
My dining out has picked up this year. As I look back on 2022, I recall a number of noteworthy dishes around town from restaurants new and old.
As it turned out, I selected mostly Asian and Mediterranean fare. Perhaps that’s because the flavors and textures are unique and I don’t prepare ethnic recipes as often at home.
Pictured are some of my favorite dishes of 2022 listed in no particular order:
Crispy Summer Vegetables

Crispy Summer Vegetables—one of the many superbly prepared dishes at Little Fox.
Smoked Ribs

Barbecue is as comforting as a warm hug. These succulent, slow-smoked ribs come from Pappy’s Smokehouse. Best enjoyed with a side of their famous baked beans and a cold beer.
Soup Dumplings

Soup dumplings . . . from where else, but Soup Dumplings on Olive, where Private Kitchen used to be. There are several varieties, but I prefer the pork.
Chicken Pad Thai

Couched on a side street in The Loop, Fork & Stix has some of the best Asian dishes in town.
Vegetable Parrillada

Vegan Vegetable Parrillada with grilled pineapple, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, Portobello mushroom, asparagus, corn on the cob with chimichurri sauce. This tasty thicket of vegetable and fruit can be found at Asador del Sur on Manchester.
Ya Ya Salad

You can happily start any meal at Ya Ya in Chesterfield with this healthy, hearty salad.
Lunch Lasagna & House Salad

This lunch combo is a favorite at Brio located near the Frontenac Shopping Center parking lot.
Desserts

Leave room for desserts when you dine at Ben Poremba’s new “food spa,” Bar Moro on Wydown.
Gnocchi

Your pasta button will light up with this dish from Bistro la Floraison on Wydown.
Beet Salad

Beet Salad at Olio. (And, by all means, try the hummus—try everything!)
Vietnamese Beef Pho

This traditional, hearty noodle bowl by Chef Qui Tran is a signature item at Nudo on Delmar.
Sweet Potatoes and Ravioli

There’s a heap of Italian flavors in this dish from Louie in DeMun.
Orange Chicken

Try this one at Corner 17 in the Loop or pick among their vast menu.
Pizza

Anthonino’s on the Hill serves up a little bit of Italy in every dish.
Bao Bun Soi and Dumplings

The Bao restaurant is located in Clayton. These fluffy little pockets of goodness pop with flavor.
Vegetable Sandwich

This vegetable sandwich on ciabatta is a feat of architectural splendor. You can find it at the Westchester in Chesterfield.
Japanese Sushi

Sashimi Moriawase, a 12 piece chef’s selection at Nick Bognar’s Nippon Tei. (Nick will be bringing his sushi restaurant to the Hill with the opening of Sado in Giovanni’s former space.)
Cauliflower

Cauliflower with almonds and duck egg-lemon aioli give a new dimension to the vegetable. Find it on the menu at Akar on Wydown. It’s just one of Chef Bernie Lee’s phenomenal dishes.
Dolmas

From Sultan in The Grove. Truly, a feast of Mideastern goodness.
French Onion Soup

You can close your eyes and imagine you’re on the French Riviera when you dine inside, or street side, at Brasserie in the Central West End.
Pretzel Bread

This complimentary pretzel bread from Cooper’s Hawk in Town & Country is not too chewy, not too soft, but just right.
Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Soda

Crown Candy Kitchen offers this outrageous addition to any meal. (I especially like pairing it with their chicken salad.) It’s a great midday snack to enjoy with friends or kids.
Whether it’s a classic dish like Barbecued Ribs or a more exotic option like Vegetable Parrillada, I always appreciate a finely-crafted and well-served dish. Let me know if you found a dish this past year that you thought was noteworthy.
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