My Search for a Fluffy Pancake Has Ended
As a food blogger (it’s been nearly 9 years now!), I often ask friends, store clerks, medical personnel, and even total strangers, if they have a restaurant to recommend. When I blogged about my failure to find a fluffy pancake that suited me, I got lots of suggestions.
What’s a Friend For?
My friend, Laura, wanting to relieve my angst, suggested we try Grand Pied near Tower Grove Park. (In French, the name translates Big Foot.) She had heard good things, she said, especially about the restaurant’s signature pancakes.
Laura has never let me down on a dining selection, even so, I checked the Internet. Wahoo!! The reviews were splendid!
So, Off We Went
We were warmly greeted by both the server and the owner, who happened to be the same person—Jamie Stang. Her husband and partner, Tony Collida, is the kitchen portion of this culinary tag team. I like that hands on approach in a neighborhood bistro. The restaurant’s been open about two years now, serving a menu of Midwest and New Orleans favorites.
The eclectic décor gives the pancake haven a relaxed air and aura of charm.
C’est le Pied (Translates: “It’s Great!”)
When I inquired as to what I should order for my first meal, Jamie said without hesitation, “The pancakes.” It was brunch time, so I had no trouble with that selection. Laura opted for the Gumbo and Grits, another item that brought a smile to Jamie’s face as she described it. The beignets, onion soup, breakfast po’ boy, and ham with red-eye gravy all looked promising, but I stayed with their signature dish.
These high-rise pancakes are slightly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Side cups include butter, maple syrup, jelly and whipped cream.
Oh, the Joy!
When we discussed the yummy pancakes, Jamie said the recipe was from Joy of Cooking, the old cookbook that everyone, whose days upon Earth go back further than the Cuban Missile Crisis, has in their kitchen. Checkout this website for the original recipe and some good pancake pointers.
During Jamie’s several stops at our table, I learned that her husband’s grandfather started Piccadilly atManhattan years ago. It’s one of my favorite places to find comfort food.
QR Table Ordering
If you plan to pancake at Grand Pied be aware that there’s no printed menu or money exchanged. By using QR table ordering you’re able to scan the menu with your phone, browse, order, and pay all from the same device. (QR stands for “quick response.) Your receipt comes in whatever form you select.
Like our grandparents, who finally accepted the dial phone, get used to this form of service more often in restaurants. The system reduces wait staff and is efficient, accurate, and quick.
A Few Things to Remember
In addition to the QR ordering, there are no over-the-phone orders or reservations taken, or alcoholic beverages served. It’s BYOB only. (Though Jamie noted that spirited drinks could be obtained across the street at Local Harvest and brought in.) Their non-alcoholic drinks include such fanciful selections as a orange pomegranate mimosa; Arnold Palmer, Excell sodas, and iced oat chai latte.
A cup of herbal tea helped take the chill off the day. There are no tables larger than five.
Gumbo and Grits. Good anytime of day.
Owner Jamie is all smiles, as she should be, with the great uptick in fans since opening in 2021.
Grand Pied: 3137 Morgansford Rd; Hours: Closed Mon, Tue, Wed. Open: Thu-Sun 9-6. Supper Club dining tickets can be purchased on line. Private dining available. Gift Shop: plant mugs, paper flowers vases, jams.
