Water Street

We have our 12 year old grandson visiting with us this Summer and I find that my computer isn't always available, so I'm a little late in reporting on this charming place in Maplewood.

Here's the kind of small but delightful spot I really like. It's attractive, the food is interesting, the drinks are creative, and the service is friendly.

Gabe Kveton has been in the food industry for 10 years and was ready to try his wings, so he and his sister, Maria, have started Water Street. Maria does the cooking and it's excellent. Gabe is in the front of the house making sure everyone is well taken care of and happy.

They've come up with a simple, light edited menu that can be changed often. Gabe is enchanted with a book named "Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails" and he picks a "new" cocktail from the book every week. Try the Hemingway Daiquiri, with Rum, Maraschino Liqueur, Organic Lime and Grapefruit.

The Kvetons are dedicated to organic fruits and vegetables and it is reflected in their cocktails as well as their food menu. They also have a menu of non-alcoloic drinks that are delicious, like Elderberry Flower Cordial with Seltzer and Lime, or Muddled Organic Raspberries in their House Made Lemonade and Mint, to mention just two. On tap is 1554 New Belgium Dark Ale,  312 Goose Island Wheat Ale, Urban Chestnut' Winged Nut' and Great Divide Titan IPA, as well as bottled beers and an interesting wine list.

The food menu is divided by small and large plates. The night we were there we tried Cucumbers topped with Gorgonzola Mousse and Pancetta and Chicken Liver Pate with Pistachios. Both were delicious.
Chuck had the Mussels and Chorizo in a spicy tomato and white wine sauce, that was much to his liking-he asked for a spoon to get up the last of the liquid, and I had the Sauteed Golden Trout over Spinach with a Chilled Red Beet Salad. It was an interesting combination that worked really well.
For dessert we opted for the Brownie Butter Square with Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream and the Mixed Berry almond Tart served warm with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream.
I recommend this very sweet place. Go soon.

Water Street
7268 Manchester Rd
St Louis, MO 63143
314-646-8355
www.waterstreetstl.com