This restaurant at 1603 McCausland is a true gem. It replaced a really nice steak restaurant that was a bit overpriced for the neighborhood. Pan D'Olive has a very beautiful dining room that has a modern European look but it also has a beautiful side balcony for outside seating. With grape vines, a modern water feature, it is also nouveau inspired.
They have amazing happy hour prices. I recommend the Phyllo cigar and the arancini. The flatbreads are all very good and as well. The main menu looks amazing but I haven't gotten past the appetizers and flatbreads to be able to say. They are now open for lunch so I am anxious to give that a go.
We were there to check into options for a retirement party and they showed us the downstairs event room. I found the same modern European decor with really nice bench seating around the room as well as a good number of tables set. They do an appetizer deal as well as several drink packages. I think it may be a winner.
Sep 25, 2014
Jul 16, 2014
Restaurants I really love
I cannot say enough good things about Big Sky in Webster Groves. The service is absolutely stellar. The menu and wine list is excellent. I love their kale chips. I recently had the wine flight and loved it. They have an amazing happy hour on Wednesdays and beautiful outdoor seating. The restaurant indoor decor is also top notch. It is definitely my favorite overall place right now.
Big Sky Cafe
Another great place is Katie's Pizza that recently moved from Clayton Road to Rock Hill. There is another version of Katie's left on Clayton. In a recent visit, I had an amazing appetizer, the short rib and a great pizza as well. The new space is much large and has nice outdoor seating.
Katie's Pizza
Three Flags Tavern occupies the space once held by Harry's Bar and Grill at the intersection of Southwest and Kingshighway. It is a vastly different place with an upscale cocktail list including a gin drink called the Joan Collins and a rum drink named Don Carlos. The appetizer menu is amazing. I had the mini Monte Cristo with root chips and it was excellent. My wife enjoyed the shrimp and scallops with grits.
Three Flags Tavern
I usually love Tapas and Sanctuaria, at 4198 Manchester in the Grove, does them well. For a first visit, we sampled the cabrales cigars and plantains with mozzarella. Both were extremely well done. The decor is awesome as is the drink menu. I had a mocktail called Irum's Syrum and my wife had the Vieux Carre, a 9 week aged cocktail with rye whiskey as its base. I didn't go completely alcohol free as I ordered the Espolon Reposado tequila for a chaser. Wow, was it smooth!
Sanctuaria
Big Sky Cafe
Another great place is Katie's Pizza that recently moved from Clayton Road to Rock Hill. There is another version of Katie's left on Clayton. In a recent visit, I had an amazing appetizer, the short rib and a great pizza as well. The new space is much large and has nice outdoor seating.
Katie's Pizza
Three Flags Tavern occupies the space once held by Harry's Bar and Grill at the intersection of Southwest and Kingshighway. It is a vastly different place with an upscale cocktail list including a gin drink called the Joan Collins and a rum drink named Don Carlos. The appetizer menu is amazing. I had the mini Monte Cristo with root chips and it was excellent. My wife enjoyed the shrimp and scallops with grits.
Three Flags Tavern
I usually love Tapas and Sanctuaria, at 4198 Manchester in the Grove, does them well. For a first visit, we sampled the cabrales cigars and plantains with mozzarella. Both were extremely well done. The decor is awesome as is the drink menu. I had a mocktail called Irum's Syrum and my wife had the Vieux Carre, a 9 week aged cocktail with rye whiskey as its base. I didn't go completely alcohol free as I ordered the Espolon Reposado tequila for a chaser. Wow, was it smooth!
Sanctuaria
May 20, 2014
Nathalie's Overlook Farm Restaurant on Lindell
We went to Nathalie's because we knew they had a locavore focus and because they happened to be open early on a Friday for dinner. I was completely impressed. The menu was amazing and I chose the rockbridge trout that came with a beautiful vegetable medley. My wife had the moussaka.
The wine list had some really nice options but the one I chose happened to be very affordable and really nice. It was the Hahn. The place is much more beautiful than any of its former incarnations. But the best part was the staff. They were all clearly proud to be there and it showed in how they presented the menu and the offer to give us a tour of the other parts of the house. I think this is going to be my new favorite place.
The wine list had some really nice options but the one I chose happened to be very affordable and really nice. It was the Hahn. The place is much more beautiful than any of its former incarnations. But the best part was the staff. They were all clearly proud to be there and it showed in how they presented the menu and the offer to give us a tour of the other parts of the house. I think this is going to be my new favorite place.
May 9, 2014
Three new discoveries
We had dinner with friends recently at the Purple Martin Restaurant located at 2800 Shenandoah. First, the intersection of Shenandoah and California is one filled with LGBT history in St. Louis. Some years back, there were three gay establishments on this corner. So while the Purple Martin is not exclusively gay, it can certainly bring in a lot of folks who appreciate the history and the food.
The Middle Eastern inspired menu is very unique and interesting. We had their unusual but tasty twist on hummus and some really great classic cocktails. We were able to sit outside on the patio and it was quite a treat. I hope to return.
Another great find is Las Palmas on Manchester in Maplewood. They have really awesome margaritas and really good guacamole. The entrees were exceptional, some of the best Mexican food I have had outside of the places on Cherokee Street. The mole sauce was just outstanding and I highly recommend giving this place a try.
And finally, I was searching Opentable for reservations downtown on a Saturday night and found the most options for the Lucas Park Grille. For some reason, the place was not packed and it should be. We started with chorizo and blue cheese stuffed dates which were amazing. We had a scallop small plate that was as good as anything anywhere. The drink menu was outstanding and the wine list as well. I am not sure why they are not packing them in but I want to go back.
The Middle Eastern inspired menu is very unique and interesting. We had their unusual but tasty twist on hummus and some really great classic cocktails. We were able to sit outside on the patio and it was quite a treat. I hope to return.
Another great find is Las Palmas on Manchester in Maplewood. They have really awesome margaritas and really good guacamole. The entrees were exceptional, some of the best Mexican food I have had outside of the places on Cherokee Street. The mole sauce was just outstanding and I highly recommend giving this place a try.
And finally, I was searching Opentable for reservations downtown on a Saturday night and found the most options for the Lucas Park Grille. For some reason, the place was not packed and it should be. We started with chorizo and blue cheese stuffed dates which were amazing. We had a scallop small plate that was as good as anything anywhere. The drink menu was outstanding and the wine list as well. I am not sure why they are not packing them in but I want to go back.
Mar 25, 2014
Where I have eaten lately
I tried Ciao, at 4534 Gravois recently. This space had once been another restaurant and there are only minor changes. There are really funky, cool long tables that would be great for appetizers and drinks but less than ideal for eating dinner. I had the Ciao signature cocktail which was a little time citrusy for my taste and a little light on the booze. We started with a cheese platter which was nice but not spectacular. The pasta however was quite excellent, the linguini primavera is cooked with whipped cream and it is very special. I enjoyed it a lot.The tramisu dessert was also top notch.
On the way to a show at the Fox, we found very limited options if you want to get down there early and park. So we settled on Dooley's Beef N Brew House. I will give them kudos for the home made chips. I had the ribeye sandwich and it was pretty decent. The wine by the glass was not bad for a brewhouse but they were out of nearly early whisky I tried to order. I ended up with a shot of Jameson for dessert but I really wanted Scotch.
On the Mexican front, we tried Mariachis II at the recommendation of many who said they have the best margaritas. I disagree as again I found them to heavy on the citrus and too light on the tequila. It was suppose to be a "Cadillac" version but I couldn't detect any Cointreau or Grand Marnier. The food was ok but nothing special. It is located at 4536 Gravois.
And finally, I continue to be a big fan of the Mediterranean House Apollonia which is at 6836 Gravois. I love their saganaki and they routinely have really nice lamb dishes.
On the way to a show at the Fox, we found very limited options if you want to get down there early and park. So we settled on Dooley's Beef N Brew House. I will give them kudos for the home made chips. I had the ribeye sandwich and it was pretty decent. The wine by the glass was not bad for a brewhouse but they were out of nearly early whisky I tried to order. I ended up with a shot of Jameson for dessert but I really wanted Scotch.
On the Mexican front, we tried Mariachis II at the recommendation of many who said they have the best margaritas. I disagree as again I found them to heavy on the citrus and too light on the tequila. It was suppose to be a "Cadillac" version but I couldn't detect any Cointreau or Grand Marnier. The food was ok but nothing special. It is located at 4536 Gravois.
And finally, I continue to be a big fan of the Mediterranean House Apollonia which is at 6836 Gravois. I love their saganaki and they routinely have really nice lamb dishes.
Mar 13, 2014
Pastaria in Clayton (by Niche)
A couple years back, I had lunch at Pastaria. with a few co-workers. We had winnings from Fantasy Football to spend and spend we did. It is decorated like an Italian farmhouse and the pasta construction is part of the entertainment. The dark rich bread is home-made and you can make your own dipping oil with salt, pepper, quality olive oil and hot oil all laid out for your personal touch. There is a small interesting pasta menu along with pizza available at lunch. I had the pistachio ravioli and it was outstanding.
We went back with more football winnings and this time I had a classic pasta lunch special. It reminded me of how much I truly love this place.
So when I had a recent opportunity to be in Clayton at dinner time, Pastaria came to mind. I went back to the pistachio ravioli as it is truly outstanding. My wife had the wood oven roasted lasagna and loved it.
We had a really nice Italian wine, Scarpetta Barbera (in honor of the Patricia Cornwall book series) and completely enjoyed the evening. The place was packed and from the conversations I could overhear, it sounded like lots of "foodies" are regulars.
We went back with more football winnings and this time I had a classic pasta lunch special. It reminded me of how much I truly love this place.
So when I had a recent opportunity to be in Clayton at dinner time, Pastaria came to mind. I went back to the pistachio ravioli as it is truly outstanding. My wife had the wood oven roasted lasagna and loved it.
We had a really nice Italian wine, Scarpetta Barbera (in honor of the Patricia Cornwall book series) and completely enjoyed the evening. The place was packed and from the conversations I could overhear, it sounded like lots of "foodies" are regulars.
Feb 8, 2014
Guido's on the Hill
Guidos is a long time favorite of mine. It is unlike any other restaurant on the Hill. First, it brings together Italian and Spanish traditions. It attracts many locals and if you listen, you will hear the languages and flavors that makes it such a unique place.
So I was disappointed in a recent visit. We were there very early on a Friday evening and asked if we could have the table in front of the fireplace. Temperatures had been in the single digits and with snow on the ground, that table was very appealing. It was early and there were just a handful of diners in the place.
Our waitress was very friendly and started us with a bottle of our favorite, the Luzon Tempranillo. It is great wine and a very nice price $24. We also jumped in to the tapas menu with an order of Queso Barracho (breaded fried goat cheese) and Mejillones a la Espanola (mussels from New Zealand topped with Manchego cheese). Ah, what wonderful flavors! We were enjoying our order when we noticed the owner pointing at our table and speaking Italian. From what we could understand, someone had reserved our table for 6 PM and it seemed like our waitress was being chastised for seating us there. All I can say is how rude and uncomfortable for us.
We were there and hungry so we went ahead with an order of the lamb skewers and bacon wrapped dates. All the food was good. The dates were actually done much more nicely than the last time there. Will I go back? Yes, but not as often. I will never feel the same about Guidos and it has solidified Modesto as the best place for Tapas. It is always an open and friendly environment and is right down the street.
So a quick update from March. We had another deal so we went back to Guidos for pizza. I will say that the pizza was quite good. It had a crunchy thin crust, just the right amount of tomato sauce and would move on to my top 10 list for pizza. But I also want to add that our server, Kenneth completely made up for the last experience there. He provided top notch service and recommended a really great wine that was selling for $28 for a limited time. It was the 2012 Arindo from Verdejo Spain. The wine was fruit forward with a robust finish.
So I was disappointed in a recent visit. We were there very early on a Friday evening and asked if we could have the table in front of the fireplace. Temperatures had been in the single digits and with snow on the ground, that table was very appealing. It was early and there were just a handful of diners in the place.
Our waitress was very friendly and started us with a bottle of our favorite, the Luzon Tempranillo. It is great wine and a very nice price $24. We also jumped in to the tapas menu with an order of Queso Barracho (breaded fried goat cheese) and Mejillones a la Espanola (mussels from New Zealand topped with Manchego cheese). Ah, what wonderful flavors! We were enjoying our order when we noticed the owner pointing at our table and speaking Italian. From what we could understand, someone had reserved our table for 6 PM and it seemed like our waitress was being chastised for seating us there. All I can say is how rude and uncomfortable for us.
We were there and hungry so we went ahead with an order of the lamb skewers and bacon wrapped dates. All the food was good. The dates were actually done much more nicely than the last time there. Will I go back? Yes, but not as often. I will never feel the same about Guidos and it has solidified Modesto as the best place for Tapas. It is always an open and friendly environment and is right down the street.
So a quick update from March. We had another deal so we went back to Guidos for pizza. I will say that the pizza was quite good. It had a crunchy thin crust, just the right amount of tomato sauce and would move on to my top 10 list for pizza. But I also want to add that our server, Kenneth completely made up for the last experience there. He provided top notch service and recommended a really great wine that was selling for $28 for a limited time. It was the 2012 Arindo from Verdejo Spain. The wine was fruit forward with a robust finish.
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