#33: The Baby-Back Ribs (or the Burger) at the Piccadilly at Manhattan

Yet another example of my sneaking two dishes from one restaurant onto this list -- though this time the reason is practical. The baby-back ribs aren't always available at this charming neighborhood restaurant near the border of the city and Maplewood. The burger is a far-more-than-adequate fallback.

If you're lucky, however, owner Nick Collida will be out back of the restaurant, tending the smoker. The baby-back ribs are plump, their meat offering sweetness and smoke and a fine porcine flavor. The sauce, appropriately served on the side, adds just enough tang to cut through the rich meat.

The burger is about as basic -- as essential -- as burgers get: meat, cheese, bun. The double features two five-ounce patties, each thicker in the middle than around, and even cooked slightly longer than I prefer, the beef flavor is primally rich, with a wonderful edge of char.

(from "Simple Treasure," July 29, 2010)

The Piccadilly at Manhattan
7201 Piccadilly Avenue
314-646-0016
$6.99 (burger), $21.99 (ribs)

I'm counting down -- in no particular order -- 100 of my favorite dishes in St. Louis. Some are well-known, others obscure. Some are expensive, others dirt cheap. All of them, I guarantee, are delicious. Please do not hesitate to share your own favorites via the comments thread.

Previously:

#34: Albóndigas caseras con patatas at the Piccadilly at Manhattan
#35: The "Sweet Burger" at SweetArt
#36: Buffalo fries at Blueberry Hill
#37: Tom yum gai at Pearl Café
#38: Cassoulet (and Sweetbreads) at Franco
#39: The "Papasan Roll" at Miso on Meramec
#40: Lasagna at Mama Josephine's

#41: The "Bucktown" Pizza at Pi Pizzeria
#42: Pla song kruang at Basil Spice Thai Cuisine
#43: Chori pollo at Mi Ranchito
#44: Pizza at La Pizza
#45: Fried chicken at Young's Restaurant & Ice Creamery
#46: The Philly Cheesesteak at 9th Street Deli
#47: Smoked chicken wings at Flavors BBQ Sports Bar & Grill
#48: Coffee and a pastry at 222 Artisan Bakery
#49: The torta ahogada at Taqueria Durango
#50: The "Morganford Mediterranean" Sandwich at Local Harvest Café & Catering