Sicilian Caponata Archives - Good Food St. Louis

It was hard to narrow down this selection to just a handful of the “Best Things I Ate Last Year.” This was a good food and travel year for me. But here are a few things that delighted my palate at home and abroad. Some are old favorites and others are new.

Figs in Sicily

Pietro, owner of a small town restaurant in Sicily, talks with Robin in his kitchen while sampling a bowl of freshly picked figs—the most delicious I’ve ever eaten!

Café Provencal Onion Soup

This delightful French onion soup is a specialty at Café Provencal in Kirkwood. More than a warm bowl of goodness, it’s a game you play with the cheese.

Hiro Kale Salad with Lemongrass-Citrus Dressing

& Braised Pork Belly Buns

How do you create a kale lover? Order this salad with lemongrass and citrus dressing at Hiro in downtown St. Louis.

The Hiro braised pork belly bun is so fluffy and flavorful.

Bahn Mi So Tilapia Spring Rolls

These Tilapia Spring Rolls are so doggone fresh because they’re made-to-order by the owner when you arrive.

Fountain’s Chocolate-Dipped Orange Peel

I once had to wait ten minutes at Fountain on Locust for these to cool. It was worth every minute.

Sheesh Falafel

The chickpea and parsley combination perfectly prepared at Sheesh. The restaurant on Grand gets my “Chair of Approval” for some of the most comfortable seating in town.

Olio’s Roasted Cauliflower

They say we taste with our eyes first. No one understands that better than Chef Ben Poremba with this pyramid of Mediterranean flavors encircling a Roasted Cauliflower dish at Olio.

Pasta alla Norma

I fell in love with Pasta alla Norma in Catania, Sicily, this summer. ” The classic dish, described as a “big hug in a bowl, is made with tomatoes, eggplant and ricotta. You don’t find it on every Italian menu locally. I’m still looking to find one that compares to my memories. So far Anthonino’s and Giovanni’s have come very close.

Caramelized Pears and Gorgonzola Sausage

The sausage on the right is the Caramelized Pear and Gorgonzola; on the left is the Curry Sausage (also quite good, not spicy) from Wurst Haus in Hermann, MO. Sausages can be purchased on line; mine were deivered the next day.