WTF?

I haven't reviewed anything since November. I'd like to, but with holiday shopping and all the money and time constraints it can cause, I've either been eating at home, at places that don't really need to be reviewed (seriously, what can you say about White Castle that people don't already know?), or places that intimidate me out of taking photos.

With this in mind, I thought I'd write a short update on what I've been eating but haven't been able to review.

WHERE I'VE BEEN....

Balaban's
405 N Euclid
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361-8085

Starter: foie gras with brioche, maple blueberry sauce, walnut and brown sugar oatmeal, microgreens
Entree: rainbow trout with herbed spaetzle, sauteed arugula, fried capers, brown butter sauce
Dessert: espresso creme brulee
Wine: 2005 Malbec

One of the places that freaks me out of taking pictures. I hadn't been since the remodel of the place and the menu, but I was so pleased to have gone. The hostess seemed to have better things to do (even though we had a reservation), the server was helpful and unobtrusive, and the entire meal was perfect. Everything was perfect. Go there, but don't take pictures. It would be rude.


McGurk's
1200 Russell
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 776-8309

Salad: mixed baby greens with shallot vinaigrette
Lunch: bangers and mash
Beer: Bare Knuckle Stout

One of the places that didn't need a review. For starters, who really cares about how the food tastes? It's not spectacular, but it's not terrible. To tell the truth, I only went there because I forgot where Tip Top was and didn't feel like calling 411. But their shallot vinaigrette is pretty great, and the house-made sausage has a nicely fine-ground texture with a smoky-sweet taste.


Banh Mi So
4071 S Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 353-0545

I only have the pho.

It may be remembered from my Pho Grand review that Banh Mi So is actually my pho-making local. It's right down the street from my place, the owners are a kind and friendly husband-and-wife team, and while the fluorescent lighting may not be as pleasantly ambient as Pho Grand's, I very much prefer the down-home feel and single-page menu of Banh Mi So.


WHAT I'VE MADE....

Lamb stew with lamb (no, really?), carrots, potatoes, parsnips, yellow onion, garlic, rosemary, honey, vegetable stock, and porter

Mole verde stew with shredded chicken, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, bell peppers, red onion, garlic, chicken stock, and spice mix (chili powder, cumin, few other things added)

Bruschetta with artichoke hearts, pimento, roasted garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, thyme, and feta cheese


WHAT I'VE REHEATED....

Kashi frozen pizzas. The Mediterranean is the best, but the Roasted Garlic & Chicken is very tasty with some (okay, a bottle) of Valpolicella.


WHERE I'D LIKE TO GO....

* Franco
* Stellina Pasta
* Sage
* Newstead Tower Public House