Date of dining experience: May 28, 2015
Place: El Cabrito Mexican Restaurant (no, they don't serve goat)
Location: 208 W. Bus. Hwy. 60 in Dexter, MO
Starter: Chips and salsa! The salsa here is awesome. Every time I go I can taste the fresh cilantro in it. Order a cheese dip and add to the deliciousness. Order Guacamole El Cabrito and make it a party! Your server will make the guacamole dip fresh at your table. The server that makes the best guacamole dip is named Chuy (pronounced chewy). Ask for him and you won't be disappointed!
Entree: Camarones ala Diabla (I think this translates to shrimp deviled wing) with chicken added - shrimp and chicken sauteed in spicy ranchero sauce served with rice and beans. I chose this dish because I had never had it before. It is something new and fresh, something different pretty much just for the purpose of this blog. I have eaten here many times and, like most people, fell into a slump of ordering the same two or three things all the time. This dish was fantastic and was the perfect amount of spicy for me. I know some people that would swear this was too spicy to even touch.
Drinks: Full bar service available with drink specials like crazy! They have fantastic margaritas, on the rocks or frozen (lime or strawberry). They also have Dos Equis Amber on draft and from 5:00-close you can get 32 oz. for just $4!
El Cabrito is owned and operated by a local family that everyone loves. As far as atmosphere and service, it's your typical Mexican restaurant. Most of the people in town have eaten at this restaurant. If you haven't, you should. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
Friday, May 29, 2015
Winslow's Home - St. Louis, MO
Date of dining experience: May 24, 2015
Place: Winslow's Home (cafe, coffee shop, and store)
Location: 7213 Delmar in St. Louis, MO
Coffee: Yes! Winslow's has amazing coffee, and it's free refills. You help yourself to all the freshly ground, delicious coffee you can handle. If you aren't into coffee, they also have amazing Mimosas.
Entree: Smoked Salmon Hash - sweet potatoes, pickled red onion, spinach, sunny up eggs, and, of course, smoked salmon! Delicious! The flavors of each of these is great alone, but mix them all together and it is truly a flavor explosion in your mouth with each and every bite! This entree was so good the first time I went that I ordered it the second time as well! ($12)
Dessert: Goat Cheese Cookie - amazing! This cookie caught my eye because I love goat cheese. I was a little disappointed with the first bite because it just tasted like a regular, sweet cookie. But as you swallow and for a while afterward there is a definite goat cheese flavor. It was absolutely amazing, you'll have to try one for yourself! Like any good coffee shop, Winslow's has a bakery counter with a plethora of choices. They have everything from cookies to macaroons and flour-less chocolate cake to peanut butter tarts.
Store: Winslow's has almost everything! They sell books, kitchen gadgets, grilling tools, ice cream, take-home meals, cheeses, whole bean coffee, beers, sodas, etc. Both times I've been I bought a bag of coffee to take home so I could still taste the experience. And for sodas, wow! The first time I went I bought a Boylan Root Beer. It turned out to be the best Root Beer I've ever had! When I went back, I bought two 4-packs of it and a Boylan Black Cherry to try later. It turns out that is the best Black Cheery soda I've ever had as well!
Both times I have eaten here it has been for Sunday Brunch. It has not disappointed either time, though Sunday is the one day of the week that they use a limited menu. Fun fact about Winslow's is that it was featured in The New York Times when they wrote an article about what to do in St. Louis if you only had 36 hours in the city. The atmosphere of Winslow's is great. Whether sitting inside watching the busy street or sitting outside hearing the sounds of the city, it feels as if time is moving slower where you are sitting than in the rest of the city. You probably won't want to leave.
Try this place the next time you're in St. Louis and let me know what you think about it. You won't be disappointed! Enjoy!
Place: Winslow's Home (cafe, coffee shop, and store)
Location: 7213 Delmar in St. Louis, MO
Coffee: Yes! Winslow's has amazing coffee, and it's free refills. You help yourself to all the freshly ground, delicious coffee you can handle. If you aren't into coffee, they also have amazing Mimosas.
Entree: Smoked Salmon Hash - sweet potatoes, pickled red onion, spinach, sunny up eggs, and, of course, smoked salmon! Delicious! The flavors of each of these is great alone, but mix them all together and it is truly a flavor explosion in your mouth with each and every bite! This entree was so good the first time I went that I ordered it the second time as well! ($12)
Dessert: Goat Cheese Cookie - amazing! This cookie caught my eye because I love goat cheese. I was a little disappointed with the first bite because it just tasted like a regular, sweet cookie. But as you swallow and for a while afterward there is a definite goat cheese flavor. It was absolutely amazing, you'll have to try one for yourself! Like any good coffee shop, Winslow's has a bakery counter with a plethora of choices. They have everything from cookies to macaroons and flour-less chocolate cake to peanut butter tarts.
Store: Winslow's has almost everything! They sell books, kitchen gadgets, grilling tools, ice cream, take-home meals, cheeses, whole bean coffee, beers, sodas, etc. Both times I've been I bought a bag of coffee to take home so I could still taste the experience. And for sodas, wow! The first time I went I bought a Boylan Root Beer. It turned out to be the best Root Beer I've ever had! When I went back, I bought two 4-packs of it and a Boylan Black Cherry to try later. It turns out that is the best Black Cheery soda I've ever had as well!
Both times I have eaten here it has been for Sunday Brunch. It has not disappointed either time, though Sunday is the one day of the week that they use a limited menu. Fun fact about Winslow's is that it was featured in The New York Times when they wrote an article about what to do in St. Louis if you only had 36 hours in the city. The atmosphere of Winslow's is great. Whether sitting inside watching the busy street or sitting outside hearing the sounds of the city, it feels as if time is moving slower where you are sitting than in the rest of the city. You probably won't want to leave.
Try this place the next time you're in St. Louis and let me know what you think about it. You won't be disappointed! Enjoy!
Pho8 - Cape Girardeau, MO
Date of dining experience: May 22, 2015
Place: Pho 8 (pronounced fuh + eight) Vietnamese Restaurant
Location: 3036 William St. in Cape Girardeau, MO - next door to Best Buy.
Small plate (appetizer): Goi Cuon (spring rolls) - vermicelli rice noodles and fresh vegetables rolled in rice paper; served with house sauce. Choice of pulled chicken, vegetarian, or shrimp. This is probably my favorite appetizer ever (from any Vietnamese restaurant). The house sauce is amazing, but does have bits of peanuts sprinkled on top (for those of you who are allergic). I have tried both the chicken and the shrimp, and I think I prefer the chicken. Comes with cilantro on the side, which really makes the flavor pop. The order comes with two, but the only downside is they have to be the same kind. ($5)
Entree: Pork co'm (rice) bowl - steamed jasmine rice, fresh Vietnamese slaw, and crushed peanuts. Choice of grilled beef, pork, chicken, tofu, vegetarian, or shrimp. This entree is so good with the pork, I've ordered it both times I eaten here. This dish also comes with some cilantro on the side, just adding to the deliciousness of the meal. ($7)
Wine: I have not ordered anything alcoholic at this restaurant, but they do have a couple types of beer and a few varieties of wine. I have tasted both their Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon. They are both very good.
Sweets: Vietnamese coffee and banana bread pudding. The exciting part about this is the Vietnamese coffee! I had one the first time I ate here, and had two the second time! They place the coffee in front of you while it is still steeping. When it is finished steeping, you stir the hot coffee and the cream together until blended, then pour it over a glass of ice. I usually like hot, black coffee, but this Vietnamese coffee is wonderful. This is the only type of sweeter coffee I can say for certain that I like, and one of only two types of iced coffee I can say for certain that I like (the other being an unflavored Caffe Latte from Starbucks). The banana bread pudding was good,but nothing special. It is exactly what the name suggests - bread pudding made with bananas (not banana bread, real banana pieces).
I highly recommend Pho8 to everyone! I love Vietnamese food, and this place has amazing prices for the quality of food provided. To top it all off, this is, without a doubt, the absolute cleanest Vietnamese restaurant I've ever been to. You'll love it!
Give it a try and let me know what you think! Enjoy!
Place: Pho 8 (pronounced fuh + eight) Vietnamese Restaurant
Location: 3036 William St. in Cape Girardeau, MO - next door to Best Buy.
Small plate (appetizer): Goi Cuon (spring rolls) - vermicelli rice noodles and fresh vegetables rolled in rice paper; served with house sauce. Choice of pulled chicken, vegetarian, or shrimp. This is probably my favorite appetizer ever (from any Vietnamese restaurant). The house sauce is amazing, but does have bits of peanuts sprinkled on top (for those of you who are allergic). I have tried both the chicken and the shrimp, and I think I prefer the chicken. Comes with cilantro on the side, which really makes the flavor pop. The order comes with two, but the only downside is they have to be the same kind. ($5)
Entree: Pork co'm (rice) bowl - steamed jasmine rice, fresh Vietnamese slaw, and crushed peanuts. Choice of grilled beef, pork, chicken, tofu, vegetarian, or shrimp. This entree is so good with the pork, I've ordered it both times I eaten here. This dish also comes with some cilantro on the side, just adding to the deliciousness of the meal. ($7)
Wine: I have not ordered anything alcoholic at this restaurant, but they do have a couple types of beer and a few varieties of wine. I have tasted both their Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon. They are both very good.
Sweets: Vietnamese coffee and banana bread pudding. The exciting part about this is the Vietnamese coffee! I had one the first time I ate here, and had two the second time! They place the coffee in front of you while it is still steeping. When it is finished steeping, you stir the hot coffee and the cream together until blended, then pour it over a glass of ice. I usually like hot, black coffee, but this Vietnamese coffee is wonderful. This is the only type of sweeter coffee I can say for certain that I like, and one of only two types of iced coffee I can say for certain that I like (the other being an unflavored Caffe Latte from Starbucks). The banana bread pudding was good,but nothing special. It is exactly what the name suggests - bread pudding made with bananas (not banana bread, real banana pieces).
I highly recommend Pho8 to everyone! I love Vietnamese food, and this place has amazing prices for the quality of food provided. To top it all off, this is, without a doubt, the absolute cleanest Vietnamese restaurant I've ever been to. You'll love it!
Give it a try and let me know what you think! Enjoy!
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Morina's - Dexter, MO
Date of dining experience: May 20, 2015
Place: Morina's Italian Restaurant
Location: 903 W. Bus. Hwy. 60 in Dexter, MO - next door to Aaron's.
Bread: House rolls with dipping oil. Though usually fresh, they are always seemingly dry inside. They do have a very good mix of spices and seasonings on them.
Salad: Tossed salad with house Italian dressing - fresh mixed lettuce topped with onions, tomatoes, and croutons. The house Italian dressing is creamy (similar to French dressing), not an Italian vinaigrette like I was expecting. Still, very good salad with fresh ingredients and very good dressing. ($3)
Entree: Chicken Tortellini Modo Mio - tomatoes, broccoli, and garlic sauteed in a white wine sauce, served over tortellini pasta with chicken. This is one of my favorite dishes at Morina's. I alternate between the modo mio (my way) and alla panna (with cream). They are both delicious. ($11)
Dessert: Tiramisu with a decaf coffee. Both the tiramisu and coffee are just "okay." For my taste, their tiramisu has too much chocolate sauce and not enough rum soaked into the ladyfingers. ($6)
Wine: Bell'agio Chianti 2013 in the traditional straw-covered bottle (known as a fiasco). This is one of the top five (maybe top three) Chiantis I have ever tried. It is also priced very reasonably at $25 (from Morina's). You cannot get this wine anywhere else in town, which one of the reasons I hate living in Dexter. If you could find this vintage in a store it would only cost between $11 and $14, depending on where you bought it.
Morina's has a great atmosphere. In my experience, there are usually only three or four tables being used at any given time. This leads to better service. I would hate to eat there when the place was packed because they only ever seem to have one server working at a time. The music is not too loud, but sometimes I wish it was more authentic Italian music. After all, the family is here from Italy.
My favorite thing about Morina's is that they always give appropriate portions. It is never too much food. Most places in America like to pile plates with food. This is why I absolutely hate the concept of buffet restaurants. There is no need to overeat. Overeating is why most Americans are overweight. That and the fact Americans don't eat salads, vegetables, and fruits like they should. We just pile our plates with potatoes, pastas, and red meats. In most of the rest of the world people eat smaller meal portions than Americans, and definitely more greens, vegetables, and fruits.
At Morina's, the prices are extremely low for the quality of food you receive. I highly recommend this place for any meal. This is a great place to take the family or go on a date.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Enjoy!
Place: Morina's Italian Restaurant
Location: 903 W. Bus. Hwy. 60 in Dexter, MO - next door to Aaron's.
Bread: House rolls with dipping oil. Though usually fresh, they are always seemingly dry inside. They do have a very good mix of spices and seasonings on them.
Salad: Tossed salad with house Italian dressing - fresh mixed lettuce topped with onions, tomatoes, and croutons. The house Italian dressing is creamy (similar to French dressing), not an Italian vinaigrette like I was expecting. Still, very good salad with fresh ingredients and very good dressing. ($3)
Entree: Chicken Tortellini Modo Mio - tomatoes, broccoli, and garlic sauteed in a white wine sauce, served over tortellini pasta with chicken. This is one of my favorite dishes at Morina's. I alternate between the modo mio (my way) and alla panna (with cream). They are both delicious. ($11)
Dessert: Tiramisu with a decaf coffee. Both the tiramisu and coffee are just "okay." For my taste, their tiramisu has too much chocolate sauce and not enough rum soaked into the ladyfingers. ($6)
Wine: Bell'agio Chianti 2013 in the traditional straw-covered bottle (known as a fiasco). This is one of the top five (maybe top three) Chiantis I have ever tried. It is also priced very reasonably at $25 (from Morina's). You cannot get this wine anywhere else in town, which one of the reasons I hate living in Dexter. If you could find this vintage in a store it would only cost between $11 and $14, depending on where you bought it.
Morina's has a great atmosphere. In my experience, there are usually only three or four tables being used at any given time. This leads to better service. I would hate to eat there when the place was packed because they only ever seem to have one server working at a time. The music is not too loud, but sometimes I wish it was more authentic Italian music. After all, the family is here from Italy.
My favorite thing about Morina's is that they always give appropriate portions. It is never too much food. Most places in America like to pile plates with food. This is why I absolutely hate the concept of buffet restaurants. There is no need to overeat. Overeating is why most Americans are overweight. That and the fact Americans don't eat salads, vegetables, and fruits like they should. We just pile our plates with potatoes, pastas, and red meats. In most of the rest of the world people eat smaller meal portions than Americans, and definitely more greens, vegetables, and fruits.
At Morina's, the prices are extremely low for the quality of food you receive. I highly recommend this place for any meal. This is a great place to take the family or go on a date.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Enjoy!
Ciao - Cape Girardeau, MO
Date of dining experience: May 16, 2015
Place: Ciao ristorante + enoteca (restaurant and wine shop)
Location: 1650 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau, MO - located in the lobby of the Banterra Bank building.
Bread: A basket of mixed ciabattas and baguettes with dipping oil. Always warm, fresh, and delicious! I just wish they would put more pepper in their oil (and maybe a tiny pinch of salt).
Bread: A basket of mixed ciabattas and baguettes with dipping oil. Always warm, fresh, and delicious! I just wish they would put more pepper in their oil (and maybe a tiny pinch of salt).
Antipasti (appetizers): Carpaccio of Beef - thinly sliced rare beef topped with arugula and lemon aioli. This dish also comes with capers on top and served with crostini. It is absolutely amazing. ($10)
Secondi Piatti (main dishes): Branzino alla Siciliana (Sicilian sea bass) - pan-roasted filet of sea bass with tomatoes, capers, and fresh herbs served with seasonal vegetables and polenta. You can never go wrong with sea bass, but this one just melts in your mouth. ($22)
Dessert: Tiramisu with a regular coffee. This place has the second best tiramisu I've ever had and the best coffee I've ever had at a restaurant (that wasn't also a coffee shop).
(Note: so far, the best tiramisu I've ever had was from a place called Brave New Restaurant in Little Rock, AR. I may never make it back there to give the place it's own blog entry.)
Vino (wine): My table started with a bottle from the "Champagne & Italian Sparkling" list because this was my Master's graduation celebration. We had a bottle of the Prosecco Adami Treviso and it was wonderful. ($34) --- With dinner, we had a bottle of the Chardonnay le Bruniche from the "Bianchi" (whites) list. It too was wonderful and went very well with the sea bass.
Ciao has a wonderful atmosphere. The first time I went there the music was a little too loud, but this time it was perfect. Both times the service was fantastic (and I had different servers each time). As with any place like this, your bill will depend on the amount and type of alcohol you select. However, this place has very reasonable prices for the service, atmosphere, and quality of food they provide.
I highly recommend this restaurant if you are having a date night or just want to go somewhere because you don't get out much. There is no dress code and reservations are not required, but I still like to wear a dress shirt and make reservations (just in case they get busy).
Try it out and let me know what you think! Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Introduction
A number of my friends and coworkers talk to me about
food and ask about different places to eat. I love talking to them, finding out
their interests, offering suggestions, and seeing what they think about my
suggestions afterward.
I have eaten a lot of amazing places in the past year,
but as time goes on some details are forgotten. Since I have some free time now
that I am finished with my Master’s degree, I have decided to write about my
dining experiences.
To serve as a starting point, my first entry after this
introduction will be about my dining experience immediately following the commencement
for my Master’s degree. It is important to note that I am a teacher, not a trained
food critic.
Monday, May 25, 2015
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