#97: Gyro Sandwich at South Grand Gyro Express

Yes, I know: The photo is unlovely. When ordered to go, the gyro sandwich at South Grand Gyro Express is wrapped tightly in wax paper and aluminum foil. The smart eater unwraps this halfway and holds the sandwich by its still-wrapped end. I, on the other hand, ripped it open and dug right in, wanting nothing so minor as cleanliness and table manners to get between me and my gyro.

The meat has that pitch-perfect balance of beef's rich savor and lamb's mild gaminess. Doused with a tangy, dill-spiked yogurt-cucumber sauce and cradled in warm, soft pita bread, it's a delicious and -- to my eyes, at least -- beautiful mess.

South Grand Gyro Express
5622 South Grand Boulevard
314-481-1033
$4.99 ($6.49 with French fries)

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:

#98: Carne asada tacos at El Paisano (Watson Road)
#99: Pretzel bites at Joey B's on the Hill
#100: Hot and sour soup at Shu Feng Restaurant