Kholood Eid
The "Sweet Burger" at SweetArt
The "Sweet Burger" approximates the experience of eating a burger without trying to trick you into thinking you're eating meat. The patty is quite plump, thicker than a Thickburger, as impressive in its own way as the monster burgers from O'Connell's or Michael's. Its color is difficult to describe, orange tinged with brown, more appealing in reality than when described on the page. It is served on a toasted wheat bun, with mixed greens, tomato, ketchup and a tangy, lightly spicy "housemade vegan spread." And, if you like, cheese.
The patty is made from onions, carrots, lentils, nuts and, frankly, many other things that I couldn't quite place -- bulked out, it seems, with textured vegetable protein or something like it -- but that contribute to a flavorful whole. The seasoning is key, warm spices (vaguely Indian in their overall effect) combined with a very mild sweetness. The exterior of the patty was nicely browned, giving the flavor its most "burger"-like note. Its texture, like the color, is tough to make clear, something like a loosely packed, medium-rare burger. It has enough bulk to be as satisfying as any meat-intensive sandwich, and without the lingering heaviness of a true burger.
(from "Sweet Toothsome," November 18, 2010)
SweetArt
2203 South 39th Street
314-771-4278
$7.25 ($7.75 with cheese)
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:
#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
