I visit too many restaurants to cover in the print version of the RFT. From time to time I'll share my thoughts on these visits in briefer, less formal blog-exclusive reviews.
Last week's cool spell messed with mind. Case in point: Summer's heat has returned, but I didn't think twice about ordering pork schnitzel during a recent visit to Frazer's Restaurant and Lounge.
This was one of several daily specials at the Benton Park restaurant, and by the end it had me wishing for autumn's immediate arrival. The schnitzel's breading was a crisp golden brown, and the pork itself, though thin, was wonderfully tender. It came with caper sauce on top and, on the side, a lovely serving of red cabbage braised in (I think) apple cider. Mashed potatoes and green beans made it that much more difficult to step out of the restaurant back into the heat.
Or maybe the schnitzel was so appealing because I've been drinking Schalfly's Oktoberfest lately. Who knows?
A food I don't often order in any weather is falafel, but I was in the mood for something different when I stopped by Pita Plus (13005 Olive Boulevard) for lunch. I'd meant to have lunch there the other day -- its gyro is excellent -- but the narrow storefront was much too crowded. (That's when I stumbled upon St. Louis Rotisserie, in fact.)
The falafel plate brings five falafel balls as well as hummus, pita and a cucumber and tomato salad. I liked the falafel a lot -- especially slathered with the restaurant's fiery hot sauce. The exteriors were crisp, and if the chickpea mixture wasn't as moist as at Kabob House, it was still tasty.
Autumn begins Sunday. But it doesn't really begin till I have to wear a sweater to work and can have butternut squash soup for dinner. I can't wait.
