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/.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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/.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The Farmhaus
This tiny restaurant is one of the best things that has come to St Louis this year. Kevin Willmann, chef and owner, has created a foodie's oasis on Ivanhoe Avenue between Bradley and Fyler.
His concept is simple; the best ingredients he can find, used in fresh and imaginative ways, served beautifully and when ready.
The place holds about 50 people. There's a bar room that has about 3 more tables of 4 and there are stools at the bar that might hold 8 more. During the warm months he has a few tables on the sidewalk in front.
Eating here is an unbelivable treat. The menu changes daily, so what I describe here may not be available when you look at the menu, but that is part of the charm of this place.
Eric Scholle is the manager and a great personality for the front of the house. He knows all the ingredients, where they come from, and he's wonderfully helpful when you just can't make up your mind.
I have to admit that we've been there for dinner at least once a week since Kevin Nashan, chef and owner of Sidney Street Cafe, told us about it, unless we've been out of town. I can't wait to see what's on the menu. It's all delicious.
The menu selections are so enticing that I find myself ordering all sorts of small plates because I don't want to miss anything. For instance last week I had the Roasted Ozark Forrest Mushroom Salad. It consisted of Terra Bella Farms greens, with goat cheese and toasted pecans and was served warm with a hot bacon vin. Then I chose the Peach Salad, after all, this is peach season and it doesn't last nearly long enough. This was made with Grandpa's Berry Farm peaches, house ricotta, with a raspberry-honey vin balsamic reduction. My next choice was the Fried Green Tomatoes; Fournie tomatoes and okra, with a bacon goat cheese dressing. I never got to the fish or the Chilled Roast Beef with Horseradish panna cotta, that came with a truffle espuma ( whipped cream with truffle juices), I was just too full.
Fortunately for me, we were with friends and they shared their Blue-Green Snapper(Uku) that was roasted in duck fat, and was served over the most melt in your mouth creamed corn I have ever tasted, with tomato comfit, oven dried tomatoes and a choron sauce (which is a hollandaise sauce tinted pink with tomatoes). The other entree was the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with mashed sweet and Yukon Gold poatatoes, sous vide pearl onions ( that means that the pearl onions were cooked for a very long time at a low temperature until they becomes creamy and yummy), and tomato sauce. Both guys at our table loved it.
By that time we could only share dessert, and the choice was a peach dessert in a flakey pastry with a homemade peach sorbet.
This will not be my only report about this fabulous restaurant. We have a date to introduce some other friends to it next week. Keep tuned, and take a look at their website.
The Farmhaus
3257 Ivanhoe Ave
St Louis, MO 63139
http://www.farmhausrestaurant.com/.
His concept is simple; the best ingredients he can find, used in fresh and imaginative ways, served beautifully and when ready.
The place holds about 50 people. There's a bar room that has about 3 more tables of 4 and there are stools at the bar that might hold 8 more. During the warm months he has a few tables on the sidewalk in front.
Eating here is an unbelivable treat. The menu changes daily, so what I describe here may not be available when you look at the menu, but that is part of the charm of this place.
Eric Scholle is the manager and a great personality for the front of the house. He knows all the ingredients, where they come from, and he's wonderfully helpful when you just can't make up your mind.
I have to admit that we've been there for dinner at least once a week since Kevin Nashan, chef and owner of Sidney Street Cafe, told us about it, unless we've been out of town. I can't wait to see what's on the menu. It's all delicious.
The menu selections are so enticing that I find myself ordering all sorts of small plates because I don't want to miss anything. For instance last week I had the Roasted Ozark Forrest Mushroom Salad. It consisted of Terra Bella Farms greens, with goat cheese and toasted pecans and was served warm with a hot bacon vin. Then I chose the Peach Salad, after all, this is peach season and it doesn't last nearly long enough. This was made with Grandpa's Berry Farm peaches, house ricotta, with a raspberry-honey vin balsamic reduction. My next choice was the Fried Green Tomatoes; Fournie tomatoes and okra, with a bacon goat cheese dressing. I never got to the fish or the Chilled Roast Beef with Horseradish panna cotta, that came with a truffle espuma ( whipped cream with truffle juices), I was just too full.
Fortunately for me, we were with friends and they shared their Blue-Green Snapper(Uku) that was roasted in duck fat, and was served over the most melt in your mouth creamed corn I have ever tasted, with tomato comfit, oven dried tomatoes and a choron sauce (which is a hollandaise sauce tinted pink with tomatoes). The other entree was the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with mashed sweet and Yukon Gold poatatoes, sous vide pearl onions ( that means that the pearl onions were cooked for a very long time at a low temperature until they becomes creamy and yummy), and tomato sauce. Both guys at our table loved it.
By that time we could only share dessert, and the choice was a peach dessert in a flakey pastry with a homemade peach sorbet.
This will not be my only report about this fabulous restaurant. We have a date to introduce some other friends to it next week. Keep tuned, and take a look at their website.
The Farmhaus
3257 Ivanhoe Ave
St Louis, MO 63139
http://www.farmhausrestaurant.com/.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The Terrace View
Last night was one of those rare, beautiful evenings when the temperature was perfect, there was a soft breeze, and we had a glorious view of the City Garden. It doesn't get much better than that. This little jewel of a restaurant is a lovely spot day or night.
Jimmy Fiala and his chefs have created an oasis of excellent dining in downtown St. Louis. The menu offers all one could want if you're looking for fresh, local foods in reasonable portions for moderate prices. And who isn't?
Last night I chose thin slices of white raw tuna, dressed in lemon and olive oil with a collection of tiny red and yellow cherry tomatoes. The tuna was delectable and the olive oil was of very high quality. It was simple and utterly delicious with tiny bits of a local yellow watermelon to give it a sweetness and texture that contrasted well with the tuna. I followed that with scallops with a tomato and basil salad. The scallops were crispy brown top and bottom and served on individual pieces of thick smoked bacon. The textures and the flavors were perfect, with the tomato salad giving the whole a sweet, acidic flavor that enhanced the entire dish.
One of our friends had the gnudi, that I can only describe as a pasta that literally melts in your mouth. You must try it.
We chose a dessert called "Monkey Bread" and it was the best bread-type pudding, ever; dense, sweet and buttery.
The menu changes often with the offerings of the farms around this region. We are so blessed to have a restaurant of this quality and moderately priced in our city that overlooks the lovely City Garden, Gateway Foundation's amazing and beautiful gift to all of us.
The Terrace View
810 Chestnut Street
63101
314-436-8855
http://www.fialafood.com/.
Jimmy Fiala and his chefs have created an oasis of excellent dining in downtown St. Louis. The menu offers all one could want if you're looking for fresh, local foods in reasonable portions for moderate prices. And who isn't?
Last night I chose thin slices of white raw tuna, dressed in lemon and olive oil with a collection of tiny red and yellow cherry tomatoes. The tuna was delectable and the olive oil was of very high quality. It was simple and utterly delicious with tiny bits of a local yellow watermelon to give it a sweetness and texture that contrasted well with the tuna. I followed that with scallops with a tomato and basil salad. The scallops were crispy brown top and bottom and served on individual pieces of thick smoked bacon. The textures and the flavors were perfect, with the tomato salad giving the whole a sweet, acidic flavor that enhanced the entire dish.
One of our friends had the gnudi, that I can only describe as a pasta that literally melts in your mouth. You must try it.
We chose a dessert called "Monkey Bread" and it was the best bread-type pudding, ever; dense, sweet and buttery.
The menu changes often with the offerings of the farms around this region. We are so blessed to have a restaurant of this quality and moderately priced in our city that overlooks the lovely City Garden, Gateway Foundation's amazing and beautiful gift to all of us.
The Terrace View
810 Chestnut Street
63101
314-436-8855
http://www.fialafood.com/.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Stellina Pasta Cafe
Last Friday my husband and I tried Stellina Pasta Cafe for lunch. Years ago when the Clayton Farmers' market was on Central Ave between Forsyth and Maryland, Stellina had a booth there and I loved his pasta. It was always fresh tasting with fascinating fillings. Now he is located at 3342 Watson Rd. near Fyler. All the pasta is handcrafted and it shows in the flavor and texture.
However, Stellina has other selections on its menu so we decided to try something new. I am into salads, big time these hot summer days, so I ordered the BIG SALAD, which consists of romaine,spinach,cucumber,red onion,carrots, turkey,ham,bacon,white cheddar,sunflower sprouts,and a sweet onion dressing. It was a fabulous salad, and so beautiful. Every component was delicious in its own right. It came with grilled bread and made for a perfect lunch.
My husband chose the HOG WILD sandwich. A great combination of shaved ham, bacon,granny smith apple, white cheddar,sweet hot mustard on a peasant bread and grilled. He loved it. It came with a homemade slaw that was crunchy and creamy with a touch of sweetness.
Stellina has been touted for its SOUTH SIDE SMOKE sandwich; pulled pork with caramelized onions, smoked gouda cheese on a sea salt ciabatta. It looked awesome.
By all means you must try this restaurant for lunch as well as dinner. Naturally, the dinner menu has more formal entrees and I read somewhere that their wine selections are wonderful and they run specials on them from Tuesday through Thursdays. Give Stellinas a try-soon!
Stellinas Pasta Cafe
3342 Watson Rd
63139
314-256-1600
http://www.stellinapasta.com/.
However, Stellina has other selections on its menu so we decided to try something new. I am into salads, big time these hot summer days, so I ordered the BIG SALAD, which consists of romaine,spinach,cucumber,red onion,carrots, turkey,ham,bacon,white cheddar,sunflower sprouts,and a sweet onion dressing. It was a fabulous salad, and so beautiful. Every component was delicious in its own right. It came with grilled bread and made for a perfect lunch.
My husband chose the HOG WILD sandwich. A great combination of shaved ham, bacon,granny smith apple, white cheddar,sweet hot mustard on a peasant bread and grilled. He loved it. It came with a homemade slaw that was crunchy and creamy with a touch of sweetness.
Stellina has been touted for its SOUTH SIDE SMOKE sandwich; pulled pork with caramelized onions, smoked gouda cheese on a sea salt ciabatta. It looked awesome.
By all means you must try this restaurant for lunch as well as dinner. Naturally, the dinner menu has more formal entrees and I read somewhere that their wine selections are wonderful and they run specials on them from Tuesday through Thursdays. Give Stellinas a try-soon!
Stellinas Pasta Cafe
3342 Watson Rd
63139
314-256-1600
http://www.stellinapasta.com/.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Garduno's Mexican Food
My friend Peggy and I went to Cherokee Street last Wednesday. A couple of weeks ago St Louis was featured in the New York Times Travel Section called 36 Hours in St Louis where they mentioned Cherokee Street as a fun place to spend the afternoon.
I had read some time ago about a Mexican restaurant that is a favorite with many Mexicans and that many a lunch time there's a line waiting for tables. My husband doesn't like what he calls "Foreign Food" meaning anything that isn't Italian, French or American Regional ( and PS he doesn't eat all of those either!), so I had been looking for a buddy to check this place out.
So Peggy and I made this date to investigate what Cherokee Street had to offer, and to go to this Mexican restaurant for lunch. Here I need to make a confession. The restaurant I thought I was going to was not where we ended up. We ended up at a place called Garduno's Mexican Restaurant 2737 Cherokee Street 314-776-2315. There were about 10 booths for 4 covered in orange "leather", and about 4-6 tables down the center of the room. While we were there the TV was tuned to a Spanish station. It was neither loud or obtrusive.
We each ordered a combination platter so we could try different things.
Peggy's was a Burrito, an Enchilada, and a Tamale. You have your choice of hot or mild sauce; Peg chose half and half. I orderd a Taco, Chile Relleno, and Burrito with hot sauce. We also ordered a small Guacamole.
The Tamale was authentically wrapped in a fresh corn husk and was quite good. The Burrito and Enchilada tasted pretty much the same-we couldn't distinguish the difference between them. The taco was crisp but also indistinguishable, but the Chili Rellenos was wonderful. I also liked the Guacamole. It came with fresh tomato and chopped onion on top and was well seasoned. Although we were in the"wrong" place, we had a fine time.
I had read some time ago about a Mexican restaurant that is a favorite with many Mexicans and that many a lunch time there's a line waiting for tables. My husband doesn't like what he calls "Foreign Food" meaning anything that isn't Italian, French or American Regional ( and PS he doesn't eat all of those either!), so I had been looking for a buddy to check this place out.
So Peggy and I made this date to investigate what Cherokee Street had to offer, and to go to this Mexican restaurant for lunch. Here I need to make a confession. The restaurant I thought I was going to was not where we ended up. We ended up at a place called Garduno's Mexican Restaurant 2737 Cherokee Street 314-776-2315. There were about 10 booths for 4 covered in orange "leather", and about 4-6 tables down the center of the room. While we were there the TV was tuned to a Spanish station. It was neither loud or obtrusive.
We each ordered a combination platter so we could try different things.
Peggy's was a Burrito, an Enchilada, and a Tamale. You have your choice of hot or mild sauce; Peg chose half and half. I orderd a Taco, Chile Relleno, and Burrito with hot sauce. We also ordered a small Guacamole.
The Tamale was authentically wrapped in a fresh corn husk and was quite good. The Burrito and Enchilada tasted pretty much the same-we couldn't distinguish the difference between them. The taco was crisp but also indistinguishable, but the Chili Rellenos was wonderful. I also liked the Guacamole. It came with fresh tomato and chopped onion on top and was well seasoned. Although we were in the"wrong" place, we had a fine time.
Friday, July 30, 2010
A Real Find!
The name of the restaurant is NOSH. This is what I have to say about this wonderful find. The food is delicious, beautiful and fresh, fresh fresh. We had a fabulous lunch there.
We started with the Grilled Clams drizzled with a house made organic herb lemon gremolata and topped with feta cheese, toasted pistachio nuts atop toasted sour dough. There were 8 clams to the order; my husband and I shared it and it was hard to stop when the clams were gone. The Market price today was $10. My husband had the Lobster Lollie for lunch. This consisted of a Rock Lobster tail seasoned with fresh herbs and spices then grilled on an open flame and lightly brushed with garlic butter and served with a blueberry, lemon, feta couscous, Market Price $12.
I had lightly seasoned and breaded fried calamari with a spicy Tandoori Sauce for $9. I also had the Watermelon Salad that was absolutely delicious and refreshing. It consisted of cubed watermelon, organic local blackberries macerated in Vom Fass strawberry vinegar( a neighboring oil and vinegar emporium), topped with feta cheese, organic basil and mint, $8. The portions were perfect.
The lunch menu has about 4 appetizers: a hummus platter, the grilled clams, the calamari, and the lobster lollie, 3 different kabobs, chicken, beef and shrimp, four interesting salads and five sandwiches-2 of which are vegetarian. The dinner menu includes the lunch menu and specials such as lamb chops and pork tenderloin, etc. whatever is farm or ranch fresh and available. So the menu will be changing with the produce and meats to be found locally. There is also a full bar and music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Nosh also serves breakfast. That menu looks fantastic! for instance, 3 scrambled farm fresh eggs with smoked pit ham, caramelized onion,heirloom tomatoes, house potates and rustic toast for $9 and Banana Nut Bread French Toast loaded with Missouri pecans, soaked in custard, then grilled and served with local Missouri syrup and fresh fruit $9. That's just a sampling. There's a dozen more selections and they all sound delicious.
Nosh is owned by Paula Anderson, who is the chef. Paula was in the first graduating class of L'Ecole Culinaire. she's studied in France and has a fine resume'. Her executive chef is Angela Komis and her daughter, Carlin Starr ( daughter of Bud Starr ) is the General Manager. Ask Carlin to show you her cupcake tattoo!
The restaurant seats about 50 people. It has chocolate brown walls with gold tablecloths and terra cotta colored napkins-it's most attractive. Unfortunately their website is not quite ready but I will publish it as soon as it's up and running.
For now: Nosh Restaurant
7322 Manchester Road
314-647-6966
Tell them that "BOO" sent you. You're in for a treat!
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