grillergorilla's Profile
German food in St. Louis?
Where has all the German food gone? Hello, where are you living? The reason is German food sucks! Really, what have they brought to world cuisine. Greasy fried meat cutlets and bad chicken. They are great pastry makers I will hand yo that, but in the cumulative 4+ months I've spent there, phooey. There isn't enough beer to wash the lousy taste of German food out of my mouth.
kolaches in midwest
There is a restaurant in St. Louis called The Kolache Factory. It is a franchise from a parent company from Texas. It is located on Brentwood Blvd at Manchester. Perhaps they'll ship.
STL -- need prepared food platters for private party
Try Babalu's. I loved their food at the shack and I know they cater. Good, unique food at good prices. Try email at: babalusshack@yahoo.com or 314-706-7061
St. Louis bakery
People's taste in cake can be quite varied. What does your Dad like. Cravings does really nice, refined cakes but they are expensive. However they are delicious. Macarthur is okay but run of the mill along with some others mentioned on this blog. If he likes cheesecake, go to Hank's. If he likes gooey butter try Gooey Louie. If he is plain jane like my father, go to Schnucks and save yourself the money and aggravation. Good luck with that one.
Llywelyn's Pub Overland Park, Kansas
I have been to 2 St. Louis locations on many occasions and can only say that they are a sloppy copy of a Houlihans. There is little that is Welsh about it and they continuously hire lazy servers. I go for the drinks and live music and skip the food. So unless they have a miracle partner, save the trip and stick with the better choices in Overland Park.
Babalu's is MIA (St Louis)
Does anyone know what happened to Babalu's? It's been closed for a few weeks and their phone message doesn't offer any answers. Help me, I am jonesing for a pork gordita.
Open on Sunday in St. Louis
There are a lot of places open on Sundays, it depends on what you consider good. Pat's is good. Most of the CWE restaurants are open Sundays. Cafe Ventana is great for lite bites and nice patio. I'll say again. Babalu's in Kirkwood is a greatplace for a casual breakfast or lunch. Cafe Osage is another breakfast/lunch spot.
Best "local" places in St. Louis?
When are you coming to St. Louis? Where are you staying? If you haven't been yet, I would say there have been some delicious recommendations. Skip the St. Paul however, because in its purity its unique, but in most cases it's execution is inedible. Amighettis is fine, though I would say Blues City Deli in Benton Park has one of the finer sub and other sandwiches in town and they have live music on the weekend.... If you want something out-of-this-world, go to Babalu's Snack Shack in Kirkwood for the 3 Little Piggy. It's got ham, topped with a bacon and cheese omelet and topped with pulled pork on a toasted hoagie bun. That's good eatin'...Check out Crown Candy for a slice of ice cream nostalgia and great egg salad sandwiches....O'Connels still cranks out a great, hand carved roast beef sandwich. Few amenities but good food....Five just opened a location on the Hill. That is a fine choice for a nice restaurant....Robust in Webster is a cute little wine bar with some excellent charcuterie and sandwiches. As mentioned, Franco is another excellent choice.
As far as other St. Louis favorites, beware. Toasted ravs are virtually all the same. The restaurants buy frozen ones from the same suppliers and serve them with their own sauce. So they all taste the same. Some restaurants actually make them and these are hit or miss....Thin crust pizza can be good, though I don't care for it overall. Most places buy frozen crusts with canned sauce, hence they all taste the same. ...Forget crab rangoon, they're not worth it....And well gooey butter cake. There are a lot of versions of this that haven't got a drop of butter. Try a Gooey Louie to take home.
La Tropicana, St. Louis
As lemons said, it has enlarged the dining area. Still good food and good prices. When I go shopping there, I get a Cuban sandwich to go, which I eat in the car and a sack of frozen tamales for another day. Other items are good and pack well to go.
St Louis best low key great food?
The corned beef at Protzels is far superior to Carl's. As a matter of fact all the sandwiches are better. Granted that Protzel's has fallen quite bit from it's heydays, and I may have a nostalgic attachment to it, I still like their food and you can't beat Pratzel's rye. The rye at other delis are too squishy.
Cheap eats/hole in the wall in St. Louis?
CHMW-That's great to hear about Ricardo's . I've seen it for so long and figured it was a dump. You know, candidate for best toasted ravioli. I will try it. And yes, I'm glad about Saleem's and I failed to mention Al Tarboush. SEE, go the the LOOP? Maybe even catch a movie at the Tivoli.
STL -whole (i.e. w/ belly) fried clams?
No and you won't\. STL restaurants rarely serve clams and if they do they're steamed and if they're steamed they're manila or mahogany clams. We rarely see steamers and if so, no one woudl buy them. GO to Seafood City and hope you catch them on a good day. You can try to call (which I've never done) but don't hold your breath. They occasionally have steamer clams. then you can fry your own.
Cheap eats/hole in the wall in St. Louis?
OKay, here you go "itsbubbles". Most parking in St Louis is free or metered. Don't worry so much about finding parking like in a bigger city. Where're you from? Therefore, forget downtown. You can find your way anywhere pretty easy. Ask the concierge, get a map or GPS. however there are some difficult neighborhoods so avoid anything north of olive.
Sweetie Pie's is a monster feast and not bad. Bit its soul food, so its big and filling and not necessarily culturally fulfilling. If you are looking for Mexican, well St. Louis is not the best place to find hidden gems. Arcelia is ok for St. Louis, but if you come from a city with a large assimilation of Mexican culture, forget it. Cheesemongerswife is right about Cherokee street, but its off the beaten path and how bad do you want to eat?
Pappy's isn't too far. Stick to the ribs. They rock. I can't respond to Cheesemongerswife about Italian she mentioned. I don't eat Italian in St Louis. As far as I've experienced, it is abysmal at best.
Haven't tried an Bosnian but that areaof the world doesn't rock me. I assume it is more of the same Eastern European I grew up with in far better places than here.
All said and done, why not go to the loop, park it and walk for blocks. there is some good and bad, but it will be easy to do, little driving and you can relax. There is fine Vietnamese, eclectic, burger bar (Blueberry Hill) a must, and the view is worth the price of admission. Lots of freaks and its fun. Also Lebanese, pizza, seafood, Ethiopian (is Saleem''s still open?) and so on. Stroll across Skinker for bowling and skip Pi's less than presidential pie. Yeesh!!!!!!!! Don't miss BoBo's Noodle House also on Skinker. Good Luck...
St Louis near Powell Hall/Fox Theater
When going to the Scottish Arms, avoid their abysmal fried apps and anything with pastry. It always comes out under baked. Stick with the great scotch selection and the smoked salmon beforehand and grab a late bite afterward. Or for something ill suited to symphony, go to Pappy's and chow on bbq. I believe their hours have extended to early evenings. Or go to Cafe Ventana for a few light bites and a cocktail or coffee. It won't put you to sleep like a bigger meal and it has something for everyone, especially if the weather is friendly enough to sit outside.
Best Creole/Cajun or Po Boys in STL
The Gumbo shop does gumbo proud. They're jamabalaya was fine too. Po Boys sucked. The muffaletta at Blues City Deli rocks. I haven't tried Louisiana Cafe.
Hooray for Blues City Deli [St. Louis, MO]
Just like finding a $20 bill in your laundry, my lucky day was that sunny, chilly March Saturday afternoon I stumbled across Blues City Deli. One crack of the front door and the aromas of cured meats drilled like a sniper bullet. The miniscule dining room was full of content customers (of course, they were already eating). The line reached the door and get this, a 4 piece band was setting up in the window. Who does this? So after rubbing my eyes to make sure I wasn't dreaming (damn, what a dream that would have been), I frantically searched the menu for my order. Well, I can say I ordered enough food for 8 people and it was all delish. However, the real jewel is the muffuletta. It is all that and on great bread. As a matter of fact all of their sandwiches are on good chewy bread to hold up against the overload of hearty ingredients. There is a million choices of chips and cool beverages. Didn't try the sides. I've keep going back and never get tired. Bravo and keep it up Blues City Deli.
Moving to Creve Coeur, MO, any good restaurants?
Where are you moving from? Forget about eating in Creve Coeur. Head due east on Olive. You'll eventually a long stretch of Asian markets and restaurants, along with a Jamaican joint at the I-170 intersection. There are good and bad and it really depends on what you are used to. Asian in Iowa is different than Asian in California so try a bunch. However, towards the eastern edge of this collection of joints is Seafood City. A bit scary for those inexperienced in Asian markets, but they have live tanks with everything from crab (blue and dungeness) to frogs, turtle's, clams, cockles, mussels, etc. Also, try Lulu's seafood and there is a little bakery that makes wonderful pork buns nearby. Seafood is hot or miss here. Oceana can be very good or just so, depending I guess on who is cooking. The upper restaurants like Harvest, Niche, Monarch all pay due respect to the raw ingredients. Don't fall for Bristols. Good luck.
St Louis best low key great food?
Wow, low key but great food. I am assuming the responses so far are hitting the mark on what you're looking for. Cheap eats if you will. Well lets see. I don't agree with most people, but I will say that Blues City Deli rocks. It's my new favorite sandwich spot. Mai Lee, good choice. Pappy's has great ribs, good turkey and such but sucky sides. Hey Pappy's, please find something else or try your hand at it cuz I can't stand them anymore. Goody Goody Diner for breakfast. I've never eaten Ethiopian food before so I cannot comment. Pizza-Dewey's sucks. Always undercooked and overpriced. Pi's, are you kidding me. Underbaked and bland. Get a Racanelli's double cheese and learn what pizza should taste like...and don't even mention that garbage they call thin crust....Go to the Gumbo Shop for gumbo, jambalaya and a poor boy. Protzels deli on Wydown has the best corned beef. Get it on tzitzel rye with brown mustard and a Dr Browns cream soda. Woof. Babalus Snack Shack, opening this summer at Kirkwood Farmers Market. The gordita is freakin huge and the sauce is like crack...unforgettable. La Tropicana Market has a little kitchen and seating area. Great Cuban sandwich and other delish stuff. Get a dozen green tamales frozen to go and steam them up for dinner. What was once called Shu Fenng, its on Olive just east of I-170 on the north side of the street, next to Imo's, has the best steamed dumplings. The rest of the food is good but the dumplings are worth the trip. If you don't want to make the trek to Crown Candy, try Jennifer's Pharmacy is Clayton. They have great egg salad and phosphates (Italian sodas to those unfamiliar with Jewish heritage). How far can this go? I just found Boardwalk Cafe in Webster. Though not always perfect, they know how to cook eggs and the servers are downright bubbly and attentive. Ask for the hash browns well done for crispy spuds. That's all for now, but there is so much more to eat and talk about
fresh small fish in St. Louis
If you were to try anywhere, go to Seafood City on Olive or some of the other Asian markets west along Olive between North and South and I-170. The have a lot of fresh fish and live tanks with everything from crab (blue and Dungeness), lobster, carp, eel, frogs, turtles, tilapia, clams (mahogany, little neck, geoduck etc), mussels, snails...along with all of the other whole fish, fresh and frozen products.
1st Time In St. Louis - Need a dinner recommendation
You've got one night for dinner in St. Louis. Ever been here before? From here? Any family here? Okay, with all that aside, I will agree with the recommendation for Niche. Lots of press for a "new" hometown boy. As well, your homie Larry Forgione opened "An American Place" in a hotel downtown. However, skip it and go to Monarch in Maplewood (central corridor) who previously ran AP and is a gifted chef. Other good choices are Harvest and Herbie's (same owners as Monarch).
Do not eat any St. Louis classics. Aside from a St. Paul sandwich with a belly-full of tequila, our hometown favorites are pure garbage. Inedible nuggets of crap. Leave knowing NY pizza, as I just enjoyed it on my recent trip, is the best (sorry Chi-town). If you had more time, I could tell about some wonderful eating spots. For now however, I'll just leave you to find a good dinner.
Visiting St. Louis area
So you're coming to MO in late April. Well... any chance you have to get out of Wright City (family stuff aside) you should take it. So does that mean you will be coming into St. Louis more than once.If so, this changes things. However, in response to other St. Louisans who answered (and we are a proud bunch), Pappy's is a good choice for ribs. Other BBQ is ok, but side dishes suck. Crown Candy is fun for the nostalgia, good homey snadwiches and big ass ice cream creations. Since you mentioned Bailey's, I'm guessing you are looking to hit a bar or two. If so, skip Bailey's and go to the Venice Cafe by the AB brewery. Cool bar. Funky. However, if you come in town early in the day, Bailey's sister restaurant Rooster has a good breakfast of crepes and egg dishes, along with a vast bloody mary menu. ...Forget Iron Barley, it's a dump and food is hit or miss. Ted Drewes, well its fun on a hot summer night, but its frozen custard and you stand outside to eat it. So when everyone else is telling you about wonderful warm spring nights in St. Louis, know that it could also be 40 and raining. If you have the time, hit the Central West End. Start at Dressel's and hoist a few Felefoil's. Sart moving south and finish with shots at Rosie's. Spend the night at the hotel around the corner and limp back to Wright City the next day, stopping for a greasy spoon breakfast at the Majestic in the morning. Good luck and have a great time.
Desperately Seeking Babalu's (St. Louis)
I just saw on the board at the market that they are opening next week, Saturdays only. Starting in May they will go back to their regularly scheduled hours. I so happy I could just pee. Go Pulled Pork!!!
ElScorcho, Maplewood, MO
Yes and don't bother. Its another Mike Johnston restaurant, all fluff, no flavor.
KoKo...Is it a No No? - St. Louis
Yes, the KOKO in St. Louis. Sorry. That's a shame. It was a fine little place to eat.
KoKo...Is it a No No? - St. Louis
What happened to KOKO? I absolutely loved that place. Great duck gumbo and the zydeco fries were the bomb. Where did the owner and chef go?
STL - place to buy fresh exotic mushrooms?
If you are looking for a mail order source, try Earthly Delights. Pros in St. L use Fresh Mushroom Farm. You could probably find the number through operator assistance. Joe (owner) is located south on 55. Dierbergs and Whole Foods also have a few fresh exotic mushrooms when avaiable.
Fry Me a River
What makes a great french fry? Who makes a great fry? I got in a very heated debate last night with other fry hounds and we couldn't come to clear set of standards. Some liked then thin, others thick. Skin on or skin off? Condiuments used. Is ketchup heaven or heresy? Malt vinegar or mayonnaise? Salt and pepper. I hate pepper on fries, but most others love it. I would love to hear your thoughts....And by the way, I like my fries thick cut and short (almost like potato bombs), skin on, lightly salted and for me...ketchup. But the ketchup must be in a pool, not on the fries so I can dip. As well, I squirt a little Rooster sauce on top for a jolt of heat.Horseradish sauce with a touchof dijon mustard is a fun change and truffled mayo is over the top.
San Francisco hound itinerary questions for St. Louis hounds.
Go to Atlas. It is well worth the trip, time and money. Skip Vin de Set. Stay with Franco. Forget thin pizza, it sucks (and I'm from here). Too many really good pizza in SF (Golden Boy) in North Beach...is it still there? Definitely Venice. And skip early dinner before the game, grab a brat there and eat later. The Dubliner downtown is a fun spot.
Chowing at Farmer's Markets (St. Louis)
Thanks for the tip, jardin32. I can't wait to get out there.
