Mama Josephine's

Mama Josephine is owner Mary Samuelson's dear departed mother, and the recipes at this small, charming restaurant in the Shaw neighborhood are hers. This is home cookin', by way of Louisiana and with a nod to Italy. The lasagna is eight layers high, with a sauce simmered for eight hours that you will praise eight ways to Sunday. The chicken is pan-fried for a crisp, flavorful crust, and the meat loaf is as dense as the St. Louis humidity. Sides include vibrantly yellow mac & cheese, turnip greens and fried corn.