Bogart's is owned by different people, and their menu differs in a few ways -- not the least of which is pastrami at Bogart's. Holy god, is that stuff a revelation. Also, their meaty beans are reason enough to go. All the meats, however, are treated with care and reverence, and you might try locally-made Billy Goat chips alongside (or find some to take on the road). They're addictive, if a little greasier than the usual.

Avoid STL style pizza. It's a J O K E.

Toasted ravioli is leathery and filled with questionable meat. Don't do it.

Magazine photos almost always employ a food stylist to produce a look that doesn't happen in real world cooking and baking. They're cutting those strawberries separately, then placing them on the cheesecake, for instance.

Keeping that in mind, I would suggest using a large chef's or serrated knife and dipping it into a pitcher of boiling or very hot water, then wiping it clean, between each cut.

"Beautiful" is a concept that differs from person to person. The most important thing is to make something that tastes delicious to you.

They were offered on a "limited time only" basis, unfortunately. I've been told they'll probably reappear around November.

If you have time and are so inclined, poke around the Isthmus' food forum.
http://www.thedailypage.com/forum/ind...

Aviva, a few come to mind off the top of my head; of course, your choice depends largely on other factors: what are you in the mood to eat? are you dining solo or with others? what do you want to spend?

Anyhow, my ideas:

Kuma's: http://www.kumas-asian-bistro.com/
Paragon: http://www.paragononstate.com/
Octane: http://www.octane.net
Irish Rose: http://www.irishrosesaloon.net/
Brio: http://www.briorockford.com/
Cru: http://www.cru509.com/

After dinner, you can get good chocolates at Chocolat by Daniel ( http://www.chocolatbydaniel.com/ ) and very good beer (and pub grub and snacks) next door at Carlyle Brewing ( http://www.carlylebrewing.com/ ).