I recently lunched with a old friends, passing through town.

Fine Food on Forsythe

The Crossing nestles snuggly among the shops and skyscrapers of Clayton—a quiet haven for those in search of both sustenance and serenity. Gleaming glassware sits atop white-clothed table, now separated by COVID-protecting plexiglass. 

It’s left to the modern art hanging within the booths to brighten the dark wood interior, while an attractively designed wine rack separates the bar level from the main dining room. 

With Gusto!

Yes, there’s a charm and understated elegance here. Owner/executive chef Jim Fiala has been serving up French-Italian inspired cuisine for the more than 20 years, doing it with panache, but without being overly fussy about things.

Welcome Back

The staff was welcoming and chatty, greeting returning patron as warmly as always. I’d missed their wickedly delicious beet salad with goat cheese, pine nuts, sherry and pesto. But I wanted something leafy, so I went with the Romaine Salad embellished with creamy blue cheese, tomato, onion and bacon. My guests were blessed with the Tagliolini with Wild Mushrooms and the Sea Bass special.

Mushroom soup, a soul soothing, tasty beginning.

The Crossing’s signature Roasted Beet Salad. I didn’t have the playful salad this time, and I always regret it when I don’t.  Photo: The Crossing website

I had the salad with the addition of a crab cake. Life’s simple pleasures.

Ahh, the bass! In deed, the catch of the day, was served in a cradle of lusciousness.

Flourless chocolate torte. We each had a spoonful.

What a treat to have lunch at an old favorite with old friends. Let’s do this again.

The Crossing. 7823 Forsyth Blvd. Open: Lunch, Mon-Fri 11:30a-1:30p; Dinner, Mon-Sat 5p-10p.  Valet parking. Named among 2018 “Best Romantic Restaurants in the St. Louis Area.”