Who made the grade in St. Louis?? June 27, 2008

Last evening I had the opportunity to attend St. Louis Magazine’s A List Awards Party at Lumen (it is a gorgeous event space…wow). It is not an event I would normally attend. Mind you, at one point in my life, it would have been on the radar. Many of you may not know this, but St. Louis Magazine crowned me one of St. Louis’ Top Singles back in the day….not shabby for a kid from downtown. But, as time passed….I grew tired of the scene….fell in love with the Cheesemonger and left that life behind.

Alas, my buddy Mathew Rice was being honored for Niche’s desserts and we set up a table to hand out the goodies. Much to my surprise we were put in the best spot in the house: center balcony over looking the crowd (and was there ever a crowd! Whoa). To our left, Eric Brenner, A List Chef winner…and to our right Ricardo’s Italian Cafe…A list winner for casual Italian food. ***Sidenote on Ricardo’s: My very first job as a bus-girl was at Ricardo’s over 15 years ago…yep. I have known Mark and Michelle Adams for years and started out babysitting their two little boys…who now help run the restaurant. Good people, that Adams family. If you have not had the chance to go to Ricardo’s in Lafayette Square…make a point to get over there. They are even open for lunch.***

So, with being flanked by two tables of pals…the night was sure to be fun. And lucky for us the open bar sat directly across from our table. Nice perk.

Along comes Mike Emerson owner of Pappy’s Smokehouse! Mike and I have been chummy since he has opened his doors. We were one of his first customers and I was sure to tell him how much we loved his BBQ. After some more chit chat at the awards event…turns out Mike and I go way back and didn’t even know it. I’ve known his brother Danny my entire life and he grew up with some older members of my family. Pappy’s was being honored for best BBQ in St. Louis….what an honor….open not even ONE YEAR and they are picked for the A List. That was a no-brainer, though. Pappy’s by far is the BEST BBQ in St. Louis….hands down. Don’t fight me on it…you won’t win. And Pappy’s is another place to rush to…..amazing. And before you all shout out ‘favoritism’…..please know that I was singing this joint’s praises long before I actually met Mike and realized his family and mine were close. So zip it.

It was a great time.  Kevin Willmann, chef at Erato on Main was being honored as well.  It was great to see him outside the kitchen!  City Hall was representin’ with Mike McMillen and his crew.  All the pretty people were out in droves….dressed to kill….and packed in Lumen like little sardines sweating.  I was so happy when we ran out of food and could head outside to hang at the Pappy’s table.  (they were outside)  It was a great night to be outside with a cocktail.

Good party St. Louis Magazine….and even better choices for your A-List winners.

I want a piggy lid!!!! May 6, 2008

MOMA has just released a line of Japanese cookware. My favorite is the silicone pig cooking lid.

you know you want it.

Food and Wine: June Issue May 3, 2008

**Photo by Jonathan Swegle

Be on the lookout for St. Louis’ favorite new pastry chef in the upcoming issue of F&W. That’s right, Mathew Rice will be the featured pastry chef for The Last Bite. Wonder what they will feature….some would say red velvet cake….some would say the kulfi….what dessert do you think they will feature?

Whatever it is, it will be delicious. Be sure to pick up June’s issue of Food and Wine and support our local chefs!!

Over the river and through the woods to Kevin Willmann’s house we went March 22, 2008

Last night marked our first visit to Erato on Main Street in Edwardsville, Illinois.

I was born and raised in the city….almost downtown to be honest. I grew up thinking everything I needed was within my reach in the confines of the 9th and 7th Wards. As I aged, I found myself leaving St. Louis and realizing that there is a great big world out there to experience. I moved back to St. Louis in 2004 and made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t pigeon hole myself to my pre-conceived notions of my hometown. I think I have done a pretty good job of that. Yes, I hate going outside the 170 inner-belt….I still think 270 is a hassle and crossing the Mississippi is a weekend trip.

But, earlier this year, I was lured to the quaint little town of Edwardsville by some mind-blowing, make you slap your mama, fresh baked artisan breads and sweets at 222 Bakery. Down the street is a wine bar, Erato. Little did I know that they served a full menu….and then a fellow StL food blogger had a spot on his site about it. I decided then and there that we would head back over the great muddy Mississip to check this place out.

Then life got in the way…broken foot, trips to Ireland….until last night. We kept our Friday night completely free to make the 30 mile drive to Edwardsville to eat at Erato. And, after the meal I had….I would run the 30 miles to dine there again.

I won’t go into specifics about the meal, but Erato has been put into my top 5 meals in my adult life and my top 5 local eating spots. Do yourself a favor. Gas up the car, get a sitter and head to Erato on Main Street and let Kevin Willmann make you one of the most amazing meals you’ll ever eat. The wine list is wonderfully organized with some great (and reasonable) selections. The beer list is above par compared to most St. Louis spots. The deserts were scrumptious. It’s amazing what comes out of that tiny little kitchen those guys make their magic in. It’s a comfortable, laid back restaurant for folks who appreciate locally grown, amazingly prepared meals and taking time to experience a local chef’s ingenuity. I’m almost tempted not to publish this post because I want to keep it all for myself…..but…I won’t hide Chef Willmann’s light under a bushel basket and share him with the world. Go to Erato on Main.

this little piggy went to market March 7, 2008

It’s March. It’s St. Louis. It’s cold…but according to Mother Nature, Spring Equinox is slated for March 20, 2008. uh..right.

All I know is that the River Hills Farmer’s Market opening day is tomorrow. If you have never been to the River Hills Farmer’s Market, located just about 70 miles NW of St. Louis in the quaint little town of Silex, MO…you should come with me tomorrow. It seems that on Saturdays into the 1930s the city fathers would gate off Main Street into stock pens so butcher stock could be loaded onto the Short Line. Eggs and cream were bartered for essentials, and horses and mules were traded on one end of town. Inspired by this in its search of a community-service project, the Silex 4-H Flyers club decided to recreate the traditions of a Saturday Market Day and thus, River Hills Farmers Market was born.

Amish baked goods, green beans and tomatoes, table eggs and hatching eggs, baby chicks, peafowl, goats and sheep are just a few of the weekly offerings. I can’t wait to gas up the truck and head up north for a day of fun in Silex.

From Localharvest.org:

River Hills Farmers Market is entering our 18th year. We are open on the 2nd and 4th Saturday, starting March the 8th. We offer a variety of market items, from Heritage poultry to Heirloom vegetables. On any given Saturday you can find Welsummer chickens, fresh country eggs, honey, fresh baked goods, Royal Palm Turkeys, local fruits and vegetables.

The Cheesemonger will be at the shop that day and unable to travel to the market. That means I will be left to my own devices. muuwhaaaahaaa!

**we will be leaving St. Louis at approx 8:45 am from Clayton.