New Restaurant Wednesday: Glutton

Divas, do I have a restaurant for you! Last week, on a trip to Downtown Las Vegas, Kyle and I passed by a new (to us) restaurant, Glutton. Located on the corner of East Carson and South 7^th Street, the name and logo definitely caught our attention. We just finished brunch at eat and noted that we should return over the weekend. The weather in Las Vegas was predicted to be a stunning sixty degrees, perfect for a morning stroll through Container Park and then getting our grub on at Glutton.

As a newer Las Vegan, even I know that Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) has a colorful history. What’s now known as the Fremont Street Experience used to be what the Strip is today. Bright lights, bustling streets and the busy casinos gave way to decades of disrepair and neglect. For years, I’ve learned, locals and tourists alike avoided DTLV and Fremont Street at all costs. Then, ever so slowly, things began to change. 

An area that was once filled with seedy hotels, boarded up buildings, and crime has given way to hip restaurants, unique boutiques, and cool coffee shops. Sure, things aren’t perfect and there’s a long way to go, but DTLV and Container Park has quickly become one of our go-to destinations.    

Glutton is housed in a former tattoo parlor, across the street from the popular downtown eatery, eat, and the trendy downtown shopping destination, Container Park. The interior is small, seating approximately forty patrons, but there’s an airy patio that has additional seating. I loved the exposed ceiling beams and ductwork, charming accents not usually seen in Las Vegas.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: brunch, baby! Kyle and I worked up an appetite buying our first piece of art from Little Art Bodega (more on that later) and headed to Glutton at around noon. We typically like to split our entrees and drinks since that saves us money and wasting food (yes, we’re that couple), but we were hungry and decided to split the Glutton for Punishment Bloody Mary and an order of the spicy pork rinds.

Kyle digs into the Glutton for Punishment and Spicy Pork Rinds

Well, one taste of the Glutton for Punishment and Kyle knew he needed his own. This Bloody Mary comes loaded with shrimp, pickled mushrooms, and togarashi chili, a spice blend popular in Japan. Paired with the spicy pork rinds, we knew instantly why this restaurant bears its name. After chatting with the friendly folks at the next table, we received our entrees: The Proper Breakfast Sandwich for Kyle and the Breakfast Salad for me. I wish I’d taken photos of each because they were delicious! Kyle liked his so much, he proclaimed it, “The best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had!” You might think my Breakfast Salad was bland compared to that, but you’d be wrong divas. Wild greens, potatoes and topped with a poached egg, this dish was a fantastic choice for brunch.

In DTLV or shopping at Container Park, head to Glutton first for a boozy brunch.

Keep up with Glutton on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram.

Restaurant Recommendations: 

• Glutton for Punishment Bloody Mary
• Spicy Pork Rinds
• The Proper Breakfast Sandwich
• Breakfast Salad

New Restaurant Wednesday: Kansas City Edition

What a view: The Kansas City, MO skyline from the top of the Liberty Memorial. 

A few weeks ago, I visited Ruthie for a long weekend in Kansas City (KC), MO. The last time I visited KC, I was a wee diva and traveling with my family, so I was excited to see what the “City of Fountains” had to offer me as an adult and as a foodie. Aside from touring the National World War I Museum and visiting the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, (hello extensive Picasso collection and Shuttlecocks) Ruthie took me on a culinary tour of KC that included Vienna, Paris, and even a little sufferin’ Succotash.

Grünauer

As a former student who ate and drank my way through studied my way through Austria, I’m always ready to take a walk down memory strasse. With traditional dishes like Wienerschnitzel and Käsekrainer served with a bottle of Salzburger Stiegl, I felt right at home at Kansas City’s Grünauer. The interior space has the feel of an Austrian ski chalet with exposed wood beams and dark wood accents. And while I enjoyed my Traditional Wienerschnitzel, I wish I would have opted for Ruthie’s Hungarian Beef Gulasch which was hearty, rich, and sehr gute!

Aixois Bistro (55^th Street location)

By far, my favorite stop on our tour de Kansas City was the cozy and classy French bistro, Aixois. Named after the region in southern France where owner Emmanuel Langlade called home, Aixois is the epitome of Kansas City joie de vivre. We started with the cheese plate which came with an assortment of imported cheeses, fresh fruit, and the tastiest little sampling of jam. If you’re stopping by Aixois before a visit to one of Kansas City’s 200 fountains (as the Parisians would do) or if you’re simply enjoying lunch like we did, the cheese plate is an absolute must. After two glasses of Vieux Papes Vin Blanc each (as the Parisians would say, When in France…or Missouri), my lunch of soupe á l’oignon gratinée (traditional French Onion Soup with Cheese Crouton) and Croque Monsieur Sandwich arrived and it was très délicieux.

 A cozy French bistro in the heart of KC? We'll drink to that!

The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange*

If Aixois is my top spot for dining in KC, then The Rieger (as locals know it) comes in a very close second. From the moment we were greeted by the friendly hostess to the open kitchen concept to our delicious dinner, this historic restaurant in Kansas City’s Crossroads Art District lived up to my lofty expectations. While the restaurant is fairly new, opening in 2010, the building itself has been part of downtown KC since 1915 and many of the interior features are original to the building. Using local and seasonal ingredients, chef and owner Howard Hanna has brought this “Kansas City classic forward in time” with such dishes as my dinner entrée, the Winter Squash Fettuccine. From my perfectly concocted French 75 to our superb service, The Rieger is proving that it will be as much a part of KC’s future as it was its past.     

*No photos of this meal exist because we were too busy eating and drinking and loving the service at The Rieger.

Succotash Catering and Bruncheonette
Succotash is every hipster’s dream: Organic food, repurposed furniture and funky wall art. Ruthie took me to Succotash for my last meal in KC – Sunday brunch. Located in the Dutch Hill neighborhood, Succotash is the essence of the “farm to table” movement. Their eggs are delivered weekly from a local Amish community, their produce comes from a farm in Wathena, Kansas, and their coffee is brewed at Oddly Correct Coffee Roasters in KC. Owner Beth Barden is a former sex education teacher and Succotash, originally opened in 2001 in the River Market district, is a reflection of her sassy and bold approach. Ruthie enjoyed her breakfast sandwich, but my Wild Blueberry Pancakes were enough to feed the entirety of the Jackson County Juvenile Detention Center – Succotash’s neighbor (a word to the wise – order the short stack!). 

New Restaurant Wednesday - Onesto Pizza & Trattoria

On a residential street in the historic South Hampton (SoHa) neighborhood of South St. Louis is Onesto Pizza & Trattoria. Nestled among Hansel and Gretel and Neo-Tudor style homes from the early 1900's in the Macklind Avenue Business District, Onesto has been serving gourmet and specialty pizzas, pasta, and Italian favorites Stromboli's and calzones since 2008. Jeremy and I headed there on a cold December night and opted for the BBQ Chicken pizza, garlic knots (free with every meal FTW!) and some very strong sangria.

Look at the size of that organic jalapeno!

Winner of the RFT’s Best Kid Friendly Restaurant in 2009, Best Outdoor Dining in 2010 and a finalist in the Best Italian category by City Voter in 2010, Onesto is famous for their East Coast style pizza, but they’re a winner in my book for their commitment to using seasonal ingredients and promoting sustainability. Onesto strives to “make the world a better place one meal at a time” by supporting these local farmers, using antibiotic free and hormone free meat and seafood, and recycling and reusing nearly everything in the restaurant.  Even their straws are compostable!

Whether you’re a resident of SoHa or just looking for a perfect slice of pizza, head to Onesto’s and you’ll find yourself saying, “delizioso!”

Keep up with Onesto on their Facebook page and twitter.

New Restaurant Wednesday - The London Tea Room

Diva’s, I’ve missed you! In between re-starting grad school (note to self: this will take over your life) and losing my Internet at home (don’t ask, but it’s been the ultimate first world pain), I’ve neglected my corner of the Internet for far too long.

What could bring me out a self-imposed blogging break? The impending birth of the World’s Most Famous Fetus, of course. In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last few weeks, my two best friends are expecting! Minus a few Aussie radio hosts, it seems that the whole world is excited for the two young Royals and naturally, I wanted to celebrate too.

Fellow anglophile, Katie, and I headed for the center of all things British in St. Louis – The London Tea Room. Founded in 1997, The London Tea Room serves imported teas, scones, quiche, and sandwiches fit for a Queen (or a commoner, as so many of us are.) Need a little sophistication in your life? They serve Afternoon Tea, a quintessential English tradition started by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in 1840. Brits have been enjoying this mid-afternoon snack ever since and The London Tea Room gives St. Louisans a chance to eat like Royalty, too.

Lori, Jeremy, & I at The London Tea Room
{October 2011}

If you’re looking to enjoy a spot of tea just like Duchess Catherine or need the perfect place to pretend you’re British for a day, head to the London Tea Room. Whether you're there for the Creamy Tomato Soup (a staple on the menu and perfect for a chilly fall day), a pot of tea from their extensive Tea Catalogue or a traditional Mcvities Digestive, you'll find The London Tea Room unpretentious, welcoming, and frightfully British. Pinky up!

Think The London Tea Room is brilliant? Like their Facebook page or follow them on twitter.

{Bottom photos taken with my iphone, using the Instagram app and the Sierra filter}

New Restaurant Wednesday: The Chandelier Bar {Las Vegas Edition}

When I was planning our Vegas Vacation, I knew there were a few things on the list that were a “must do.” One of those things was drinking a cocktail at The Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan Hotel. Located on The Strip, The Cosmopolitan is one of those places that makes you feel like you have arrived. It’s sleek without being sleazy and it’s contemporary without being cold.

The Cosmopolitan's signature cocktail

We bypassed the sophisticated Vesper Bar (though, we would have a nightcap there later) and strolled past the betters at Book & Stage and headed straight for The Chandelier. Designed by the New York City architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, The Chandelier is three levels and two million crystal beads of fabulous. Its glittering façade makes a “wow” statement even in Vegas. The Chandelier isn’t a place where you’ll find the slot machine weary tourists giving their wallets a break, but in their place you’ll find a younger, sexier, style-conscious crowd.    

Two million beads of fabulous

From the ambiance to the superb service to the strong signature Cosmopolitan cocktail created by mixologist Meriena Mercer, visit The Chandelier and you’ll see why it was voted 2012’s Best Bar on The Strip by Lavish Las Vegas. The next time you're in Sin City, slip on your best little black dress and head to The Chandelier for a cocktail. It's what every diva should do. 

Cheers to the best Cosmopolitan's in Vegas

New Restaurant Wednesday: Hamburger Mary's

Sometimes you run across a place that’s so wild, so wacky, and so tacky that you just have to try it. The newest restaurant to hit St. Louis is Hamburger Mary's, a place known for its bold décor, big burgers (hello, one pound “Proud Mary”), and open-minded atmosphere. 

Originally opened in 1972 in the SoMa district of San Francisco as a burger and beer joint, Hamburger Mary’s currently has twelve locations across the US including one of its newest locations in the heart of Midtown Alley.

Stessie and I headed to Hamburger Mary’s on a steamy St. Louis Friday night, ready for a good dinner and cold drinks. What we weren’t ready for was the flamboyant, fun, and family friendly (believe it or not!) atmosphere.

Stessie and I with our Fuzzy Tea Bags

There aren’t many places where you can get dinner, drinks, and a drag show, but Hamburger Mary’s has all three. I opted for the St. Louis Blues Burger (naturally) with a side of the Tasty Ta-Ta’s (tater tots for the uninitiated) and both were fabulous. Think this is just a run of the mill greasy spoon? Think again. Hamburger Mary’s offers a variety of meats to choose from including Natural Angus Beef (from humanely treated cattle), Kobe/Waygu Beef (my favorite), homemade Blackbean, and Ahi tuna. As Mary would say, that’s “Hot and juicy, honey!” You have to wash all of that meat and tasty ta-ta’s down with something, so Stessie and I opted for the Fuzzy Tea Bag - a delicious blend of Carolina Sweet Tea vodka, peach schnapps, and pink lemonade.

Since its humble beginnings in San Francisco, Hamburger Mary’s has been a proud supporter of the LGBT community and continues to welcome patrons of all backgrounds – kids, families, and drag queens alike.

 Just another night out with Stessie and of course I was pulled up on stage for TV trivia.

Of course I was.

Mary's "Drag Queen Diva's" put on a show in true Facts of Life style.

Come one, come all, just be ready to “Eat, Drink, and be…Mary!”

New Restaurant Wednesday: Feraro's Jersey Style Pizza

I consider myself a bit of a New Jersey connoisseur*: I’ve splashed in the surf in Seaside Heights, I’ve channeled the Soprano’s and dined in their booth at Holsten's, I’ve partied like Snooki at Bamboo Bar, and I’ve window shopped in adorable Hoboken. But, the Pièce de résistance was a trip to the Sawmill Cafe on the southern tip of the Seaside Boardwalk. Serving their infamous 27 inch pie, I had my first taste of “Jersey style” pizza in 2011. So, when I discovered a place that serves up a slice of the Garden State right in Soulard, I knew I had to make like a Guidette and get there.

A taste of the Garden State:
Feraro's house salad and a slice of their Jersey Style pepperoni pizza.

Feraro's in Soulard on a sunny St. Louis day.

Feraro's Jersey Style Pizza is a small joint of a restaurant located in a nook behind Chava's Mexican Restaurant. It’s not a fancy establishment with plastic tables and chairs serving as sidewalk seating and strands of multi-colored Christmas lights decorating the tiny interior. But what matters most to patrons of Feraro’s is the pizza. On each of my visits I’ve sampled the small house salad and a slice of New Jersey Style pepperoni pizza. And each time, I’ve loved it. They pile on the pepperoni and the sauce is rich and flavorful. Not interested in a slice of pie? Try one of their homemade Stromboli’s or a calzone instead. Their “Taylor Ham” sandwich would make my best friend Lori, a Bergen County native, proud.

The Sawmill Cafe in Seaside Park, New Jersey and their infamous 27 inch pizza.

Just like JWoww: Fist pumping my way to the Jersey Shore.
{2011}

Feraro's has two locations in St. Louis - in Soulard and South County - giving patrons a true "Boardwalk Experience."

To keep up with Ferraro’s, like them on facebook and follow them on twitter.

*Thank you for not leaving after reading that. Even I judged myself a little after that first line.

New Restaurant Wednesday: Aviary Cafe and Creperie {Springfield, MO Edition}

Last summer I visited the southwestern Missouri town of Springfield to spend a girl’s weekend with Ruthie. Located on the northern plateau of Ozark Mountain Country, the “Queen City of the Ozarks” isn’t exactly known for being a culinary hotspot. Springfield is best known for being the boyhood home of Brad Pitt, but it also boasts the original Bass Pro Shop, the campus of Missouri State University, and is the historical site of the first Civil War conflict west of the Mississippi River, the Battle of Wilson’s Creek.

On previous trips to Springfield, I’ve had drinks at Trolley's Bar*, sampled flaming sushi at Kai, After Dark, and chilled out with an “outrageous” ice cream cone at Emack and Bolios. Ruthie and I sampled our way through the “417” until we finally found the perfect little breakfast and brunch spot, the Aviary Cafe and Creperie.

The Aviary is located in the former Marquette Hotel in downtown Springfield and the building, built in the early 190o's, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The interior is shabby chic done right with weather-worn benches, white-washed accents and quirky art hanging on the walls. Adding an element of whimsy and fun are the tree branches that seem to sprout out of corners, behind seats, and even “grow” in the ladies restroom!

Chef John Allen brings locally grown and farm fresh ingredients to the table, along with homemade sweet and savory crepes and French favorites Pommes Frites and Soup a l'Oignon Gratinee. My Aux Nutella Crepes and Cappuccino were not for the faint of heart or for the diabetic, but they hit just the right spot on a sleepy Sunday morning. 

Stopping in Springfield on your way to Branson or on a trip down Historic Route 66? Plan a visit to the Aviary Café and Creperie. It’s tres délicieux.

*Springfield Fun Fact: Fans will recognize Trolley's from Season 2 of the hit ABC show, The Bachelor. Contestant Aaron Buerge (now married) is the co-owner.

{All photos taken with my iphone, using the Instagram app and the Sierra filter}

New Restaurant Wednesday: Winslow's Home

Nestled on a tree-lined street in the St. Louis suburb of University City sits a two-story, non-descript brick building housing one of St. Louis’ “must try” restaurants, Winslow's Home.

U. City is best known for the Delmar Loop and its eclectic and diverse restaurant, bar, and shopping scene. The “Loop”, as locals call it, is home to such St. Louis staples as the Riverfront Times, Vintage Vinyl, and Fitz's.

But drive just a few miles west of the busy, gritty Loop and the atmosphere changes entirely. Gone are the fluorescent lights advertising the latest art house films playing at the Tivoli. Silenced is the din created by the clanging silverware from the sidewalk diners. And hushed is the background buzz created by the people who live, eat, and shop here. All of the energy of the Loop is replaced by a sedate residential neighborhood with wide sidewalks and historic homes.

I’d wanted to try Winslow’s Home for months, reading the rave reviews about this restaurant in the New York Times, Midwest Living, and Feast Magazine and hearing from my friends who already tried it and loved it. Prior to our Twilight movie marathon, Ruthie and I headed to Winslow’s Home on a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon. The restaurant was busy and the line to the counter was long. Think I was stuck in line bored to tears? Think again.

Winslow’s Home first opened as a general store in 1924 and current owners Randy Lipton and Ann Sheehan Lipton pay homage to the original concept with shelves, tables and corkboard walls selling everything from cooking utensils, kitchen accessories and weird little books like eat tweet. In the market for some 100% Kosher soap? They sell it. What about a Bananagram? They’ve got it. Looking for a bottle of wine to go with your white cheddar, fontina, and herb butter grilled cheese sandwich? They have a 500 bottle Wine Room for you to peruse.

Locally grown, organic, and sustainability are words thrown about the restaurant industry these days with few restaurants actually putting these words into action. If the fact that Winslow’s Home has earned accolades from St. Louis Magazine, Sauce Magazine and the RFT weren’t enough, they also know the food they serve. Sitting on four chemical-free acres in Augusta, Missouri is Winslow’s Farm. As quoted on their website, “Living sustainably is not just a trend to us, it is a way of life.”

We only had time to sample their blueberry pie, tea, and iced mocha, but I’ll definitely be back. After all, Home is where the...award-winning, Missouri-raised, grass-fed beef is.

Ruthie enjoying a hot cup of tea at Winslow's Home.

{All photos taken with my iphone, using the Instagram app and the 1977 filter.}