[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]People in St. Louis know how to eat and eat well. Noticeably, they area very meat savvy lot. Wherever Jeremy, Henry and I ate, the meat was perfect. The quality of the meat outpaces what we generally find available to us here in Atlanta. There are plenty of locally owned food and drink places to keep any foodie occupied for days. Lets cover all the best foods from our trip to St. Louis![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Kayak’s Cafe

Kayak’s Cafe
The first morning we went to Kayak’s cafe, the 2nd store in the chain of locally roasted Kaldi’s coffee.

We tried this amazing ‘butter cake’ which Henry introduced to us as a St. Lous specialty. We also ordered the Guatemalan coffee in the Chemex. The coffee was spectacular, both bold in flavor and aroma. It was a caffeine kick we sorely needed after an entire day of driving and falling asleep closer to dawn than dusk. It was never crowded and it had a university feel with all the students studying inside. Just outside was the university. We would visit this coffee house twice more before we left. Now that’s good coffee![/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24861″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24862″ border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

Nadoz Cafe

I had been craving the cronut for weeks when I finally came across the version served in St. Louis: The doughssant! It lived up to its hype. The flaky interior with the doughnut consistency is really something you should try. I think this may be a pastry fad, so get them before they areobsolete! We had ours at Nadoz Cafe. It’s a pretty standard cafe that reminded me of the coffee houses you often see in bookstores. They specialize in European goodies and really friendly service.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24840″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24839″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]I\’m not done with the breakfast foods! I really love breakfast food all day. Eggs and bacon and hash and coffee appeal to me no matter the hour. A pastry may be thrown in from time to time for variety.

The Soulard Coffee Garden And Cafe

This super cute 2 story historic town home has been transformed into a wonderful little breakfast spot. I was itching for a Benedict and I got myself one! The ham was perfect. It arrived in copious amounts and cooked perfectly. It wasn\’t chewy and it fell apart as I dug into the Benedict. And that hollandaise? It coated my tongue and I swear I was in heaven. The waits were a bit long, but it was Sunday brunch when we arrived. The weather in St. Louis was divine the entire week with sunshine, temperatures in the 70\’s and a pleasant breeze every day and there was outdoor seating, but we ate inside because of the crowd.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24841″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large” alignment=”center” border_color=”grey”][vc_column_text]

The Mud House

A local coffee, breakfast, and locally sourced eatery, the Mud House has a distinct character. The walls are full of modern art pieces and antique steam room accessories. They make beautiful lattes and a version of the St. Louis slinger made entirely with locally sourced materials. Their space is split into two rooms, one where all the order are taken and another where the visitors sit. Their chef has some serious skills as the bacon and eggs were absolutely perfect. Their baristas too, know how to pour a pretty drink.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24849″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24850″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

Mandarin House

Are you tired of breakfast foods yet? Henry took us to an awesome dim sum place for what was something between lunch and dinner. Have you ever had just a dish of beef tendon? That rubbery crunch is something that usually turns off the common westerner but if you can step out of your food habits for a minute, it\’s a dish worth having. My favorite though, are dumplings. Shrimp, chicken, vegetable, pork,beef, it doesn\’t matter. I am all about dumplings. I had something new this time though: soup dumplings. A little ball of meat is surrounded by a broth inside of the dumpling. The savory gush in your mouth is really an experience.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24843″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large” alignment=”center” border_color=”grey”][vc_column_text]

Bogarts

It wouldn\’t have been right to go to St. Louis and not partake in their barbecue! Famous for it\’s ribs, there was no shortage of BBQ places to choose from. On recommendation from our friend Henry, we went to Bogarts. The restaurant itself is small, nestled into a street corner, the bright white and yellow trim reflecting the street lights.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24844″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][vc_single_image image=”24842″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24845″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][vc_single_image image=”24883″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]The ribs and brisket served at that place… I honestly don\’t have words. It is hands down the best bbq I have ever put in my mouth. It\’s soft, fall off the bone, and savory like no other ribs I\’ve consumed. No knife needed. A fork cuts through the meat without any effort. The service is crazy fast too. They\’ve been cooking the meat forever, and it\’s all ready and waiting for your order. 2 minutes lapsed between the completion of the order and the ribs arriving at the table. That\’s fast.

Vin De Set

For our anniversary dinner, we opted for a intimate dinner on the rooftop at Vin De Set. Jeremy and I don\’t really frequent french restaurants but the promise of a culinary adventure into the undiscovered parts of our palate was just too attractive to pass up. Trying something new on our anniversary is so us. We went all out with beautifully seared steaks, mushroom purees and french onion soup paired with some strong drinks made with vermouth. My favorite parts of the meal though were the cheese plate, the escargot dish and the finisher: a decadent crème brûlée.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”24886″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”24887″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”24885″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Once I saw the escargot on the menu, we knew we had to get it. I was instantly flooded with memories of our evening dinners on our honeymoon. Buttery, spiced escargot was an option we chose frequently. I\’m not fond of cheese, and we ordered the cheese plate knowing Jeremy would consume most of it but I discovered a cheese that I really loved. Cotswold cheese enchanted me. It had a sharp taste, the added pleasant aroma of the chives and onions blended in, and a smooth consistency. It was good. Really good. We bought half a wheel to bring back with us!
It was a beautiful night.

The London Tea Room

I\’m a tea drinker. I love coffee, but I\’m much more of a tea snob. The London Tea Room is a great place to spend a quiet moment in the heart of St. Louis. They have a great menu, written with a sharp humor. I had an aromatic mango tea and Jeremy enjoyed one of Churchill\’s favorites: Lapsang Souchong.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24855″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24889″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_single_image image=”24852″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”large” img_link=”medium” alignment=”center” border_color=”grey”][vc_column_text]I have no self control so we ordered this scrumptious blueberry cake. The icing tasted like a very sweet cream cheese and the cake was a little heavier than I\’m used to but it worked well with the cakey part of it. It was a great pairing with my mango fruit tea.

The Millenium Hotel

This is a dining spot you really shouldn\’t miss in St. Louis. It\’s similar to the Westin in Atlanta, with the rotating restaurant atop a tall cylindrical building. I was adamant about going at a time where we could catch the sunset and we were not disappointed. The view was grand. The food was droolworthy and I just enjoyed the heck out of myself. I ordered a rack of lamb. Usually, for me, ordering lamb is like playing foodie russian roulette. The lamb either comes out tasting gamy or mediocre or it comes out juicy and with the right type of flavor. I\’m happy to say that the lamb is great. Jeremy and Henry enjoyed their meals too! and we shared a huge cake! Perfect dinner.
The hotel afforded us a great view of Busch Stadium as well as the Arch as it turned. The city was on sunset fire.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24894″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][vc_single_image image=”24854″ img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium” img_link_large=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24851″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][vc_single_image image=”24895″ img_link_large=”yes” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]I have a few honorable mentions that you should consider if you have the time and have already tried or decided against all the other things in my list.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Joy Luck Buffet

I encountered authentic Schezwan here for the first time! Used to your local sugary Americanized Chinese food? Don’t go here if you want to keep your palate ignorant about true, amazing schezwan! It’s not for the cuisine challenged but I had a great time, ate well, and slept like a baby afterward.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Ranoush Hookah & Coffee

Located right on Delmar, this little hookah place is a great spot to reminisce, discuss life, and blow a few smoke rings. Great conversation was had at this place, and many a smoke filled bubble started an epic journey.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups

We came here one of our nights and enjoyed very reasonably priced drinks, and some of the best blues live! I have an entire post dedicated to BB\’s soon since it was so fun to photograph! Get lost in the music.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]