This week, I visit J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood (17 West County Center, Des Peres; 314-965-4600), the fifth location nationwide of a small, upscale chain. Read a sneak preview of my review after the jump.
Count J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood among the growing number of restaurants to claim the phrase "wood-fired" as some kind of badge of rustic authenticity. Wood-fired grills. Wood-fired pizzas. At this point, a wood-fired sushi joint wouldn't shock me. (Come to think of it, the typical California roll might benefit from the grill.) At J. Gilbert's, however, the phrase is ridiculous because it is unnecessary -- redundant. As soon as you enter the restaurant, the aroma of mesquite smoke envelops you, and it will linger on your clothes long after you've gone home.
Visit Gut Check tomorrow to read my review and view a slideshow of the restaurant.
