Dining Out Local Restaurant Reviews

FarmHaus

2011-08-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for delicious fresh food with an edge -- FarmHaus is sure to please. Local, homegrown produce is used in every dish and their fish is flown in fresh from the Gulf Coast. Their focus is small plates, but the portions are generous and the presentation is exceptional. The menu changes daily based upon what is available at market, which makes each visit an adventure. Their wine list is extensive, something for everyone.

On our recent visit we started our meal with the sweet potato nachos - incredible crunchy sweet potato chips smothered in blue cheese and topped with smoked bacon. We followed that with scallops, escolar, bacon wrapped meat loaf, beet couscous, conch fritters and ended our meal with fresh peach pie served with homemade vanilla ice cream. Every dish we had was delightful.

Our service was fast, friendly - couldn't ask for better.

FarmHaus is located at 3257 Ivanhoe Avenue, visit farmhouserestaurant.com to check our their daily menus.
www.farmhausrestaurant.com

Tell us about your latest dining experience

2011-07-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Help CFT support the local restaurants in your area. Please comment on your latest dinning experience.

Half & Half

2011-07-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

Hey, if you are looking for a great breakfast/brunch or lunch, try half&half on Maryland Ave. in Clayton. On a recent visit I was pleasantly surprised. Half&half makes breakfast a real experience. I ordered the Salmon Hash which was outstanding. Sunny side up eggs served atop potatoes, chives and salmon topped with a wonderful hollandaise. The Brioche French Toast could be the best in St. Louis. Other items offered are Brussel Sprout and Cheddar Omelet, Veggie Hash, Fried Chicken Livers, Cornbread and Chorizo -- not your typical breakfast fare!

The Lunch Menu is equally as innovative and delicious. Fried Chicken Livers with caper aioli, Grilled Salmon BLT and the Black Canyon Angus Burger are definitely my favorites, however, the menu offers much more.

The service was swift and friendly the atmosphere pleasant. I will definitely return -- you should try half&half, you won't be disappointed!

Half &Half
8135 Maryland Ave.
Clayton Mo. 63105
314-725-0719
http://www.halfandhalfstl.com/ .com

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Shaved Duck

2011-04-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Shaved Duck is a tiny treasure nestled in the Historic Tower Grove neighborhood. It is a casual atmosphere suitable for the family or a date night. The cuisine would be classified as rustic American but their specialty is slow wood smoked meats - which are beyond compare. Personal favorites and "must trys" include the Smothered Fries and Walnut and Brown Sugar Encrusted Bacon - for starters. The Smoked Meatloaf is quite possibly, the best in St. Louis and the Baby Back Ribs seasoned with the house made rub are tender and delicious. The Smoked Duck White Chili is fantastic and all the sides are worthy of a "thumbs up". This is a place you will want to visit time and time again. I never tire of their fare. Remember, support your local independent restaurants - visit us at http://www.cityfocustoday.com/.

Bocci Bar

2011-04-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

On a recent visit to the newly opened Bocci Bar we were greeted by a very friendly hostess as well as the owner. We had a 7:30pm reservation and, although the restaurant was packed, we were promptly seated. For starters we ordered the meatballs which were tender and accompanied by a rich, spicy tomato sauce. We also had the Capicola platter which was an assortment of Italian cured meats served with a mustard fruit compote which was a great combination of sweet and spicy. Both appetizers were delicious. Our dinner entrees were pasta dishes, namely the Rigatoni, Papperdelle Bolognese and a Butternut Squash Ravioli. The dishes were all tasty, each pasta had an interesting twist on the old tried and true. The Scampi was out of this world, the shrimp were sizable and the sauce was wonderful. I give Bocci Bar high marks for service, atmosphere and definitely for originality and quality of food. Not your standard Italian restaurant -- that is for sure. Give Bocci Bar a try, you will not be disappointed. Support your local independent restaurants by visiting www.cityfocustoday.com

Candicci's Restaurant and Bar

2011-01-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

If you are in the west county area and looking for good Italian food, Candicci's is the place for you. On our recent visit we were pleasantly surprised by the warm atmosphere and friendly, satisfying service. Their house salad was crisp with a light, sweet dressing served with warm bread. We ordered two pastas, the Pasta Carbonara and Canneloni. The sauces on both dishes were delicious, the blended cream and meat sauce on the canneloni was exceptional. The fried artichoke hearts (not on the menu) were great. If you want all the flavors of "the Hill" but don't feel like traveling out of west county, try Candicci's. Please support your local independent restaurants.

CFT

One 19 North Tapas and Wine Bar

2011-01-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

If you were lucky enough to spend New Year's Eve at One 19 North I am sure you were not disappointed. We were greeted by the owner's and offered a complimentary glass of champagne which was a festive start to the evening. The menu was a shortened version of their original but laced with several special items for the evening. The Butternut Squash Soup was thick and creamy with a hint of spice that was outstanding. A braised and pan seared Pork Belly was absolutely the best I have had. They added a scallop dish in a classic beurre blanc sauce that was so decadent you wanted more. A beautifully plated stack salad consisting of tomatoes, roasted golden beets, fresh mozzarella, and eggplant all atop a butternut squash puree arrived at our table and it was as delicious as appealing to the eye. The server was attentive, informative and very friendly. The tiaras and top hats along with the noise makers made ringing in the New Year that much more fun. Congratulations to Pat and Ellen Carr on a job well done, we will definitely be back next year.

CFT

Seasons American Cuisine

2010-12-14T16:44:00.001-08:00

Seasons American Cuisine 79 Forum Center now open in Chesterfield. Chef Kevin Smith has put together a great menu for you to enjoy. The Italian Beef Sandwich, seared and slow braised Italian beef topped with mozzarella cheese and served on a garlic toasted hoagie roll with sweet poppyseed slaw "Best in St. Louis". If you love dessert, you need to try the Warm Pear Spice Cake. Roasted pear and autumn spice cake with rum raisin ice cream and dark caramel sauce, its to die for. You need to give Kevin a call at the Seasons 314-283-3331 this weekend. Seasons is at the corner of 141 & Olive Street www.seasonsamericancuisine.com. Don't forget to support your local independent restaurant owners by visiting www.cityfocustoday.com