer SilverbergA hamburger dish at Laganini​File this under "happened quietly": Laganini Pizzeria & Restaurant (4625 Gravois Avenue; 314-481-8000) has closed. When it did so remains an open question. The most recent online review of it that I could find dates from April of this year. I hea ... More >>

This Week in Gut Check, Regurgitated

Jennifer Silverberg​This week, we checked out Bar and previewed some upcoming events to benefit RFT staffer Mark Madonna, who lost his home in a fire. What else did Gut Check do this week? Ian reviewed Three Kings Public House. The Veggielante put PuraVegan to the test. We took in Winne ... More >>

Sameem Afghan Restaurant to Return

Jennifer SilverbergSameem owner Qayum Mohammad, photographed in 2005​Sameem Afghan Restaurant, which shuttered its original location at 3191 South Grand Boulevard over a year ago, will reopen at a new address in Forest Park Southeast's Grove district, Gut Check has learned.We were unable to re ... More >>

Review Slideshow: Café Pintxos

Jennifer SilverbergRoasted garlic, with accompaniments, at Cafe Pintxos​I present to you one of the stranger experiences from my five years of reviewing restaurants: the futile quest for the namesake dish at Café Pintxos (3407 Olive Street; 314-338-2500). My review of Café Pintxos, the tapas bar ... More >>

This Week in Gut Check, Regurgitated

Jennifer Silverberg​This week, Gut Check awaited the Fourth of July weekend and the barbecue that comes with it but also had time to check out the chicken salad at Cuisine D'Art, beer and pretzel caramels from the Caramel House and Mediterranean grazing menu from Remy's Kitchen and Wine Bar. ... More >>

This Week in Gut Check, Regurgitated

Jennifer Silverberg​It was a delicious week here at Gut Check International HQ. We were busy eating the grilled cheese at Half & Half, the beef spedini at Ricardo's Italian Cafe and enjoying some vino during Copia Urban Winery's Happy Hour. What else did we do this week? Ian reviewed the Mud ... More >>

Review Slideshow: the Mud House

Jennifer Silverberg​ Ian's review of the Mud House is now online; also see Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of the Mud House.

Review Slideshow: Bixby's

Jennifer SilverbergA soft-shell crab dish at Bixby's​Bixby's (Lindell Boulevard & DeBaliviere Avenue; 314-361-7313) is no run-of-the-mill museum restaurant. My review of Bixby's is now online; also see Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of Bixby's.

Review Preview: Bixby's

Jennifer SilverbergThe house-cured salmon at Bixby's​This week I visit Bixby's (Lindell Boulevard & DeBaliviere Avenue; 314-361-7313), the restaurant inside the Missouri History Museum.I take my smoked salmon like I take my whiskey: straight, no chaser. You can have your capers and onion, your ... More >>

Review Slideshow: Izakaya Ren

Jennifer SilverbergThe fried saba (mackerel) at Izakaya Ren​A trip to Valley Park for sushi and Japanese bar snacks. My review of Izakaya Ren (2948 Dougherty Ferry Road, Valley Park; 636-825-3737) is now available online, and be sure to check out Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of Izakaya Ren. ... More >>

Review Slideshow: Salume Beddu

Jennifer SilverbergMangalitza Lardo on focaccia with sott'aceto (pickled fennel and celery relish) and herbs. ​The best lunch in town right now? Maybe so. My review of Salume Beddu (3467 Hampton Avenue; 314-353-3100) is now available online, and be sure to check out Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow ... More >>

Review Preview: Salume Beddu

Jennifer SilverbergSpeck sandwich with Fontina Val d'Aosta and preserved lemons​This week, I sample the new lunch menu at south city salumeria Salume Beddu (3467 Hampton Avenue; 314-353-3100):The most exciting dish in St. Louis right now appears to be barbecue. I don't mean that as a blanket overv ... More >>

Review Slideshow: The Beerhouse

Jennifer SilverbergThe "Triple Bypass" burger at the Beerhouse. I didn't eat this.​Hands down, one of the more surreal dining experiences I've had in St. Louis. My review of The Beerhouse at River City Casino (777 River City Casino Boulevard; 314-388-7777) is now available online, and be sure to c ... More >>

Review Slideshow: Fin Japanese Cuisine

Jennifer SilverbergChef Paul Kulkanjanatorn, co-owner of Chesterfield's Fin.​You get two menus at this week's restaurant. Don't just read the familiar one. My review of Fin Japanese Cuisine (1682 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield; 636-536-4228) is now available online, as is Jennifer Silverberg's sl ... More >>

Review Slideshow: O! Wing Plus

Jennifer SilverbergThe Thai chile-lime wings are one of the standout dishes at O! Wing Plus.​Are wings the most American of foods? My review of O! Wing Plus (10094 Page Avenue, Overland; 314-395-0180) is now available online. Also be sure to check out Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of the win ... More >>

Six Row Brewing Company: Review Slideshow

Jennifer SilverbergA pint of the "Whale" beer at Six Row Brewing Company​One of the many new craft brewers gracing the St. Louis scene over the past couple of years. My review of Six Row Brewing Company (3690 Forest Park Avenue; 314-531-5600) is now available online, and be sure to check out Jenni ... More >>

Maplewood Farmers' Market Opens Today

Jennifer SilverbergDanielle and Justin Leszcz of YellowTree Farm​After a long, cold, snowy winter, the farmers' market season is finally upon us. The Maplewood Farmers' Market at Schlafly Bottleworks (7260 Southwest Avenue, Maplewood; 314-241-2337) kicks off this afternoon at 4 p.m. and will r ... More >>

DeMun Oyster Bar: Review Slideshow

Jennifer Silverberg​Oysters, oysters and more oysters. Oh, and a few other shellfish, too. My review of DeMun Oyster Bar (740 DeMun Avenue, Clayton; 314-725-0322) is now available online. The space is as impressive as the food, so be sure to check out Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of DeMun Oyste ... More >>

Spare the Rod, Spoil the Drink: Mixologists Turn to Top-Shelf Ice

Jennifer SilverbergA drink being poured over the ice cylinder at Taste​This week's not-review, a look at how the use of ice is transforming mixology, is now available online. No slideshow this week, but later today I'll have a follow-up post looking at Kold-Draft, the Erie, Pennsylvania-based comp ... More >>

Rosalita's Cantina: Review Slideshow

Jennifer Silverberg​Mexican? "Mexican"? Tex-Mex? This loft district restaurant is a little bit of all three. My review of Rosalita's Cantina (1229 Washington Avenue; 314-621-2700) is now available online, and make sure to view Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of Rosalita's Cantina as well.

Prime 1000: Review Slideshow

Jennifer SilverbergThe New York strip steak, with the restaurant's signature roasted-garlic garnish, at Prime 1000​Not your ordinary cabernet-and-cigars steakhouse. My review of Prime 1000 (1000 Washington Avenue; 314-241-1000) is now available online, and be sure to check out Jennifer Silverb ... More >>

The Cover of the February 24 Print Edition

Pizzeria Tivoli: Review Slideshow

Jennifer Silverberg​Good pizza in a cozy neighborhood joint. My review of Pizzeria Tivoli (5861 South Kingshighway Boulevard; 314-832-3222) is now available online, as is Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of the restaurant.

This Week in Gut Check, Regurgitated

Jennifer Silverberg The cooked mana-ish at Central Café and Bakery ​This week was full of food-news -- from hoodlums smuggling marijuana amongst a tomato shipment to management changes at a favorite local eatery to good 'ol restaurant and dish reviews -- Gut Check's been busy. What else ... More >>

Central Café and Bakery: Review Slideshow

Jennifer SilverbergFalafel being prepared at Central Cafe and Bakery​Chicken, shawarma and freshly baked pita bread. My review of Central Café and Bakery (331 North Euclid Avenue; 314-875-0657) is now available online. You should also check out Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of Central Café and ... More >>

Joy Luck Buffet: Review Slideshow

Jennifer SilverbergKung pao chicken is probably the best-known dish on Joy Luck Buffet's "authentic" menu.​Skip the buffet, and proceed directly to the Szechuan peppercorns. My review of Joy Luck Buffet is now available online, as is Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of the Brentwood restaurant.

La Tejana: Review Slideshow

Jennifer Silverberg​It's a liquor store! It's a taqueria! It's both! My review of La Tejana is now available online. Also be sure to check out Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of La Tejana.

Ginger Bistro: Review Slideshow

Jennifer SilverbergGinger Bistro's dining room​Honey ham in my banh mi, a bee in my bonnet. My review of Ginger Bistro in the Delmar Loop is now available online. Check out Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of Ginger Bistro for a look at the restaurant and its food.

Review Preview: Ginger Bistro

Jennifer SilverbergThe "fragrant eggplant" at Ginger Bistro​Happy New Year! The first review of 2011 is Ginger Bistro, a new pan-Asian restaurant in the Delmar Loop. I can promise you that this new year begins with a roar. But is it of delight or of rage? Read a sneak preview of my review after th ... More >>

#4: Cassoulet at Brasserie by Niche

Jennifer SilverbergThe rustic charm of Brasserie by Niche is evident in its design and its cassoulet. (Translation: We didn't have a picture of the damn cassoulet handy.)​The classic white-bean stew is served with pork (belly on my visit, shoulder more recently), a confit of duck leg and a garlic ... More >>

#3: Quesadillas Tradicionales at Milagro Modern Mexican

Jennifer SilverbergThe quesadillas tradicionales at Milagro Modern Mexican​Not quesadillas as we Americans know them. Rather, these resemble empanadas: a thin, crisp shell of fried corn masa stuffed with Chihuahua cheese and finely chopped and sautéed huitlacoche and wild mushrooms. The tangy che ... More >>

#6: Beef Brisket at PM BBQ

Jennifer SilverbergThe beef brisket at PM BBQ, with sides.​Smoked for twelve hours and as tender as medium-rare roast beef, the brisket is as good as any in town. Brisket is a cut that's prone to dryness, which makes PM's preparation all the more impressive, given that they slice the meat about a ... More >>

The Tavern Kitchen & Bar: Review Slideshow

Jennifer SilverbergThe fishermen's stew at the Tavern Kitchen & Bar in Valley Park​Pappardelle, pork belly and more: My review of The Tavern Kitchen & Bar in Valley Park is now available online. Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of the Tavern showcases the people, the space and, of course, t ... More >>

#9: Meat Shawarma at the Vine Mediterranean Café & Market

Jennifer SilverbergThe meat (right) and chicken shawarma on the spit at the Vine Mediterranean Cafe & Market​Inevitably your order of meat shawarma will contain a few pieces from the exterior of the spit -- crisp, even crunchy, and enjoyable in its own way, like the edges of pork carnitas. But ... More >>

#8: Pappardelle with Stewed Tomatoes and Italian Sausage at the Tavern Kitchen & Bar

Jennifer SilverbergThe Tavern Kitchen Bar in Valley Park serves up a fantastic pasta dish.​The pasta is served in a plain white bowl: flaxen ribbons of pasta slicked with sauce. Tomato is the dominant flavor of this sauce, rich, with a fleeting sweetness. The sausage adds depth, but this is emph ... More >>

PM BBQ: Review Slideshow

Jennifer SilverbergThe smoked chicken, with green beans and applesauce, at PM BBQ​It's been a good couple of years for barbecue in St. Louis. A new Chesterfield joint continues the trend. My review of PM BBQ is now available online. As always, be sure to check out Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow o ... More >>

Review Preview: PM BBQ

Jennifer SilverbergThe brisket, with sides, at PM BBQ.​This week, I travel out to Chesterfield to sample the 'cue at PM BBQ. Above you see the beef brisket along with two sides, the "Smokehouse" beans and the sweet corn spoonbread. Follow me after the jump for a sneak preview of my review.

Snarf's and Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe: Review Slideshow

Jennifer SilverbergThe Italian sandwich at Snarf's​Raise a jar of hot peppers and toast the sandwiches. My review of Snarf's and Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe is now available online. Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of Snarf's takes you inside the Delmar Loop restaurant.

Access Denied: St. Louis Twenty Years After the ADA

In this week's feature story, "Step Right Up," RFT Music Editor Annie Zaleski describes how the Americans with Disabilities Act has affected her life. Zaleski was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a toddler and was entering fifth grade when President George H.W. Bush signed the legislation into law.T ... More >>

Mosaic Bistro Market: Review Slideshow

Jennifer SilverbergMosaic Bistro Market in Clayton​Oh, yes, there will be butternut squash soup. My review of Mosaic Bistro Market is now available online. Jennifer Silverberg's slideshow of Mosaic Bistro Market shows off the restaurant, its food and the goods for sale in its market.

Market Grill Review Slideshow

Jennifer SilverbergThe beef brisket sandwich at Market Grill​You can head to the airport for an intimate patdown followed by interminable delays, or you can head to Soulard and catch a flying pig. My review of Market Grill is now available online. To see the restaurant, its food and its people, ch ... More >>