I’m greeted by “Bonzo,” the server at the entrance to Herbie’s in Clayton.
Herbie’s has nestled into Clayton in what seems to be a seamless transition from their former space in the Central West End. Like the bride wearing “something old, something new” for good luck, owner Aaron Teitelbaum not only spruced up the new location, he lugged over old light fixtures, tables, and vintage wine posters to keep the feeling of Herbie’s.
Lunch at Herbie’s
I’ve lunched at Herbie’s twice and both times there was a goodly gathering at their new location on the southwest corner of Brentwood and Maryland. From the looks of things, the place has become a favorite of the silk tie and scarf set from nearby office buildings. The lunch menu is classic bistro fare: burgers, pasta, sandwiches, soups, and salads, each with just enough twist to make it appealing.
The first time I was there I had the bison burger and the next time the beef burger and a cup of onion soup. Both were perfect for a chilly day Such well-prepared comfort foods pare well with the cozy feel of the dining room, where white-clothed tables are tucked into secluded mahogany cubicles. For a less formal feel, there’s the cafe facing the street, as well as small, private side rooms. The spacious outdoor patio spans the entire corner of prime downtown space.
The many walls are perfect for Herbie’s colorful, grande-size posters.
Dinner with “Women Who Eat Out”
As I’ve mentioned before, I eat out with a group of women once a month at a different restaurant. They’re tolerant of my need to re-arrange and photograph their food while it grows cold. They treat my preoccupation with food blogging like a personality disorder and submit to my whimsical requests. I am most grateful.
When we arrived the Happy Hour at the bar was still in full swing with lively music and full tables. The dining area was more subdued and the service friendly and energetic. The menu offered a wide variety of entrees, enough for most any taste, as well as several specials. Being “digital diners,” several of us had already viewed the menu on line and had in mind what we wanted to order. I had pre-selected the Dover Sole, but upon hearing our server’s excited description of the Shimp and Grits, I switched courses. Below are photos of some of the entrees that we had the pleasure of dining upon at Herbie’s.
Herbie’s dining room: cozy, comfortable, and secluded.
Wall mounted televisions feature revolving art and travel images.
Shrimp Pesto Pasta (from the lunch menu) with sun-dried tomato linguini, walnut basil pesto, feta, cherry tomato, and sautéed shrimp, $12.
Mixed Greens Salad with heritage blend greens, roasted beets, goat cheese, spiced walnuts, pickled red onions, and a honey Dijon vinaigrette, $9
Beef Wellington with a sautéed medley of spinach, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers, duxelles, and wild mushroom demi-glace, $34
Coffee and Chili Rubbed Lamb with whipped potatoes, broccolini, and bing cherry demi-glace $40
Shrimp and Grits with Tasso ham, mushroom, green onion, brandy, veal demi-glace, truffled-grits, and buttermilk tobacco onions, $15/29
Cheesecake from the lunch menu
The final item on the extensive dessert menu was geared for those who feel less guilty if they share a sweet repast. The Dessert Platter featured a fritter, cheesecake, donut, and flourless torte from which you could pick three for $12. We were celebrating two birthday among us so, instead, we simply enjoyed a bite of the chocolate torte provided gratuitously for the birthday girls.
With all the new openings and construction, downtown Clayton is beginning to look like a teenager undergoing a sudden growth spurt. As the city reaches for the sky with it’s many building projects, it’s good to have a new business like Herbie’s, opening at ground level, bringing with it a good, solid fan base, a delectable menu, and considerable culinary history.
A shared dessert plate marks the end of a pleasant evening at Herbie’s.
Herbie’s, 8100 Maryland Ave., Clayton. Open: Lunch: Weekdays 11a-2p; Happy Hour Daily 2-6p; Dinner: Sun-Thu 5p-10p; Fri-Sat 5p-11p; Brunch: Weekends 10a-2p.
