A review of 2017 shows that I’ve had some mighty good eating here in St. Louis with family and friends. It was hard, but I selected 16 culinary diamonds, that I swooned over at local restaurants. They’re shown in no special order. Let me know if you’ve found a local dish this year that rattled your taste buds.
Nathaniel Reid Bakery: French Sandwiches
Nathaniel Reid Bakery is a hidden gem tucked away in a strip shopping center on Manchester Road. The zippy, flavor-packed sandwiches come on freshly baked bread. There’s usually a crowd in the little French patisserie for a lot of sweet reasons.
The Shaved Duck: Fries with Cheese-Vegetable Topping
Vegetarian Smothered Fries from The Shaved Duck. Crispy fries smothered in homemade cheese sauce and topped with smoked jalapenos, Brussels sprout leaves, mixed peppers, onions, and smoked tomatoes. The hefty appetizer also comes in a meat version capped with pulled pork and rib meat. Downright seductive.
Das Olivas: Maple Bourbon Balsamic Vinegar
Di Olivas stocks an array of oils and vinegars in its three locations. I have become particularly fond of their Maple Bourbon Balsamic Vinegar, that’s good enough to drink straight from the bottle, but I resist, saving it for sauces and salads. Good stuff!
Brasserie: French Onion Soup
Brasserie serves up a crazy, tasty French Onion Soup, that will warm the cockles of your heart in a setting reminiscent of a Parisian cafe.
Cafe Natasha’s: The Eggplant Lover’s Platter
If you like Mediterranean-style eggplant—and I do—Cafe Natasha’s has a platter that includes pita bread; baba ghanoush (an eggplant dip); tart, smoky-flavored pomegranate eggplant; and kashke-bademjune (an Iranian dip).
Anthonino’s: Pizza
This four-cheese pizza from Anthonino’s, Greek-Italian restaurant on the Hill, is impeccably crafted and soul satisfying.
Nixta: Guacamole
Because of the ever-changing menu at Nixta, many of my favorites have rotated off the menu. But their guacamole is always there and a great delight.
Hiro’s Asian Kitchen: Kale Salad with Lemongrass-Citrus Dressing
I’m not a big kale fan. But at Hiro’s Asian Kitchen, Chef Bernie Lee has worked his magic on this dish with a citrus vinaigrette. Once brought to the table, never a leaf remains in the bowl.
House of India: Lunch Buffet
House of India serves an ample, moderately priced, and always delicious buffet for a feast of traditional Indian flavors.
Pepe’s Apt. 2: House Salad
Pepe’s in Kirkwood goes supernova on their house salad—one of the most scrumptious I’ve had recently.
Lemmon’s: Balkan Dipping Board
At Lemmon’s Bosnian-American restaurant, these light and addictive fritters come with a feta butter, roasted red pepper spread, and mushroom duxelle.
Nudo House: Soup
Nudo House serves awesome ramen, steaming with goodness, as well as sandwiches and spring rolls. A warm hug in a bowl.
Vicia: Tartine on Porridge Bread with Butternut Squash Soup
Who says healthy eating can’t be flavorful too? This tartine on porridge bread featured a butternut squash soffritto, marinated kale and mushrooms alongside Butternut Squash Soup with curry. Vicia’s ever-changing menu, assures adventure.
Pasteria: Chopped Salad
Chopped salad of chickpeas, green olives, pistachio nuts, pepperoni, oregano, red wine vinaigrette, and pecorino cheese is a Pastaria favorite.
Banh Mi So #1: Tilapia Spring Rolls
An unique take on these freshly made spring rolls at Banh Mi So #1 on Grand: the inclusion of a warm bit of tilapia!
Das Bevo: German Board
The German Board at Das Bevo comes with Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Potato Salad, House made Pretzel, and Spicy Beer Mustard.
