Edition: St. Louis Attractions
Dining: Everything Tastes Better Al Fresco
Author: Nancy Larsen
St. Louis boasts dozens of outdoor dining options, many of which also offer spectacular views and settings.
At Vin de Set the rooftop deck raises the bar in outdoor dining for those who want to eat and drink while savoring the St. Louis skyline. A view of the Arch can be had from many of the 132 tables, but if you want to perch right on the edge of the third story rooftop, make reservations. Executive Chef Ivy Magruder puts an American spin on his French cuisine, with an emphasis on seasonal availability. Depending on the time of the year and the mood of Chef Magruder, you may want to start with Tarte Flambe, which combines applewood smoked bacon, carmelized onions, creme fraiche, and gruyere ($8). Following your choice of several salads, you might try the Steak au Poivre: grilled beef tenderloin medalions with brady peppercorn sauce, haricot verts (green beans) and boursin mashed potatoes ($23). Roasted Eggplant Ravioli and Quinoa & White Beans are the vegetarian options, offered for $16 and $15, respectively.
With a whimsical statue of a joker presiding over the courtyard, how could you not have fun at Bar Italia Ristorante & Cafe. The outdoor dining area is a sea of talk, laughter, and the seductive aromas of Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. Located in the trendy Central West End, Bar Italia attracts the beautiful and the powerful, including celebrities lodged at the nearby Chase Park Plaza Hotel. While you're people-watching, enjoy the Carpaccio: paper thin slices of raw beef with chunks of parmigiano cheese, mushroo and capers, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil ($7.95). For your entree, perhaps you'll choose the Melanze con Ricotta, grilled eggplant slices baked with herbed ricotta cheese, with a light tomato sauce ($8.95); or Pollo alla Griglia, citris-garlic-clove marinated chicken breast grilled and served with a pureed vegetable sauce ($8.95).
You've ascended the Arch and shopped 'til you dropped at Union Station. Now, there's no better place for lunch or dinner than inside another St. Louis institution: Forest Park. Leave the city behind (even though you're still in it) and enjoy the cool breezes, darting ducks and lapping waters that accompany your meal at the Boathouse. While enjoying the view of Post-Dispatch Lake, sample the Boathouse Crab Cakes with Cajun Remoulade ($8.95), followed by a small Chopped Salad ($3.95)-- another St. Louis favorite. Seven days a week, the lunch menu offers a Grilled 1/2 Pound Hamburger with Seasoned Fries ($7.25) and for vegetarians, a Black Bean & Corn Veggie Burger ($6.95). If it's an evening meal-- dinner's served after 5 except Mondays-- check out the Seafood and Off-the-Grill specials, which change daily. For the kids, there's the usual fare with Chicken Fingers, Grilled Cheese, and PB &J all going for $3.95. After their tummies are full, why not float their boat? Weather permitting, guests can rent a paddleboat or a row boat (with room for four) for $15 per hour from late morning until sundown.
Did you yearn for a South American adventure but wind up in the Midwest? Not a problem: Yemanja Brasil is bursting with Brazillian flavors and culture, right down to their tropical garden patio with seating for 50. First, the "Entradas": hot appetizers that range from a choice of several Empanadas or fried pastry pies ($7-9) to Fried Yucca Root Wedges topped with Parmesan cheese and served in a curry dipping sauce($5). Popular main entrees or "Practose Principais" include Feijoada de ogum, the national dish of black beans stewed with Brazillian dried beef, smoked sausage, and smoked pork ribs, served with rice, a seasonal yucca flour called farofa, collard greens, and oranges ($17). To quench your thirst, sip a Caipirinha, the Brazillian national drink made of fresh crushed limes, sugar, and Cachaca, a Brazilian rum distilled from sugarcane ($6).
Literally translated as "of the earth," Terrene lets you enjoy a bounty of its delights even before you pick up a fork. Inside the fences of its terraces stone patio, trees, flowers, and an occassional bird make you all but forget that city streets are just a few feet away. With a menu that changes daily (especially the seafood), Terrene boasts ecologically-sound sustainable, trans fat-free dishes. A signature touch is the bean dip, plugra butter, and extra virgin olive oil that accompany bread service. Pear Salad, a red wine-poached pear, frissee, arugula, peppered walnuts, warm, breaded goat cheese, and a honey and thyme vinaigrette ($9) is a favorite. Even though Braised and Crusted Tofu ($16) id offered as a main dish, Terrene doesn't shy away from meat. Try the House Smoked Ribs with root beer barbeque sauce and cheesy macaroni ($20) or the Pan Roasted, Naturally Raised Chicken with sweet potato pancake, garlicky greens, and rosemary.
You'll toast to tradition on Little Hills Restaurant and Winery's three-level patio that provides a view of the Missouri River and St. Charles' cobblestone streets. And as you gaze at the city's historic sites, learn more about them using modern-day technology, thanks to the restaurant's free Wi-Fi. With room for 100 diners, the landscaped patio with open fire pits invites you to sit outside the bistro even when the weather is chilly. Warm up with Baked Brie topped with toasted almonds and fresh fruit ($9.99) or the Loaded Potato Chips, housemade chips topped with shredded cheddar cheese, tomatoes, bacon, and green onions ($5.99). Follow your appetizer with a Goat Cheese Salad of mixed field greens ad roasted onions tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, topped with almond crusted goat cheese ($8.99). If you still have room for an entree, try the eight-ounce Bacon-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin Filet ($22) or the Chicke Piccata, grilled chicken breast sauteed with white wine and lemon caper butter ($16). Each dish description includes a suggested wine--some of which they make and bottle just down the street (thus the name). After your meal, check out the gift shop for some wine-themed souveniers.
