patio dining in St. Louis Archives

The Patio at iL Palato

October 7, 2021

A late evening on the patio of iL Palato

I’m always on the lookout for a good patio. And there are many in Clayton. This week, Robin and I stopped at iL Palato, the Southern Italian/Mediterranean restaurant on Bemiston, where Remy’s used to be.

The restaurant was bought a few years ago by the noted restaurateur Michael del Pietro (Sugo’s in Frontenac; Babbo’s in Chesterfield; and Del Pietro’s in Richmond Heights.)

Since then, the place has had a total facelift. The airy, contemporary décor comes with a chic vibe, that brings a pleasant respite from a wackadoddle world.

A Name to Remember

For the longest time, I didn’t know the name of the restaurant. The funky logo is pretty, but not as readable from a passing vehicle as it could be. (I kept thinking it had something to do with the word “potato”—-see logo at end of post.)

I did some online snooping and found the name is Il Palato and it means “the palate” in Italian.

An Evening Repast

It was passed the dinner hour, so Robin and I decided just to split several dishes. Our server spoke highly of the heirloom tomato salad, noting sadly, that the dish would soon be off the menu for the season.

Pomodoro: Heirloom tomatoes, prosciutto, stracciatella, arugula and strawberry sofrito.

He also recommended the Cacio e Pepe. Since I had just written a post about the ancient Italian dish, we ordered one of those as well.

While the dish jangled with flavor, it was a little fancified for me. I prefer the soothing simplicity of the pasta dish with just three ingredients: spaghetti, pecorino Romano, and fresh pepper.

Cacio e Pepe

Melanzana: Crispy eggplant with Pomodoro, creama, fresh Mozzarella and basil.

Eggplant Zings!

The eggplant appetizer was ample and superb. Forget all the other eggplant dishes you’ve ever met. I would judge it the best I’ve had in St. Louis.

The menu is not extensive, but varied enough to suit a variety of palates—as its name implies. I must return to try the short ribs and the pizza before the weather gets too chilly.

Pray the weather gods will allow a few more weeks of comfortable outdoor dining on this charming patio.

iL Palato. 222 S. Bemiston. Hours: Mon-Thu 4:30p to 9:30p; Fri 4:30p-10:30p; Sat 5p-10:30p.

Closed Sunday. No lunch hours since Covid.

The Avenue Patio Lunch

November 7, 2020

Enjoying a recent warm day from the patio at Avenue.

On the Avenue

“Avenue” could be the name of a New York boutique, an upscale jewelry store, or a funky flower shop. But in Clayton it’s the name of a charming lunch spot. The Parisian-style patio with its long row of colorful plants faces onto Meramec.

Covid Cautious

The trendy restaurant checks a lot of boxes for me. In addition to masked servers, there are single-use menus, no-share condiment containers, well-spaced patio seating, and a helpful, friendly staff that’s regularly screened for symptoms. Oh, and did I mention, they have a lunch menu, that I find especially appealing.

Cyndy and I had been to Avenue before and eaten indoors. But since we now live in the Pandemic Era, we went for the patio. Besides it was a 70 degree day, not one we’re likely to have in the months ahead.

Turkey BLT sandwich, includes thin slices of turkey meat, not deli shavings.

Niçoise Salad

A Drool Worthy Menu

Our server talked up the quiche of the day. But I’m not a big quiche fan. On the menu was an array of soups and salads. Sandwiches included Hot Seared Turkey, BLT on Cuban bread (salmon added if desired), Chicken Salad, Vegetarian Sandwich, and of course, their signature burgers. All come with a side of mixed greens, potato salad, fruit, fries, or slaw. Kudos to Avenue for offering Fitz’s root beer.

I finally settled on the Turkey BLT, that was hefty enough to take half home for the next day’s lunch. Cyndy went with the Niçoise Salad, one of her favorites.

The Impossible Burger (vegetarian) comes with a little flag indicating its uniqueness. I had this during a previous lunch at Avenue and found it quite delicious, though the proportions were a bit overwhelming for a little ol’ lady.

I chose the Pear Tart, but there was also a flourless chocolate cake and a bread pudding to tempt the sweet toothed. All desserts are made in house.

A Pre-Pandemic view looking from the inside onto the patio.

Avenue. 12 N. Meramec, Clayton (a few doors from Seven Gables). Hours: Tue-Fri 11a-2p; Tue-Sat 4:30p-9p. Closed Sunday and Monday. Carryout and curbside pickup. Order on line.