The Vine Mediterranean Cafe (3171 South Grand Boulevard; 314-776-0991) A bright, attractive café that specializes in Lebanese and other Middle Eastern fare. The meat shawarma - beef and lamb slowly roasted on a vertical spit - might be the best in town, as tender as braised beef, its rich, pot roast-like flavor kept lively on the palate by lamb's gaminess. Other dishes include kebabs (beef, lamb, chicken, shrimp) and gargantuan lamb chops served with delicious, tart fattoush sauce. Many vegetarian and vegan options are available, and the falafel and hummus far exceed the status of reliable classics.
See also: - The Vine: RFT's Pick for "Best Middle Eastern Restaurant" 2012 - RFT's 100 Favorite Dishes: Meat Shawarma at the Vine - The Veggielante Rises at the Vine - Drink of the Week: RFT Hails the Vine's Fresh Squeezed OJ
Sekisui (3024 South Grand Boulevard; 314-772-0002) The local outpost of a Memphis-based chain, Sekisui is the most cosmopolitan of South Grand's ethnic restaurants. Chef Kenji Nemoto's selection of nigiri sushi and sashimi is broad - though dependent on what's available each day - with popular favorites like tuna, salmon and unagi as well as sea urchin, the higher grades of tuna and other exotic fare. Traditional rolls are very good, while Americanzed rolls will appeal to relative newcomers to sushi. Not in the mood for raw fish? The menu offers an extensive selection of dishes featuring cooked seafood, vegetables and tofu, not to mention excellent soups.
See also: - RFT greets Sekisui's arrival with 2003 "Best Sushi" honors
Basil Spice (3183 South Grand Boulevard; 314-776-1530) A welcoming environment for the familiar pleasures of Thai cuisine. The staff is friendly, and the dishes are made with quality ingredients and thoughtful attention to detail. The menu features the expected lineup of curries, stir fries and fried-rice dishes. Gang Mussa-Muhn Nuah curry, with peanuts as well as pineapple chunks and tamarind juice is sweet, tart and delicious. The traditional Tom Kha Gai soup is very good. The menu includes a dozen vegetarian dishes and a weekday lunch special.
See also: - The Five Best Thai Restaurants in St. Louis - RFT restaurant review of Basil Spice
Wei Hong Bakery & Restaurant (3175 South Grand Boulevard; 314-773-8318) Located in the mecca of international food that is South Grand, Wei Hong serves up authentic Cantonese food as well as fresh-baked bread every day. The extensive menu covers all the perennial Chinese-food favorites. Appetizers include egg rolls and crab rangoon, while entree choices consist of a plethora of beef, pork, chicken, duck and veggie options, as well as lo mein, fried rice and egg foo young.
See also: - Super Soups: Wei Hong's Wonton Noodle - RFT's 100 Favorite Dishes: Wei Hong's Salt & Pepper Shrimp
