Edition: Concierges' Favorite Restaurants
Bon Appetit!
Author: Beth M. Custer
Finding a great meal in St. Louis is easy if you know where to look, or more importantly, whom to ask. Concierge Preferred polled concierges throughout the St. Louis area to determine which restaurants they like the best and recommend the most. After all, who knows more about the best, hottest, and hippest in town than local concierges who, by definition, stay on top of all the latest and greatest? Whether you eat to live, or live to eat, you'll find something delicious at one of the concierges' favorite establishments.
Mangia Bene!
St. Louis is famous for its Italian food, and rightfully so. The city's inheritance from the thousands of immigrants who settled on The Hill, Italian cuisine is a prominent part of local culture. The menu at the always-popular Cunetto House of Pasta (5452 Magnolia, 314-781-1135) is written mostly in Italian (with English descriptions), and might make you feel as if you're visiting the old country. A generous selection of antipasti and numerous pasta dishes plus steak, chicken, fish, and veal ensure something for everyone. Part of the fun at LoRusso's Cucina (3121 Watson Rd., 314-647-6222) is meeting the chef-owner, Rich LoRusso, who often visits with customers at their tables. Numerous interesting entrees include veal carcofi pomodoro and butternut ravioli, which share the menu with classics like cioppino and tortellini. Entrée portions are generous - no one goes away hungry. Be sure to dress up when you visit Dominic's (5101 Wilson Ave., 314-771-1632), where a formal, fine dinig experience awaits you. The recipient of multiple awards, this restaurant specializes in Continental Italian cuisine with an emphasis on traditional regional dishes. At Gian-Tony's On The Hill (5356 Daggett, 314-772-4893) chef Tony Catariniccia creates upscale, gourmet-quality Sicilian dishes with old-world recipes. A captivating display of vintage photos traces the owner's family history in the mounains of Sicily; dining in the informal setting makes you feel like you're part of the family.
St. Louis Savvy
For a uniquely St. Louis dining experience, one you won't find anywhere else, try Blueberry Hill (6504 Delmar, 314-727-0880). Rock-and-roll legend Chuck Berry performs here once a month, and the guitar he performed many of his hits on is displayed in the restaurant. Award-winning burgers and tasty deli sandwiches are on the menu, along with vegetarian specialties and all-American desserts like apple pie and New York cheesecake. With dart boards, video games, a jukebox with 2000 selections and karaoke, it's a little piece of pop-culture heaven located right here in the Loop. Known throught St. Louis for its exquisite food and elegant ambiance, Tony's (410 Market, 314-231-7007) is the place to be for a special occasion or any time you want a really exceptional meal. The roast salmon is beyond compare, and if you're a dessert lover, you really shouldn't miss the créme brulee with fresh berries. The flawless service offered by a professional staff, the soothing décor, and the delectable cuisine will live in your memory for years to come.
Sizzling Steaks
Our concierges found it easy to agree on outstanding steak restaurants in St. Louis. Dierdorf & Hart's Steakhouse (701 Market St., 314-421-1772 and West Port Plaza, 314-878-1801), owned by ex-St. Louis Cardinal football players Dan Dierdorf and Jim Hart, has terrific steaks and seafood. A knowledgeable waiter appears at your table bearing a huge tray of the finest cuts of meat - on one recent evening the selection included enormous steaks and hefty lobster tails. Patrons make their choice, which is transported to the kitchen and cooked according to their desires. The quiet décor tends toward the masculine, and the downtown location boasts views of the Arch through the east-facing windows. Morton's of Chicago (7822 Bonhomme, 314-725-4008) is another favorite with St. Louis concierges. Its menu alone will make your mouth water with entrees like double Filet Mignon with Sauce Bearnaise, and desserts like Chocolate Velvet cake and Grand Marnier soufflé. With large cuts of steak, lamb chops, jumbo shrimp, and whole baked lobster, Morton's will satisfy even the most avid carnivore. Movie buffs might recognize Citizen Kane's (133 W. Clinton Pl., 314-965-9005) moniker from the famous 1940s movie, but locals know it's also named after its owner, Frank Kane. Housed in a historic home in Kirkwood, it is highly recommended for the tenderness of its steaks.
Family Feasting
If you're dining out with kids (or anyone else who might need to be entertained during a meal) Fitz's American Grill and Bottling Works (6605 Delmar, 314-726-9555) fits the bill. Fitz's is famous for its house-brewed root beer, and you can view the bottling line through a glass wall while you enjoy a juicy burger in the dining area. The décor is kid-friendly, with a bright art deco interior and special kids' meals served in miniature vintage cars. Dave & Buster's (13857 Riverport Dr., 314-209-8015) has a lively atmosphere replete with video games, siumlators, billiards and shuffleboard. An extensive menu provides something for every taste, from Mexican-inspired appetizers to dozens of steak and seafood options. Sample a slice of the "real" St. Louis at Rigazzi's (4945 Daggett, 314-772-4900). A long-time favorite for casual dinners on The Hill, it serves pastas and pizzas with its famous "frozen fishbowl" - a huge goblet of ice cold beer.
New in Town
Everyone's talking about the very chic Eleven Eleven Mississippi (1111 Mississippi, 314-241-9999). Its hardwood, brick, and copper charm is punctuated by an open display kitchen and glass-enclosed wine cellar, and the Tuscan-Northern California cuisine is inspired. At Drunken Fish (639 West Port Plaza, 314-275-8300) you'll find many varieties of sushi, sashimi, and makimono rolls with a long list of sake drinks and martinis. A young, hip crowd enjoys house, jungle, and techno music every evening. Moxy Contemporary Bistro (4585 Laclede, 314-361-4848) includes free range fried chicken with cream sage polenta and sauteed spinach among nine or ten other similarly interesting choices on its dinner menu, while a favorite with those who lunch is the tomato bisque with garlic cheese toasts.
Ethnic Eateries
St. Louis has become a melting pot of nationalities, like most other large cities in the U.S. One striking benefit of this phenomenon is the new foods, recipes, and resturants that come with the new mix of cultures. Sen Thai-Asian Bistro (1221 Locust, 314-436-3456) offers Thai, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine, all in a Thai atmosphere. Thai noodle soups and Thai curry are among the specialties, along with Chinese spring rolls and Japanes Tempura and Katsu dinners. At P.F. Chang's China Bistro (1295 Chesterfield Pkwy. East, 636-532-0215) the chefs use Mandarin style woks to cook in an exhibition kitchen. They strive to balance the Chinese principles of fan and t'sai in a myriad of dishes like Chang's spicy chicken and coconut-curry vegetables. For a taste from another part of the world, try Modesto Tapas Bar and Restaurant (5257 Shaw, 314-772-8272) for traditional and updated Spanish fare. Flamenco music on Monday nights intensifies the exotic appeal of the tapas menu. The flavors of Cuba and Central and South America coalesce at Mirasol (6144 Delmar, 314-721-6909). Officially billed as Nuevo Latino cuisine, it includes light, refreshing ceviches, and warm dishes like Tamales de Hongos - wild mushroom tamales with red chile and orange adobo.
Better Business
If you've business to conduct, there's no better place to impress a client than J. Buck's (101 S. Hanley, 314-725-4700 and 79 West County Center, 314-966-5700). Named after the local broadcasting family of the late Jack Buck, his son Joe and daughter Julie, its mood is upscale, but still casual and comfortable. The BLTC sandwich (pepper bacon, lettuce, tomato, chicken and bleu cheese) is succulent, as is the carbonara. The polished good looks of the dining room at St. Louis Fish Market (901 N. First St., 314-621-4612) make it a fine place for a business luncheon or a romantic dinner. The wide variety of fresh seafood includes whole catfish, Alaskan halibut, and sushi, and the wine list offers over 200 selections. Eau Bistro (212 N. Kingshighway, 314-545-9000) located in the plush Chase Park Plaza, always makes a great impression. Hazelnut-crusted soft shell crab and a coffee-dusted lamb rack are featured on the menu along with a 300-bottle wine list.
Familiar Faces
If you're looking for a familiar restaurant, maybe one you enjoy in another city, you can't go wrong with the St. Louis location of Hard Rock Cafe (450 St. Louis Union Station, 314-621-7625). Moderately priced American fare like Texas T-bone steak and Tupelo chicken tenders, rock-and-roll music, and displays of rock memorabilia combine to make this a popular favorite around the world. In spite of its name, The Cheesecake Factory (1062 Saint Louis Galleria, 314-721-0505) offers much more than dessert! Its upbeat interior and huge array of menu selections will tempt the most discriminating diner, and the cheesecakes don't disapoint - there are over 30 flavors to choose from.
