Date of dining experience: June 5, 2015
Place: eleven eleven Mississippi
Location: 1111 Mississippi in St. Louis, MO
Antipasti board: Choice of two cheeses with fig jam, tomato chutney, dried fruits, & nuts. My cheeses were Mobay (goat and sheep's milk, mild and creamy) and J&B Everton (mild cow's milk, alpine style). This dish was amazing! Every bite was fantastic, whether pairing a cheese with the jam or chutney, dried fruit or nuts, or a combination. The wine our sommelier paired with the board was perfect. ($14)
Entree: Crispy Troutdale Farm Trout - toasted orzo, broccoli, fried spinach, & ginger agrodolce. Everything about this dish was great, except the trout. Trout is a "dirty" fish (like catfish) and pretty bland if not seasoned or at least splashed with lemon. The beer I had with the entree did make all the flavors come together nicely, especially the fried spinach. ($24)
Wine: 2013 Vinchio Vaglio Serra Arneis, Roero, Piedmonte, Italy. This white wine was absolutely perfect. To give you an idea of the flavor, I would place it between a Pinot Grigio and a Chardonnay. If you ever order it, be careful! It goes down very smoothly and very quickly! ($36 bottle)
Beer: Unibroue La Fin du Monde from Canada. At $8 per bottle, this place is a little more pricey than most places that offer this delicious beverage. However, this is my favorite beer. I ordered it because I knew it would make the dirty, bland trout taste so much better.
The service and atmosphere are both fantastic. I will go back to this restaurant, but I think I'm finally done with ordering dirty fish entrees. There is a grilled lamb entree on the menu that I will probably try next time. If for no other reason, it's always nice to go somewhere with a sommelier on staff to pair the perfect wine with your meal, and this restaurant has three sommeliers on staff.
Give this place a try and let me know what you think! Enjoy!
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Dhafer's - Dexter, MO
Date of dining experience: June 4, 2015
Place: Dhafer's Mediterranean Steakhouse
Location: 117 S. Locust St. in Dexter, MO
Bread: Perfect, fresh, warm rolls straight to your table from the oven. Always a delight.
Appetizer: Caprese Salad - slices of tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves with a balsamic drizzle over everything. This was my first time having this dish, and all I could say was WOW! Eating a piece of a roll between bites will help prepare your mouth for the wonderful flavor explosion all over again with each taste! (around $8)
Entree: Tuna - prepared rare with choice of potato and a vegetable (usually green beans). I always order roasted reds as my potato because Dhafer prepares them very well with a flavorful lemon sauce. I had the green beans tonight, which are also perfectly prepared with a great flavor, but I sometimes like to mix things up and order broccoli instead. The tuna can technically be cooked however you wish, but for the best flavor you want it to be rare. Dhafer tops his tuna with a balsamic glaze and wasabi seeds, adding to the flavor in the best possible way. I can boldly say, without hesitation, that Dhafer prepares the best tuna I have ever eaten. ($17)
White wine with appetizer: Pinot Grigio (2 glasses at $4 each) with appetizer and roasted red potatoes with lemon sauce. Though both varieties of Chardonnay they offer are great, I wanted something a little lighter to start my meal. The Pinot Grigio is very aromatic and has a lovely taste.
Red wine with entree: Merlot (1 glass at $4) with the green beans and tuna. A dry red will always bring out the bold flavors of tuna, wasabi seeds, and anything with a balsamic glaze (or any kind of steak if that's what you're having). The Cabernet Sauvignon they offer is also good, but I can't wait to try the tuna with the Pinot Noir they are adding to the wine list.
The service is wonderful every time I go to Dhafer's. Christina is one of the best servers south of St. Louis, and definitely the best I've ever had anywhere in Dexter. The atmosphere is also delightful. Dhafer's has just reopened after renovations and looks amazing. They offer a great fine dining experience with amazing prices for the quality of food and service received. And the music is never overbearing, whether from the speakers or live.
Along with the renovations, new items were added to the regular menu. Let me tell you, some of them are more than fantastic. They are also in the process of revamping their wine and beer list. When it is finished you will always be able to find the perfect beverage to accompany your meal.
I truly believe that Dhafer's is the best restaurant in the area, not just the best in Dexter. If I had to make a list of my Top 10 favorite restaurants on the eastern half of Missouri south of St. Louis, Dhafer's would come in at #2. (The #1 spot would be held by the fine dining restaurant Celebrations in Cape Girardeau, MO.)
After he prepares your food, Dhafer (owner and chef) comes around and personally makes sure that everything is perfect. Dhafer's wife Melissa makes all of the desserts, and none of them are short of delicious! With a cup of coffee paired with amazing items like peanut butter pie (my favorite), you can always end your meal with a smile.
Though Lambert's in Sikeston, MO or Strawberry's in Holcomb, MO are pretty good if you are in the mood for the kinds of food they offer, I think Dhafer's is the restaurant in southeast MO that people should be driving long distances to experience.
Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think! Enjoy!
Place: Dhafer's Mediterranean Steakhouse
Location: 117 S. Locust St. in Dexter, MO
Bread: Perfect, fresh, warm rolls straight to your table from the oven. Always a delight.
Appetizer: Caprese Salad - slices of tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves with a balsamic drizzle over everything. This was my first time having this dish, and all I could say was WOW! Eating a piece of a roll between bites will help prepare your mouth for the wonderful flavor explosion all over again with each taste! (around $8)
Entree: Tuna - prepared rare with choice of potato and a vegetable (usually green beans). I always order roasted reds as my potato because Dhafer prepares them very well with a flavorful lemon sauce. I had the green beans tonight, which are also perfectly prepared with a great flavor, but I sometimes like to mix things up and order broccoli instead. The tuna can technically be cooked however you wish, but for the best flavor you want it to be rare. Dhafer tops his tuna with a balsamic glaze and wasabi seeds, adding to the flavor in the best possible way. I can boldly say, without hesitation, that Dhafer prepares the best tuna I have ever eaten. ($17)
White wine with appetizer: Pinot Grigio (2 glasses at $4 each) with appetizer and roasted red potatoes with lemon sauce. Though both varieties of Chardonnay they offer are great, I wanted something a little lighter to start my meal. The Pinot Grigio is very aromatic and has a lovely taste.
Red wine with entree: Merlot (1 glass at $4) with the green beans and tuna. A dry red will always bring out the bold flavors of tuna, wasabi seeds, and anything with a balsamic glaze (or any kind of steak if that's what you're having). The Cabernet Sauvignon they offer is also good, but I can't wait to try the tuna with the Pinot Noir they are adding to the wine list.
The service is wonderful every time I go to Dhafer's. Christina is one of the best servers south of St. Louis, and definitely the best I've ever had anywhere in Dexter. The atmosphere is also delightful. Dhafer's has just reopened after renovations and looks amazing. They offer a great fine dining experience with amazing prices for the quality of food and service received. And the music is never overbearing, whether from the speakers or live.
Along with the renovations, new items were added to the regular menu. Let me tell you, some of them are more than fantastic. They are also in the process of revamping their wine and beer list. When it is finished you will always be able to find the perfect beverage to accompany your meal.
I truly believe that Dhafer's is the best restaurant in the area, not just the best in Dexter. If I had to make a list of my Top 10 favorite restaurants on the eastern half of Missouri south of St. Louis, Dhafer's would come in at #2. (The #1 spot would be held by the fine dining restaurant Celebrations in Cape Girardeau, MO.)
After he prepares your food, Dhafer (owner and chef) comes around and personally makes sure that everything is perfect. Dhafer's wife Melissa makes all of the desserts, and none of them are short of delicious! With a cup of coffee paired with amazing items like peanut butter pie (my favorite), you can always end your meal with a smile.
Though Lambert's in Sikeston, MO or Strawberry's in Holcomb, MO are pretty good if you are in the mood for the kinds of food they offer, I think Dhafer's is the restaurant in southeast MO that people should be driving long distances to experience.
Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think! Enjoy!
Monday, June 1, 2015
Celtic Crossing - Memphis, TN
Date of dining experience: May 31, 2015
Place: Celtic Crossing Irish Pub and Restaurant
Location: 903 S. Cooper St. in Memphis, TN
Starter 1: Scottish Eggs - age old recipe of sausage handcrafted around fresh, hardboiled eggs, served with thinly sliced potatoes and a Guinness dijon dipping sauce. Very tasty! The Guinness sauce was the best part. Though they are bigger here, Scarecrow in St. Louis, MO has a similar dish called Scotch Eggs that I think taste better. ($9 for four)
Starter 2: Galway Bay Mussels - steaming hot bowl of mussels sauteed in garlic, white wine, fresh herbs, and cream. These mussels were very good, but definitely not the best I have eaten. The soup they came in was delicious, but after biting into my second piece of broken shell I had to stop eating it. ($9)
Drinks: Mimosa. Honestly, not very good and overpriced. Perhaps I am just spoiled after trying the mimosa at Winslow's Home in St. Louis, MO (where they used fresh-squeezed orange juice). You can try both places for yourself and see if you disagree. ($6)
The atmosphere at Celtic Crossing was great, complete with live Irish music by the duo Jim & Larkin (guitar/mandolin & violin, respectively). However, the service was terrible. My waitress was training a new waitress, but she didn't need to be. Multiple items were forgotten and she had to be reminded. For one of the items, a Magner's Irish Cider, I just told her not to worry about getting it for me.
Overall, Celtic Crossing is worth a visit. Let me know what you think. Enjoy!
Place: Celtic Crossing Irish Pub and Restaurant
Location: 903 S. Cooper St. in Memphis, TN
Starter 1: Scottish Eggs - age old recipe of sausage handcrafted around fresh, hardboiled eggs, served with thinly sliced potatoes and a Guinness dijon dipping sauce. Very tasty! The Guinness sauce was the best part. Though they are bigger here, Scarecrow in St. Louis, MO has a similar dish called Scotch Eggs that I think taste better. ($9 for four)
Starter 2: Galway Bay Mussels - steaming hot bowl of mussels sauteed in garlic, white wine, fresh herbs, and cream. These mussels were very good, but definitely not the best I have eaten. The soup they came in was delicious, but after biting into my second piece of broken shell I had to stop eating it. ($9)
Drinks: Mimosa. Honestly, not very good and overpriced. Perhaps I am just spoiled after trying the mimosa at Winslow's Home in St. Louis, MO (where they used fresh-squeezed orange juice). You can try both places for yourself and see if you disagree. ($6)
The atmosphere at Celtic Crossing was great, complete with live Irish music by the duo Jim & Larkin (guitar/mandolin & violin, respectively). However, the service was terrible. My waitress was training a new waitress, but she didn't need to be. Multiple items were forgotten and she had to be reminded. For one of the items, a Magner's Irish Cider, I just told her not to worry about getting it for me.
Overall, Celtic Crossing is worth a visit. Let me know what you think. Enjoy!
The Flying Saucer - Memphis, TN
After an early dinner at The Majestic Grille, I walked around Beale Street for a while. While watching the street performers, I couldn't resist having a Rock Me Baby signature cocktail from B.B. King's Blues Club. It wasn't that great. When finished with Beale Street, I walked over to Havana Mix Cigar Emporium for a nice cigar and a glass of Jameson on the rocks. The two went very nicely together. While there, I met B.B. King's nephew (and Al King's son), Albert King, Jr. It was nice to hear him play a little blues on the guitar before heading to the next stop...
Date of dining experience: May 30, 2015
Place: The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Location: 130 Peabody Place in Memphis, TN
Appetizer: French fries with bacon and melted cheese. This was delicious and absolutely what I wanted at the time. ($8)
Entree: Build-Your-Own Pizza - basil, diced tomatoes, and roasted garlic (because they were out of cilantro). This version of a Margherita Pizza was delicious! The Flying Saucer is now my second favorite pizza place, right behind Epic Pizza (St. Louis, MO), and moving ahead of Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (Chicago, IL), Shakespeare's Pizza (Columbia, MO), and Casey's Pizza (gas station). The crust was absolutely fantastic, giving off a homemade look, light flour texture, and great baguette-type flavor, all while not being too chewy and thick. ($11)
Beers: Flight Paddle with Hofbrau Maibock, Spaten Franziskaner, Yuengling Lager, and Woodchuck Pear Cider. All of these beers were delicious in their own way. The best part about The Flying Saucer is that they have more than 70 different draft beers to choose from, which is more than any of the International Tap House locations in St. Louis, MO! However, all of the International Tap House locations offer many more bottled beer varieties from around the world than The Flying Saucer does.
The bar staff was great and the atmosphere was wonderful. After a few games of pool and a great time, I was sad to say goodbye to such an establishment.
Next time you're in Memphis, go there. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
Date of dining experience: May 30, 2015
Place: The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Location: 130 Peabody Place in Memphis, TN
Appetizer: French fries with bacon and melted cheese. This was delicious and absolutely what I wanted at the time. ($8)
Entree: Build-Your-Own Pizza - basil, diced tomatoes, and roasted garlic (because they were out of cilantro). This version of a Margherita Pizza was delicious! The Flying Saucer is now my second favorite pizza place, right behind Epic Pizza (St. Louis, MO), and moving ahead of Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (Chicago, IL), Shakespeare's Pizza (Columbia, MO), and Casey's Pizza (gas station). The crust was absolutely fantastic, giving off a homemade look, light flour texture, and great baguette-type flavor, all while not being too chewy and thick. ($11)
Beers: Flight Paddle with Hofbrau Maibock, Spaten Franziskaner, Yuengling Lager, and Woodchuck Pear Cider. All of these beers were delicious in their own way. The best part about The Flying Saucer is that they have more than 70 different draft beers to choose from, which is more than any of the International Tap House locations in St. Louis, MO! However, all of the International Tap House locations offer many more bottled beer varieties from around the world than The Flying Saucer does.
The bar staff was great and the atmosphere was wonderful. After a few games of pool and a great time, I was sad to say goodbye to such an establishment.
Next time you're in Memphis, go there. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
The Majestic - Memphis, TN
After visiting Burke's Book Store, which is 140 years old, I had an early dinner...
Date of dining experience: May 30, 2015
Place: The Majestic Grille
Location: 145 S. Main St. in Memphis, TN
Appetizer: House Smoked Salmon - served chilled, with red onions, capers, crostini, horseradish, & creole mustard. This was a very good starter. Though it was not the best I have ever had, it was probably the largest piece of salmon on an appetizer dish I've ever seen. Capers and smoked salmon go together so perfectly with each flavor complimenting the other. Both the horseradish and creole mustard were more mild than expected. To me, they were the perfect amount of spicy for this dish. They complimented the salmon and capers very well, both individually and mixed together. ($10)
Entree: Seared Tuna - served rare, with sesame ginger sauce, stir-fried green beans, & jasmine rice. My favorite part of this entree was the green beans. The flavor of the sauce on the green beans made the entire plate worthwhile. The sesame ginger, mixed with the stir-fry, on top of the jasmine rice, was amazing. This dish overall was very good and nicely priced ($24), but the tuna was not as good as Dhafer's Mediterranean Steakhouse in Dexter, MO.
Side/Dessert: I ordered a side of sugar-glazed carrots with my meal, but they were so sweet that I waited until afterward and had them for dessert. They were fantastic, but way too sweet to eat as part of a meal.
Draught Beer: High Cotton Brewing Scottish Ale. This Memphis brewery is making some fantastic products, and this one was delicious. It was exactly what I wanted to go with the appetizer. I highly recommend it to all craft beer drinkers. ($5)
Wine with dinner: Pinot Noir, California, 2013. This smooth, dry red went perfectly with the entree, allowing the flavor of the tuna to really pop. Regretfully, I do not remember the brand. ($8 glass)
Wine after dinner: Ponga Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, 2013. This wonderfully aromatic, delicious dry white is now at the top of my list of favorite white wines. ($10 glass)
I really like The Majestic. The atmosphere is great. The building used to be a theater and still has that old-time feel to it. This was the first time I have eaten there, and I cannot wait to go back. When The Orpheum Theatre is showing a Broadway musical, The Majestic Grille has a special Pre-Theatre menu that I cannot wait to try!
Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think! Enjoy!
Date of dining experience: May 30, 2015
Place: The Majestic Grille
Location: 145 S. Main St. in Memphis, TN
Appetizer: House Smoked Salmon - served chilled, with red onions, capers, crostini, horseradish, & creole mustard. This was a very good starter. Though it was not the best I have ever had, it was probably the largest piece of salmon on an appetizer dish I've ever seen. Capers and smoked salmon go together so perfectly with each flavor complimenting the other. Both the horseradish and creole mustard were more mild than expected. To me, they were the perfect amount of spicy for this dish. They complimented the salmon and capers very well, both individually and mixed together. ($10)
Entree: Seared Tuna - served rare, with sesame ginger sauce, stir-fried green beans, & jasmine rice. My favorite part of this entree was the green beans. The flavor of the sauce on the green beans made the entire plate worthwhile. The sesame ginger, mixed with the stir-fry, on top of the jasmine rice, was amazing. This dish overall was very good and nicely priced ($24), but the tuna was not as good as Dhafer's Mediterranean Steakhouse in Dexter, MO.
Side/Dessert: I ordered a side of sugar-glazed carrots with my meal, but they were so sweet that I waited until afterward and had them for dessert. They were fantastic, but way too sweet to eat as part of a meal.
Draught Beer: High Cotton Brewing Scottish Ale. This Memphis brewery is making some fantastic products, and this one was delicious. It was exactly what I wanted to go with the appetizer. I highly recommend it to all craft beer drinkers. ($5)
Wine with dinner: Pinot Noir, California, 2013. This smooth, dry red went perfectly with the entree, allowing the flavor of the tuna to really pop. Regretfully, I do not remember the brand. ($8 glass)
Wine after dinner: Ponga Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, 2013. This wonderfully aromatic, delicious dry white is now at the top of my list of favorite white wines. ($10 glass)
I really like The Majestic. The atmosphere is great. The building used to be a theater and still has that old-time feel to it. This was the first time I have eaten there, and I cannot wait to go back. When The Orpheum Theatre is showing a Broadway musical, The Majestic Grille has a special Pre-Theatre menu that I cannot wait to try!
Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think! Enjoy!
bluefin - Memphis, TN
On my way to see Jerry Seinfeld at The Orpheum Theatre...
Date of dining experience: May 29, 2015
Place: bluefin edge cuisine - sushi lounge
Location: 135 S. Main St. in Memphis, TN
Starter: Fresh Scallops - with warm truffle butter, scallions, & mushroom salt. These scallops melt in your mouth and are absolutely amazing. This is the second time I've eaten at this restaurant and this dish was perfect both times. ($14)
Entree 1: Sashimi Assortment - 5 kinds of fish, 15 pieces: salmon, walu, big eye tuna, octopus, & snapper. I love sashimi, especially at bluefin. The fish is so delicate and perfect. The flavor of each kind is wonderful alone, but equally fantastic dipped in soy sauce. The soy sauce here is perfect as well, which for me means not too salty. If you want a little spice you can add wasabi to your soy, but I prefer not to. Salmon and tuna are typical of most places and always delicious. The snapper and walu were perfectly smooth. The octopus was not quite as soft. Octopus is firmer and tougher, similar to chicken gizzards but with better taste and texture. The tentacles had been cut off, but be prepared for the meat closer to the tentacle area to be firmer and tougher than the rest. There were thin slices of lime on the octopus, which really gave it a great flavor. ($23)
Entree 2: Grindhouse Specialty Roll - shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado, & basil, topped with smoked salmon, spicy mayo, and eel sauce. This restaurant has the best sushi I think I've ever had, and this particular roll is absolutely delightful. A tiny little bit of each piece dipped in soy sauce adds the perfect amount of salty to the flavor combination. ($11)
Dessert: Local Blueberry Creme Brule and Tempura Banana (with vanilla ice cream, coconut milk, and brown butter). The creme brule was not what I was expecting. It was basically a regular creme brule with a few blueberries throughout. I was expecting more blueberry flavor, but it was still delicious. The fried banana was very good and the coconut milk added a great flavor. The coffee served with dessert was also very good.
Wine: Conundrum 2013. This is a semi-dry white and always a good, middle-of-the-road choice. Though delicious, it was a little overpriced at bluefin ($48) compared to other restaurants. If I could go back and do it again, I probably would have order something a little more dry to go with the sashimi.
The atmosphere and service at bluefin are great. Halfway through the meal, a small jazz combo added nicely to the experience when they started playing in the lobby area. Upon leaving, I noticed the musicians were very young. They were playing very well for appearing to be young high school students.
I highly recommend bluefin to everyone, especially if you love good sushi and sashimi! I believe this place is becoming my go-to restaurant in Memphis, and it's much less messy than barbecue!
Give it a try the next time you're in Memphis and let me know what you think! Enjoy!
Date of dining experience: May 29, 2015
Place: bluefin edge cuisine - sushi lounge
Location: 135 S. Main St. in Memphis, TN
Starter: Fresh Scallops - with warm truffle butter, scallions, & mushroom salt. These scallops melt in your mouth and are absolutely amazing. This is the second time I've eaten at this restaurant and this dish was perfect both times. ($14)
Entree 1: Sashimi Assortment - 5 kinds of fish, 15 pieces: salmon, walu, big eye tuna, octopus, & snapper. I love sashimi, especially at bluefin. The fish is so delicate and perfect. The flavor of each kind is wonderful alone, but equally fantastic dipped in soy sauce. The soy sauce here is perfect as well, which for me means not too salty. If you want a little spice you can add wasabi to your soy, but I prefer not to. Salmon and tuna are typical of most places and always delicious. The snapper and walu were perfectly smooth. The octopus was not quite as soft. Octopus is firmer and tougher, similar to chicken gizzards but with better taste and texture. The tentacles had been cut off, but be prepared for the meat closer to the tentacle area to be firmer and tougher than the rest. There were thin slices of lime on the octopus, which really gave it a great flavor. ($23)
Entree 2: Grindhouse Specialty Roll - shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado, & basil, topped with smoked salmon, spicy mayo, and eel sauce. This restaurant has the best sushi I think I've ever had, and this particular roll is absolutely delightful. A tiny little bit of each piece dipped in soy sauce adds the perfect amount of salty to the flavor combination. ($11)
Dessert: Local Blueberry Creme Brule and Tempura Banana (with vanilla ice cream, coconut milk, and brown butter). The creme brule was not what I was expecting. It was basically a regular creme brule with a few blueberries throughout. I was expecting more blueberry flavor, but it was still delicious. The fried banana was very good and the coconut milk added a great flavor. The coffee served with dessert was also very good.
Wine: Conundrum 2013. This is a semi-dry white and always a good, middle-of-the-road choice. Though delicious, it was a little overpriced at bluefin ($48) compared to other restaurants. If I could go back and do it again, I probably would have order something a little more dry to go with the sashimi.
The atmosphere and service at bluefin are great. Halfway through the meal, a small jazz combo added nicely to the experience when they started playing in the lobby area. Upon leaving, I noticed the musicians were very young. They were playing very well for appearing to be young high school students.
I highly recommend bluefin to everyone, especially if you love good sushi and sashimi! I believe this place is becoming my go-to restaurant in Memphis, and it's much less messy than barbecue!
Give it a try the next time you're in Memphis and let me know what you think! Enjoy!
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