If you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy French comfort food a good spot to consider is Cafe Provencal in Kirkwood.
Eddie Neill has created a warm environment with a really nice menu and wine list that's affordable and very tasty as well.
We were there last night and enjoyed our visit alot. It happened to be a wine tasting party night and the place was jammed. Since my Honey is a non drinker we didn't partake of the wines and the amazing buffet of foods that were available to the participants, but it sure looked good.
However, we were well taken care of by the staff. We had a lovely table in a quiet alcove, an attentive waiter, and a responsive kitchen.
I had a really cold, crunchy and well dressed Caesar Salad to start, and Chuck had his favorite Escargot. The menu describes the dish as follows," Six Naughty Little Snails, Swimming Naked in a Pool of Fennel Garlic Butter." I think the word "naked" does it every time-no shells to wrestle with, the snails are served in a round snail dish with six round depressions filled with these very nice sized snails and plenty of that delicious fennel garlic butter that can be sopped up by the excellent bread that is on the table.
For dinner Chuck had Poulet DeBergerac,Chicken Breast in Puff Pastry and White Wine Cream Sauce. I had Porc Grille Poivre Verte which consisted of Grilled Pork Loin with Green Peppercorns and Red Wine Reduction. Both entrees were served with a medley of broccoli, carrots and asparagus. This is homey, delicious food that was perfect on a cool Autumn night.
We opted for the 3 course dinners at $34 per person. Dessert was our next choice. I had a wonderful, soothing Mousse au Chocolat with Creme Anglais and my husband had the Creme Brulee.
This is a pleasant and peaceful place to have a really nice dinner and actually be able to talk and hear your companion(s), and relax.
Cafe Provencal
427 South Kirkwood Road
314-822-5440
www.cafeprovencal.com
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Rue Lafayette Cafe' and Boutique
Yesterday was one of those gorgeous Fall days we've been having lately: blue, blue skies, warm temperatures, plus the maples have finally turned brilliant colors. How can you beat it?
My friend, Peggy and I decided to try this cafe' on the edge of Lafayette Park. It was the perfect day to take advantage of this glorious weather by having lunch outdoors at Rue Lafayette Cafe' 2026 Lafayette Ave. that overlooks the gazebo in Lafayette Park.
We had a delightful experience, not to mention a very good lunch.
We both chose the same lunch; Homemade Chicken Salad on a fresh Ciabbata Roll. It came with a side of delicious Potato Salad. The chicken salad was unlike any I've had. It had pimientos, herbs, eggs, and a wonderful dressing. The potato salad was also unique with a mustardy dressing, herbs, bacon; really, really good. The portions are generous. Peggy and I both commented that we should have shared our sandwich.
The menu is small and changes often, so there's no menu per se, but next to the register that is behind a case of delicious looking ( and sounding!) sweets, where you place your order, is what looks like little rectangles of paper with what is available that day. We had our choice of a quiche and a pulled pork sandwich besides the chicken salad. There was also a pomegranate green iced tea available that they refill at no extra cost. Since it was a warm day there was no soup available, but it will reappear with the cooler temperatures, we were assured.
There's a big board on one wall that lists their coffee drinks. The coffee is wonderful. It's Caffe' Trieste, North Beach Blend from San Francisco. It's full bodied yet mellow, a great combination.
We met and talked to the beautiful owner, Araceli Kopiloff-Zimmer, who comes from Uruguay, and her son, Pablo, who is the chef. They have traveled all over the world. Araceli is a fashion designer who used to work for Levi-Strauss in San Francisco and her job made international foodies out of them.
So much so that they import Chocolate Croissants from Paris which they finish baking and glazing in the cafe' and serve warm. Yum!
We asked her what brought them to St Louis. She came here to work for Macy's, met her future husband here, who is a St Louis native, and they moved into the Lafayette Square neighborhood which they love it.
What they have created here with very good food and a charming, eclectic shop, is a treasure. Be sure to meet them both and hear their great stories. It will only add to your enjoyment of this delightful place.
Rue Lafayette Cafe' and Boutique
www.ruelafayette.us
My friend, Peggy and I decided to try this cafe' on the edge of Lafayette Park. It was the perfect day to take advantage of this glorious weather by having lunch outdoors at Rue Lafayette Cafe' 2026 Lafayette Ave. that overlooks the gazebo in Lafayette Park.
We had a delightful experience, not to mention a very good lunch.
We both chose the same lunch; Homemade Chicken Salad on a fresh Ciabbata Roll. It came with a side of delicious Potato Salad. The chicken salad was unlike any I've had. It had pimientos, herbs, eggs, and a wonderful dressing. The potato salad was also unique with a mustardy dressing, herbs, bacon; really, really good. The portions are generous. Peggy and I both commented that we should have shared our sandwich.
The menu is small and changes often, so there's no menu per se, but next to the register that is behind a case of delicious looking ( and sounding!) sweets, where you place your order, is what looks like little rectangles of paper with what is available that day. We had our choice of a quiche and a pulled pork sandwich besides the chicken salad. There was also a pomegranate green iced tea available that they refill at no extra cost. Since it was a warm day there was no soup available, but it will reappear with the cooler temperatures, we were assured.
There's a big board on one wall that lists their coffee drinks. The coffee is wonderful. It's Caffe' Trieste, North Beach Blend from San Francisco. It's full bodied yet mellow, a great combination.
We met and talked to the beautiful owner, Araceli Kopiloff-Zimmer, who comes from Uruguay, and her son, Pablo, who is the chef. They have traveled all over the world. Araceli is a fashion designer who used to work for Levi-Strauss in San Francisco and her job made international foodies out of them.
So much so that they import Chocolate Croissants from Paris which they finish baking and glazing in the cafe' and serve warm. Yum!
We asked her what brought them to St Louis. She came here to work for Macy's, met her future husband here, who is a St Louis native, and they moved into the Lafayette Square neighborhood which they love it.
What they have created here with very good food and a charming, eclectic shop, is a treasure. Be sure to meet them both and hear their great stories. It will only add to your enjoyment of this delightful place.
Rue Lafayette Cafe' and Boutique
www.ruelafayette.us
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Sidney Street Cafe
When was the last time you tried Sidney Street Cafe'? My answer until last year was maybe 15 years. Why was that? Sidney Street had consistently been on the top favorite restaurant lists in St Louis publications, yet it wasn't on mine. Then one night a year ago last April, Chuck and I decided to try it again. We walked in without a reservation, sat in the bar, luckily found a table and were blown away by the food, and the service.
What had changed? Well, for one thing the restaurant had been sold to Kevin Nashan, a young chef with ambitious plans. Those plans were to keep the best of this popular place, like the menu favorites, the professional wait staff that had been with the restaurant for years and years, and then gradually add his own touches in the daily specials, but to do so slowly; to wait and watch.
When Chuck and I walked in that first night, Kevin had owned the restaurant five years and his touch was already working. Since then he has added a vegetable garden in raised beds at the edge of his parking lot that he planted with the aid of his Sidney Street neighbors, whom he enlisted in the project. They even helped him weed, pinch, and harvest, which helped keep those beds from being vandalized. Kevin has also remodeled the kitchen and added a smoke room in the basement so he can smoke his own meats and make his own sausages.
We've been back many times since. Sometimes we make reservations, sometimes we take our chances in the bar. I love the bar area; it's a great people watching area, the light is a bit higher and the noise level most nights is lower.
We went again last night and here's my report. This is a must-go-to place. Not only is the food outstanding but the wait staff is amazing. These are dedicated people, not people who are waiting tables until something better comes along. You only see this kind of devotion to the philosophy of a restaurant very rarely.
I was very hungry last night, Chuck had a late lunch and he was not, so he had an appetizer for dinner. His was a Confit of Sweetbreads on a Bed of Celery Root Puree' with Apple Cider reduction, Spiced Pecans on Swiss Chard greens.
I had Grilled Honey Mustard Shrimp consisting of 5 bacon wrapped shrimp and a yummy honey mustard dipping sauce. My Honey had a couple of those and we both loved them. Instead of the usual bread basket, they serve a basket of hot beignets that are addictive.
My main dish was Pecan Encrusted Rabbit and Rabbit Sausage on a bed of the most incredible Farm Vegetables; Brussell Sprouts, carrots, radishes, turnips, etc., in a delicious au jus with micro greens from Claverach Farms on top. This was a remarkable dish. I've never had better rabbit.
I'm perfectly aware that there are folks who cannot tolerate the thought of eating rabbit, so allow me to assure you that there are many, many more scrumptious dishes to be enjoyed at Sidney Street Cafe'.
Take a look at the menu on their website which you will find at the end of this entry; you won't be disappointed.
For dessert we opted for the Maple Flan with Chestnut Blini, Bourbon Pecan Compote, Apples and Maple Sugar. a perfect Fall dessert.
This is a special place. Kevin's wife, Mina, who is lovely, is there every night to see that everything runs smoothly. His brother, Chris, is the manager, and we've only had the most friendly and accomplished waiters and waitresses.
So, if, like us, you haven't been there in a while please give it a try. Let me know what you think.
The Sidney Street Cafe'
2000 Sidney Street
314-771-5777
http://www.sidneystreetcafe.com/
What had changed? Well, for one thing the restaurant had been sold to Kevin Nashan, a young chef with ambitious plans. Those plans were to keep the best of this popular place, like the menu favorites, the professional wait staff that had been with the restaurant for years and years, and then gradually add his own touches in the daily specials, but to do so slowly; to wait and watch.
When Chuck and I walked in that first night, Kevin had owned the restaurant five years and his touch was already working. Since then he has added a vegetable garden in raised beds at the edge of his parking lot that he planted with the aid of his Sidney Street neighbors, whom he enlisted in the project. They even helped him weed, pinch, and harvest, which helped keep those beds from being vandalized. Kevin has also remodeled the kitchen and added a smoke room in the basement so he can smoke his own meats and make his own sausages.
We've been back many times since. Sometimes we make reservations, sometimes we take our chances in the bar. I love the bar area; it's a great people watching area, the light is a bit higher and the noise level most nights is lower.
We went again last night and here's my report. This is a must-go-to place. Not only is the food outstanding but the wait staff is amazing. These are dedicated people, not people who are waiting tables until something better comes along. You only see this kind of devotion to the philosophy of a restaurant very rarely.
I was very hungry last night, Chuck had a late lunch and he was not, so he had an appetizer for dinner. His was a Confit of Sweetbreads on a Bed of Celery Root Puree' with Apple Cider reduction, Spiced Pecans on Swiss Chard greens.
I had Grilled Honey Mustard Shrimp consisting of 5 bacon wrapped shrimp and a yummy honey mustard dipping sauce. My Honey had a couple of those and we both loved them. Instead of the usual bread basket, they serve a basket of hot beignets that are addictive.
My main dish was Pecan Encrusted Rabbit and Rabbit Sausage on a bed of the most incredible Farm Vegetables; Brussell Sprouts, carrots, radishes, turnips, etc., in a delicious au jus with micro greens from Claverach Farms on top. This was a remarkable dish. I've never had better rabbit.
I'm perfectly aware that there are folks who cannot tolerate the thought of eating rabbit, so allow me to assure you that there are many, many more scrumptious dishes to be enjoyed at Sidney Street Cafe'.
Take a look at the menu on their website which you will find at the end of this entry; you won't be disappointed.
For dessert we opted for the Maple Flan with Chestnut Blini, Bourbon Pecan Compote, Apples and Maple Sugar. a perfect Fall dessert.
This is a special place. Kevin's wife, Mina, who is lovely, is there every night to see that everything runs smoothly. His brother, Chris, is the manager, and we've only had the most friendly and accomplished waiters and waitresses.
So, if, like us, you haven't been there in a while please give it a try. Let me know what you think.
The Sidney Street Cafe'
2000 Sidney Street
314-771-5777
http://www.sidneystreetcafe.com/
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Mosaic Bistro/Market
My computer's hard drive crashed when we were in Vermont and it's taken me a bit of time to replace it and try to "pick up the pieces" of what I've lost. Some things will never be found again, alas.
However, I'm happy to have a new computer now, so we can continue to let our friends know about restaurants that I feel deserve your patronage.
Mosaic Bistro/Market
14 North Central Avenue
314-932-7377
is such a place. It is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.
The decor is contemporary and very smart looking. The walls are grey and orange. There's a charcoal banquette with cheerful throw pillows in black, white, and orange (for those of us who are not so tall to put behind our backs) plus great looking chairs. The bar is very attractive and has about a dozen black stools. The kitchen is open at the back of the restaurant and is a hive of activity; really fun to watch.
There's also a Chef's Table in the front of the restaurant and on the other side of the front door is a seating area with comfortable chairs, a bookcase and a cowhide rug. Behind the Chef's Table are shelves that had a few items for sale like white truffle oil and demi-tasse cups filled with chocolate espresso, when I was there last. I understand that more items will be added soon.
The Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All three menus look delicious. We've only had lunch and dinner there so I'll tell you about those.
The lunch menu has two soups and four salads. Two of the salads are available in two sizes, the Caesar and the Bibb Lettuce Salad (which by the way is made with strawberries, goat cheese, candied walnuts and white balsamic dressing). The other two salads are more entree sized. Salad Lyonnaise has curly endive, radicchio, bacon lardons, chilled asparagus, and a soft boiled egg with mustard seed vinaigrette and Seared Salmon Nicoise with arugula, fingerling potatoes, haricot vertes, olives, toasted fennel and blood orange vinagrette.
There are five sandwiches that are served with a choice of salad or locally made chips. They run from a special BLT that has avocado, French brie, and a smoked garlic aioli in addition to the normal bacon, lettuce and tomato, to paninis that all sound terrific.
Then there are regular entrees; Dry Aged Strip Steak, a Wild Mushroom Ravioli, a Goat Cheese Tart, and Prince Edward Island Mussels.
I had the Bistro BLT. It is a huge sandwich. It could easily be shared. My Honey had the Pressed Croque Monsieur with Black Forest ham, Gruyere cheese, and Dijon Mustard. He was a happy camper.
We both had the Bibb Lettuce Salad as our side.
Dinner was really special. I started with the Goat Cheese Tart with caramelized onions, goat cheese, olives and arugula salad and then had Chilean Sea Bass with a roasted red pepper puree, beluga lentils, baby spinach and a parsley emulsion. Everything was delicious and attractively served. My husband had the Prince Edward Mussels and then he had Day Boat Scallops with bacon,spring pea and rosemary puree, baby carrots and apple saba. I'm not sure what apple saba is, but he liked his dinner a lot.
The rest of the menu looked equally delicious, so you must go in and check it out yourselves.
Mosaic Bistro is owned and operated by the Schmitz clan, Ellen, Frank and Claus. They also have Mosaic Restaurant downtown, BARcelona almost next door to Mosaic Bistro/Market in Clayton, and I believe they're opening a steak place also in the downtown area, plus they have plans for a restaurant in the Centenne complex.
My good friend, Gretchen Morfogen, is directing things in the kitchen, which makes me very happy. She's a special lady.
Be sure to visit Mosaic Bistro/Market soon.
Take a look at their website: www.mosaicrestaurants.com.
However, I'm happy to have a new computer now, so we can continue to let our friends know about restaurants that I feel deserve your patronage.
Mosaic Bistro/Market
14 North Central Avenue
314-932-7377
is such a place. It is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.
The decor is contemporary and very smart looking. The walls are grey and orange. There's a charcoal banquette with cheerful throw pillows in black, white, and orange (for those of us who are not so tall to put behind our backs) plus great looking chairs. The bar is very attractive and has about a dozen black stools. The kitchen is open at the back of the restaurant and is a hive of activity; really fun to watch.
There's also a Chef's Table in the front of the restaurant and on the other side of the front door is a seating area with comfortable chairs, a bookcase and a cowhide rug. Behind the Chef's Table are shelves that had a few items for sale like white truffle oil and demi-tasse cups filled with chocolate espresso, when I was there last. I understand that more items will be added soon.
The Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All three menus look delicious. We've only had lunch and dinner there so I'll tell you about those.
The lunch menu has two soups and four salads. Two of the salads are available in two sizes, the Caesar and the Bibb Lettuce Salad (which by the way is made with strawberries, goat cheese, candied walnuts and white balsamic dressing). The other two salads are more entree sized. Salad Lyonnaise has curly endive, radicchio, bacon lardons, chilled asparagus, and a soft boiled egg with mustard seed vinaigrette and Seared Salmon Nicoise with arugula, fingerling potatoes, haricot vertes, olives, toasted fennel and blood orange vinagrette.
There are five sandwiches that are served with a choice of salad or locally made chips. They run from a special BLT that has avocado, French brie, and a smoked garlic aioli in addition to the normal bacon, lettuce and tomato, to paninis that all sound terrific.
Then there are regular entrees; Dry Aged Strip Steak, a Wild Mushroom Ravioli, a Goat Cheese Tart, and Prince Edward Island Mussels.
I had the Bistro BLT. It is a huge sandwich. It could easily be shared. My Honey had the Pressed Croque Monsieur with Black Forest ham, Gruyere cheese, and Dijon Mustard. He was a happy camper.
We both had the Bibb Lettuce Salad as our side.
Dinner was really special. I started with the Goat Cheese Tart with caramelized onions, goat cheese, olives and arugula salad and then had Chilean Sea Bass with a roasted red pepper puree, beluga lentils, baby spinach and a parsley emulsion. Everything was delicious and attractively served. My husband had the Prince Edward Mussels and then he had Day Boat Scallops with bacon,spring pea and rosemary puree, baby carrots and apple saba. I'm not sure what apple saba is, but he liked his dinner a lot.
The rest of the menu looked equally delicious, so you must go in and check it out yourselves.
Mosaic Bistro is owned and operated by the Schmitz clan, Ellen, Frank and Claus. They also have Mosaic Restaurant downtown, BARcelona almost next door to Mosaic Bistro/Market in Clayton, and I believe they're opening a steak place also in the downtown area, plus they have plans for a restaurant in the Centenne complex.
My good friend, Gretchen Morfogen, is directing things in the kitchen, which makes me very happy. She's a special lady.
Be sure to visit Mosaic Bistro/Market soon.
Take a look at their website: www.mosaicrestaurants.com.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Crossing
Last night my husband and a dear friend, Catherine Neville, met for dinner at The Crossing. It was a Monday night, mind you, and I am happy to announce that The Crossing was very busy; every table was full. There's a good reason that this is a popular restaurant. The wait staff is very knowledgable, the kitchen is excellent, and the menu is not only good, but intelligent as well.
'
Here you can order a la carte, or a four course tasting menu for $32, or a more elaborate tasting menu for $45, or a Chef's Tasting Menu, consisting of 9 courses, for $75.
I just love the blue cheese souffle' with the warm crisp homemade toasts that is waiting for you as you sit down at your table and start to peruse the wine list. It never disappoints.
Cat and I chose the $32 tasting menu. We both started with their famous Beet Salad; tiny cubes of perfectly cooked beets combined with puffs of goat cheese, sprinkled with pine nuts. It's a winner every time. We followed that with Spaghetti alla Chitarra. This was a lovely course with basil, tomato and pine nuts in the perfect portion; small yet choice.
At this point Jim Fiala, who is a good friend, brought out a plate with two incredible pastas for us to try. One was a large garganelli pasta tube filled with creamy ricotta with a roasted tomato and butter sauce. The other pasta was a mini garganelli noodle with Moroccan spiced lamb ragu. They were yummy.
Catherine had the Tilapia entree with Carrot Puree', Spinach, Mushrooms with a Beurre Blanc Sauce. I had the Braised Missouri Lamb, Crushed Potatoes and Pea Shoots.
My husband elected to have a small cup of Sausage Gumbo and the Amish Free Range Chicken with Shitake Mushrooms, Crushed Potatoes, with Roasted Jus.
We were all "happy campers". Then, as a special treat, Jimmy brought out a sample of Roasted Mangalitsa Pork. This pork comes from the "Wooly Pig" that Jim says will not win any beauty contests, but has a flavor like no other. It was imported to this country by Heath Putnam, and is processed in Illinois by Swiss Meat Processors. What we sampled was remarkable. There's a sweet, buttery flavor to this meat with a rich undertone, hard to describe, but absolutely delicious. I will definitely have this the next time we have dinner at The Crossing.
I love this restaurant. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. One can feel equally comfortable going there casually or for a special occasion. Jim Fiala has a philosophy of using local purveyors for the highest quality products available in portions that are sensible for today's living style, and hiring dedicated personnel both in the kitchen and in the dining room.
Take a look at www.fialafood.com. you won't be disappointed.
'
Here you can order a la carte, or a four course tasting menu for $32, or a more elaborate tasting menu for $45, or a Chef's Tasting Menu, consisting of 9 courses, for $75.
I just love the blue cheese souffle' with the warm crisp homemade toasts that is waiting for you as you sit down at your table and start to peruse the wine list. It never disappoints.
Cat and I chose the $32 tasting menu. We both started with their famous Beet Salad; tiny cubes of perfectly cooked beets combined with puffs of goat cheese, sprinkled with pine nuts. It's a winner every time. We followed that with Spaghetti alla Chitarra. This was a lovely course with basil, tomato and pine nuts in the perfect portion; small yet choice.
At this point Jim Fiala, who is a good friend, brought out a plate with two incredible pastas for us to try. One was a large garganelli pasta tube filled with creamy ricotta with a roasted tomato and butter sauce. The other pasta was a mini garganelli noodle with Moroccan spiced lamb ragu. They were yummy.
Catherine had the Tilapia entree with Carrot Puree', Spinach, Mushrooms with a Beurre Blanc Sauce. I had the Braised Missouri Lamb, Crushed Potatoes and Pea Shoots.
My husband elected to have a small cup of Sausage Gumbo and the Amish Free Range Chicken with Shitake Mushrooms, Crushed Potatoes, with Roasted Jus.
We were all "happy campers". Then, as a special treat, Jimmy brought out a sample of Roasted Mangalitsa Pork. This pork comes from the "Wooly Pig" that Jim says will not win any beauty contests, but has a flavor like no other. It was imported to this country by Heath Putnam, and is processed in Illinois by Swiss Meat Processors. What we sampled was remarkable. There's a sweet, buttery flavor to this meat with a rich undertone, hard to describe, but absolutely delicious. I will definitely have this the next time we have dinner at The Crossing.
I love this restaurant. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. One can feel equally comfortable going there casually or for a special occasion. Jim Fiala has a philosophy of using local purveyors for the highest quality products available in portions that are sensible for today's living style, and hiring dedicated personnel both in the kitchen and in the dining room.
Take a look at www.fialafood.com. you won't be disappointed.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Stone Soup Cottage Redux
We obviously can't stay away from this charming restaurant, plus we wanted to introduce some of our friends to this exciting establishment.
Tonight's menu did not disappoint
Our amuse bouche ( or a little taste present from the chef ) was a freshly picked squash blossom, stuffed with a blue cheese mousse, deep fried and served with a garlicky rouille (garlic, olive oil aioli ) that was absolutely delicious. The wine served with it was fabulous; Aveleda Vino Verde from Portugal. It was light with some tiny bubbles like Prosecco, and very little alcohol content that went beautifully with that squash blossom gem.
The first course was a Rabbit Consomme' with Smoked Rabbit Confit ( which means that the rabbit is slowly smoked and then poached gently in its own fat-but don't worry, it's not a bit fatty or oily, it's delicious)
This was followed by Butternut Squash Souffle' with Heirloom Micro-Greens and Hot Pancetta Vinaigrette. It was a masterpiece: fluffy, creamy and savory all at once with a crisp parmesan tuille stuck in the top of the souffle'. A real winner.
Next came Grilled Alaskan Coho Salmon with a Ginger Buerre Blanc and Fresh English Peas. Granted there's no salmon streams anywhere near St Louis, and this is not pea season, but the combination was wonderful none the less. Living in the center of the country we have to be aware that locovare can only take us so far.
Dessert was an Apple Tarte Tatin with Vanilla Bean Gelato. It came to the table pipping hot with the caramelized sugar just starting to set, then the vanilla gelato was spooned on top to cool the tart just enough so the sugar wouldn't burn our mouths.
Our friends were delighted with the meal, the ambiance and the McConnells, and you will be too.
This place is truly special.
The four course Tasting Menu is $49.95, the six course is $69.95.
The menu changes bi-weekly. Go to their website and make reservations. You won't be sorry.
http://www.stonesoupcottage.com/.
Tonight's menu did not disappoint
Our amuse bouche ( or a little taste present from the chef ) was a freshly picked squash blossom, stuffed with a blue cheese mousse, deep fried and served with a garlicky rouille (garlic, olive oil aioli ) that was absolutely delicious. The wine served with it was fabulous; Aveleda Vino Verde from Portugal. It was light with some tiny bubbles like Prosecco, and very little alcohol content that went beautifully with that squash blossom gem.
The first course was a Rabbit Consomme' with Smoked Rabbit Confit ( which means that the rabbit is slowly smoked and then poached gently in its own fat-but don't worry, it's not a bit fatty or oily, it's delicious)
This was followed by Butternut Squash Souffle' with Heirloom Micro-Greens and Hot Pancetta Vinaigrette. It was a masterpiece: fluffy, creamy and savory all at once with a crisp parmesan tuille stuck in the top of the souffle'. A real winner.
Next came Grilled Alaskan Coho Salmon with a Ginger Buerre Blanc and Fresh English Peas. Granted there's no salmon streams anywhere near St Louis, and this is not pea season, but the combination was wonderful none the less. Living in the center of the country we have to be aware that locovare can only take us so far.
Dessert was an Apple Tarte Tatin with Vanilla Bean Gelato. It came to the table pipping hot with the caramelized sugar just starting to set, then the vanilla gelato was spooned on top to cool the tart just enough so the sugar wouldn't burn our mouths.
Our friends were delighted with the meal, the ambiance and the McConnells, and you will be too.
This place is truly special.
The four course Tasting Menu is $49.95, the six course is $69.95.
The menu changes bi-weekly. Go to their website and make reservations. You won't be sorry.
http://www.stonesoupcottage.com/.
Friday, September 10, 2010
STONE SOUP COTTAGE
Remember that amazing meal you had in that tiny, dear country inn in Europe where the wife did the cooking and the husband was the host and served your meal? Will you ever forget it? Would you like to repeat it?
You are in luck! Tonight we went to Stone Soup Cottage in Cottleville; just 35 minutes from downtown Clayton, and we were transported back to just such an ideal spot.
Owners Nancy and Carl McConnell have created this little piece of Heaven for us all. Here Carl does the cooking and Nancy is the hostess in a charming stone cottage that they have made into a warm and welcoming place to dine.
Candlelight gives a soft glow to the diningroom that seats only 24 people. The menu is seasonal and changes bi-weekly. Norman and Ruth Wiese of the Farm Wiese Nursery grow the produce that Carl uses to create his garden to kitchen menus.
The tables are covered in damask tablecloths and the silver is lined up like soldiers; but since you have your choice of a four or six course chef's tasting menu, you will likely need to use every fork, knife and spoon.
Our dinner tonight started with an amuse bouche (a tidbit to enchant you for the meal that is coming) Steak Tartar with a Blue Cheese Vinagrette in a tiny puff pastry shell with lemon juice, sea salt, and oregano and micro-greens from the Wiese's garden. This was served with a glass of a 2007 Napolean champagne.
We opted for the four course tasting menu but if you belong to the "hates to miss club" you need to try the six course and in both instances there are wine pairing options. The four flight wine pairing is very reasonable at $35.
Let me give you the menu we had tonight. Remember that the menu changes often, so you might have a very different experience, but I promise it will be wonderful.
For the first course tonight we had Late Harvest Summer Squash Soup with Candied Squash Seeds and Creme Fraiche. It was magnificent. The soup was velvety with both sweet and salty tones thanks to those candied seeds and the perfect hand of the chef.
The next course was Seared Foie Gras with Elderberry Conserve and Micro-Greens, a melt in your mouth sensation; perfect in every way.
The third course was House Smoked Prawns with an Heirloom Tomatoe Coulis. I thought the prawns could have used another minute in the smoker, but the tomato coulis was delicious with a buttery, rich finish.
For dessert we had our choice of Jonathan Apple and Talagio Cheese Souffle with Cinnamon Creme Anglais or a Fromage Plate with Dried Fruit and Toasts. Our table opted for the souffle. It came in individual souffle cups buttered and sugared before baking so that the oozing souffle clung to the sides of the cups in the most appetizing manner. Carl then came around and broke the quivering tops of the souffle with a large spoon and poured an ample amount of the warm cinnamon Creme Anglais into the center. It was the perfect end to a lovely meal.
These two young people have created something unique and wonderful. They are extremely personable and make you feel not only welcome, but a very valued guest. The Stone Soup Cottage celebrated its one year anniversary in June. I predict they will celebrate many, many more.
The Stone Soup Cottage is open Thursday through Saturday with one seating at 6:30PM. On Sundays they serve a Sit-Down Champagne Chef's Tasting Brunch at 12:30PM.
Check out their website for menus and reservations- and go soon, you'll love it.
Carl McConnell
Executive Chef, Owner
http://www.stonesoupcottage.com/.
You are in luck! Tonight we went to Stone Soup Cottage in Cottleville; just 35 minutes from downtown Clayton, and we were transported back to just such an ideal spot.
Owners Nancy and Carl McConnell have created this little piece of Heaven for us all. Here Carl does the cooking and Nancy is the hostess in a charming stone cottage that they have made into a warm and welcoming place to dine.
Candlelight gives a soft glow to the diningroom that seats only 24 people. The menu is seasonal and changes bi-weekly. Norman and Ruth Wiese of the Farm Wiese Nursery grow the produce that Carl uses to create his garden to kitchen menus.
The tables are covered in damask tablecloths and the silver is lined up like soldiers; but since you have your choice of a four or six course chef's tasting menu, you will likely need to use every fork, knife and spoon.
Our dinner tonight started with an amuse bouche (a tidbit to enchant you for the meal that is coming) Steak Tartar with a Blue Cheese Vinagrette in a tiny puff pastry shell with lemon juice, sea salt, and oregano and micro-greens from the Wiese's garden. This was served with a glass of a 2007 Napolean champagne.
We opted for the four course tasting menu but if you belong to the "hates to miss club" you need to try the six course and in both instances there are wine pairing options. The four flight wine pairing is very reasonable at $35.
Let me give you the menu we had tonight. Remember that the menu changes often, so you might have a very different experience, but I promise it will be wonderful.
For the first course tonight we had Late Harvest Summer Squash Soup with Candied Squash Seeds and Creme Fraiche. It was magnificent. The soup was velvety with both sweet and salty tones thanks to those candied seeds and the perfect hand of the chef.
The next course was Seared Foie Gras with Elderberry Conserve and Micro-Greens, a melt in your mouth sensation; perfect in every way.
The third course was House Smoked Prawns with an Heirloom Tomatoe Coulis. I thought the prawns could have used another minute in the smoker, but the tomato coulis was delicious with a buttery, rich finish.
For dessert we had our choice of Jonathan Apple and Talagio Cheese Souffle with Cinnamon Creme Anglais or a Fromage Plate with Dried Fruit and Toasts. Our table opted for the souffle. It came in individual souffle cups buttered and sugared before baking so that the oozing souffle clung to the sides of the cups in the most appetizing manner. Carl then came around and broke the quivering tops of the souffle with a large spoon and poured an ample amount of the warm cinnamon Creme Anglais into the center. It was the perfect end to a lovely meal.
These two young people have created something unique and wonderful. They are extremely personable and make you feel not only welcome, but a very valued guest. The Stone Soup Cottage celebrated its one year anniversary in June. I predict they will celebrate many, many more.
The Stone Soup Cottage is open Thursday through Saturday with one seating at 6:30PM. On Sundays they serve a Sit-Down Champagne Chef's Tasting Brunch at 12:30PM.
Check out their website for menus and reservations- and go soon, you'll love it.
Carl McConnell
Executive Chef, Owner
http://www.stonesoupcottage.com/.
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