The Enchanting Ambiance of August the Mansion
A few autumns back, we enjoyed a visit to Root Food & Wine in Augusta, a nearly flawless rustic dining spot where the initial course begins with a stroll beneath tall trees and through a charming garden. This summer, we discovered a similarly picturesque destination at August the Mansion in O’Fallon, Illinois. The surroundings are stunning: a lovely two-story Victorian brick house embraced by maple trees and beautiful gardens. The renovated interior is exceptionally inviting. Yes, the culinary offerings are superb (the cheese curd cagliate especially stands out), but the setting delivers an experience as enjoyable as any dish on the menu.
Brunch at Florentin
We spent a delightful morning at Florentin with a couple of scientists discussing the latest findings on the eye’s neurons—or something along those lines. Although we didn’t fully grasp the details, the experience at this newest gem in the Delmar District was wonderful. This Israeli-inspired café flawlessly captures the essence of the cuisine and culture of its namesake country. The space is bright, spacious, and vibrant, adorned with ayin-hara decorations on one wall. The menu features traditional delights, brimming with pita and mezzes: hummus, olives, and pickles galore. The freshly squeezed juices burst with exotic flavors: elderflower and dragon fruit, to name a few. Yet, it was the atmosphere—an often-overused term in the restaurant industry—that captivated us the most. This is undoubtedly one of the trendiest spots for a leisurely brunch. We’re planning to return with the scientists to feign understanding while enjoying a magnificent Persian omelet.
The Unique Appeal of Cate Zone’s Boiling Fish
Once again claiming the title for the Oddest Named Restaurant, Cate Zone has recently opened a second location in Chesterfield where obtaining a table is significantly easier than at the original Cate Zone, making your chances better than a lottery win. The menu remains largely the same, featuring the rich Dongbei cuisine of northern China. Forget about General Tso’s chicken; this place is entirely free of Rangoon. Instead, savor dishes like cumin-scented lamb with cilantro, pork rib stew with green beans, and pork tripe in chili sauce crafted into a delightful and expansive menu. We relished every bite of their incredible Szechuan Boiling Fish. This remarkable dish is a stew, a cascade of tender white fish immersed in a hearty broth infused with ginger, garlic, and enough Szechuan chili oil and peppers to make molten lava feel mild. The gentle fish paired with the fiery broth create an unforgettable experience.
Nactamales from Sabor K-Tracho
Tamales may appear straightforward—but the array of tamales from across Latin America is truly impressive. Sabor K-Tracho presents a unique version of masa delights called nactamales—oversized Nicaraguan varieties. Filled with chicken or pork and delicately steamed in banana leaves, their aroma alone is heavenly. They stand out as the best tamales we’ve tasted all year.
Experiencing Idol Wolf’s Den
“So I’m enjoying some delectable patatas bravas in this dimly lit, cool venue nestled beneath an art museum, complete with an alien Space Bubble at the entrance and a vibrating mirror, not to mention penguins lounging around.” Yes, we’ve had a few visions like that after indulging in a bit too much Laphroaig. However, this time, it’s the real deal. “Eccentric” doesn’t even begin to define it. Idol Wolf, situated in the 21c Museum Hotel in Downtown West, presents some of the world’s most renowned cuisine within a setting that rivals the quirkiness of the nearby City Museum. From an extensive selection of tapas to hearty raciones such as paella loaded with shellfish, the dining experience is splendidly Spanish. Truly delightful—and undoubtedly the most surreal dining experience of the year.
Timothy’s Lobster Pot Pie
The layer of puff pastry is so light and flaky that it resembles a delicately buttered cloud. Emerald peas and vivid orange carrot cubes float in a rich tarragon-infused sherry cream sauce, complemented by sweet chunks of lobster. The lobster pot pie at Timothy’s is sublime, richer than the wealth of a drug cartel, and the finest spoonful we’ve had in 2024.
The Authenticity of Deli Divine
We’ve lost Kopperman’s long ago and, more recently, Pumpernickels. Quality delis in St. Louis are becoming rarer than recent Cardinal wins. Thus, when a new deli opens, it’s a cause for celebration. Deli Divine nails it all—not just the cuisine. The ambiance is bustling with close-knit crowds, glass counters brimming with every delight that would have pleased Ellis Island immigrants, and the booming orders shouted by no-nonsense staff. It’s a joy. A bowl of rich matzo soup paired with a corned beef Reuben transports you to one of the great American food experiences.
Jalea’s Signature Dish
Across Massachusetts’ North Shore, you’ll find charming establishments serving platters of fried seafood: exquisite creations of crispy wrapped clams, fish, and shrimp—the culinary dreams of crunchy salty goodness. We never expected to find their equal west of the Mississippi, but that’s why we eagerly returned to Jalea this year. On our inaugural visit, we ordered the namesake Jalea Mixta. While the ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sours are authentically delightful, we returned for that sumptuous mountain of seafood—and it was simply fantastic.
Filipino Bakery Café & Market
Filipino Bakery Café & Market in Maryland Heights offers genuine fare accompanied by an equally genuine, unpretentious ambiance. From Filipino karaoke to a bakery stocked with classic breads and pastries, along with cafeteria-style service, the café presents a comprehensive introduction to this cuisine. Occasionally, a whole roasted pig graces the menu, but everyday delights like donguan stew, perfectly crispy pork belly, and intricately prepared adobo left us tulo laway, as they say in Manila.
On the Road: Wally’s Buckeyes and Buc-ee’s Bites
There are road trips, and then there are transformative road journeys where one can visit two sacred landmarks of the highway on just one tank of gas. Indeed, I-44 is now home to both Wally’s in Fenton and Buc-ee’s near Springfield. The latter, this summer, was honored as a shrine to the patron saint of jerky and the monumental 6-gallon soda flagon. We experienced both spots on a single trip this year, and the memories are still impactful. At Wally’s, we discovered the signature buckeyes: delightful spheres of peanut butter enrobed in chocolate, akin to celestial caviar. In stark contrast, Buc-ee’s Bites are dessert-sized medallions of magic, featuring a hefty slab of chocolate layered with a monstrous amount of peanut butter, then drenched in yet more chocolate. Which one reigns supreme? We figure further taste testing is required.
