Sunday, December 19, 2021

Dado's Cafe

I don't know how many times I have driven by this place since it's right across the street from my bank, but it's so cute and close by! I definitely have to give a shout out to NextDoor.com because I think that's how I found out about Dado's Café.

While it's easy to go to our default Greek places, I love trying new places. What was cool about this restaurant is that we could get our favorite appetizers built into an entrée! And we didn't have to share! 

Since they were officially entrées, a small Greek salad was included.

Small Greek Salad

Patience ordered her two favorite things as a complete meal...Dolmades and Spanakopita!

Dolmades and Spanakopita

I was able to get a Combination entrée like a said, so not only did I get my favorite, Moussaka, but I also got my own Dolmades and Spanakopita. (I also had leftovers!)

Combo platter of Moussaka, Dolmades, and Spanakopita

Can't forget about dessert... we probably could have shared an order of baklava, but now we both have extra. (And we STILL don't have to share!)

Baklava

Also awesome is that you can order online. There is curbside pick up, but there is plenty of parking in the lot behind the building. Plenty of seating inside if you're willing. 

Have kids? They even have several burger and pizza options too.

Resources:

Dado's Cafe = https://www.dados-cafe.com/

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Noto Pizza

We crossed the river! Luckily, we remembered our passports! Sorry, that's an inside joke from us city folk. My friend heard wonderful things about Noto (and the positive press keeps coming), so I'm not about to turn down a chance to dine out and have an excuse to see a St. Charles County friend!

You really can't go wrong with Italian food, but Noto is known for their Neapolitan pizza as they have a huge pizza oven in the middle of the restaurant. Fortunately, half our table ordered pizza so we got to try the Margherita and the Italiano (basically a Margherita with sausage). Delicious, chewy crust!

Margherita Pizza

Italiano Pizza

I'm a big agnolotti fan so I HAD to order it. No hesitation. Cooked sage, walnuts, and brown butter!

Agnolotti

And I know I can count on Patience for some pasta as well! Lobster Ravioli. Easy call to make for her too.

Lobster Ravioli

And she always orders Brussels sprouts too, which was the special side dish of the night. I will say I at least tried them. I'll leave it to the real fans though.

Brussels Sprouts

You KNOW we had cannoli for dessert!! Of course they had the other usual Italian desserts like tiramisu and gelato, not to mention after dinner drinks like an expresso martini and affogato.

Cannoli

Regardless, all they hype is true. Be sure to schedule a reservation at least two weeks in advance.

Resources:

Noto = https://www.notopizza.com/

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Thursday, November 25, 2021

PW Pizza 4 Hands Beer Dinner 2021

The second PW Pizza beer dinner this month also featured another local brewery, and 4 Hands is one of Patience's favorites. There were no surprises as far as the beer was concerned, but one of our favorite pizzas is the Thanksgiving pizza that they serve every year in November.

4 Hands Lineup

We started off with the Ripple White Ale, which is probably my favorite beer by 4 Hands. Perfect patio pounder in the summer, and it was paired with a fall salad. With the apples, cranberries, and goat cheese, I was happy there were some leftovers the next day.

Fall Salad

The famous City Wide beer is too hoppy for me since it's an APA, but this is an everyday beer for Pai, This stood up with to the Popeye and Olive Oil Pizza. I'm guessing it was named that for the spinach? 

The Thanksgiving Pizza always has turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberries ON THE PIZZA, smothered in a brown gravy. It's actually quite delicious and this is probably our second favorite pizza of the year next to the prime rib pizza last month. With all those flavors mixed together, this was paired with the Incarnation IPA, which comes in at a whopping 7.0% ABV.

Popeye and Olive Oil Pizza (left) and Thanksgiving Feast Pizza (right)

Dessert wasn't chocolate this time, but the Chocolate Milk Stout, Pai's favorite beer by them unless you count the Peanut Butter version, did pair well with the Raspberry Torte.

Raspberry Torte

4 Hands Beer Dinner Menu

Resources:

PW Pizza = https://pwpizza.com/

4 Hands Brewery = https://4handsbrewery.com/

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Monday, November 22, 2021

La Pâtisserie Chouquette

To book end our half birthday celebrations, Julia and I FINALLY visited La Pâtisserie Chouquette and I am very sorry I waited so long. Definitely another St. Louis gem.

La Patisserie Chouquette

While it's easy to be distracted by all the beautiful macaroons in the first glass case...

Macaroons in so many colors!

The rest of the front case...

including the croissants (chocolate for me of course)!

Chocolate Croissant

Just be sure to take your time reviewing the shelves in the back as well! 

Various packaged treats on the back shelves...

That's where I found these adorable almond-type cookies for Patience.

Amaretti

Be sure to play tourist in your own city or when you need a gift. Or maybe a cute to spot to meet up with a friend. 

Resources:

La Pâtisserie Chouquette = https://www.simonefaure.com/

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Big Macs & Burgundy Wine Class - #2

Since the first version of the Big Macs & Burgundy Wine Class was so popular, Beth from Cocktails R Go held another one in early November. This time, Patience and my wine club friends got to join me to make it even more fun!

The pairings were slightly different this time around, so it was still worthwhile for me to go again, other than the headliner of a Big Mac paried with a wine from Burgundy region of France. (Although I totally would have done it again no matter what!)

Big Mac paired with a wine from Burgundy

To kick the night off, we had bubbles paired with Crab Rangoon...all that acid was needed to cut through the cheesy insides of the appetizer.

Freixenet Brut Blanc de Blanc paired with Crab Rangoon

I never thought to pair a Chenin Blanc & Viognier blend with Mac & Cheese, but again, the wine cut through all the cheese, which Beth made herself. (I had seconds and thirds thanks to my tablemates.)

Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc & Viognier blend paired with Mac 'n Cheese

A brilliant combinatin of Lambrusco, a jammy and sweeter red wine, paired with PB&J was magic to me. Beth also makes a damn fine PB&J with peanut butter on both top AND bottom breads.

Manicardi Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro D.O.C. paired with PB&J

And to finish off the night, Beth had discovered that a Tawny Port was able to match the sweetness of wedding cake (or any white cake). Well...what was left of Pai's cake. I definitely would have never thought to put those two together either.

Cockburns Fine Tawny Porto paired with white cake


Big Macs & Burgundy menu

This class is so awesome, that I decided to request a class of my own for our wine club!

Resources:

Big Macs & Burgandy = https://www.amazon.com/Big-Macs-Burgundy-Pairings-World/dp/1419744917

Cocktails Are Go = https://cocktails-are-go.com/

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

PW Pizza Big Muddy Brewing Beer Dinner 2021

It has been a couple of months since we've done a PW Pizza Beer Dinner, so it was cool to see a "local" brewery for this month's pick and I'm not sure I've had any of their beers before.

Big Muddy Beers

I think what hooked us for this month was the "Bleus Pizza", which included prime rib and Bleu cheese. The fancy meat pizzas are among our favorites. This pizza required a more flavorful beer, but the Saluki DunkelDog was still easy to drink.

The T-Rex pizza had a little bit of a kick to it with Andouille sausage and pepperoncinis, so of course the Galaxy IPA was paired with the heat. This IPA combines Australian Galaxy and American Hops, but Patience didn't think it was too hoppy if you can believe that!

Bleus Pizza on the left, T-Rex Pizza on the right

The first pairing, a Blueberry Salad, was perfectly matched with the Blueberry Blonde. Still fairly high ABV at 6% for a "light ale".

Dessert was also a winner since it was chocolate - a brownie with marshmallows and a caramel drizzle. Patience loved the Smores Stout, whereas I preferred the brownie!

Brownie with Marshmallows and a caramel drizzle

Big Muddy Brewery Beer Dinner Menu

Resources:

PW Pizza = https://pwpizza.com/

Big Muddy = http://bigmuddybrewing.com/

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Sunday, October 31, 2021

Take Out October 2021

The month is almost over and I still need to share where we've been "taking out" on Fridays, although we had to switch to Sunday one week, and I missed another due to traveling.

October 3rd = My default go to pick is sushi. Luckily, we have an inexpensive and fast delivery choice with Yummi Tummi. Always hits the spot!


Yummi Tummi Sushi

October 8th = I have been driving over Gateway STEM to watch some high school soccer and I drive by O'Connell's Pub several times. I thought it was time for a good burger! Pickle included! Side of cole slaw for me and I was bummed no one ordered fries for me to steal.

O'Connell's Pub Burger

October 22nd = Patience had a hankerin' for some wings and the best place in town is Syberg's!

Syberg's Wings - Original Sauce

October 29th = It was Pai's turn to pick so you know she went with Asian again...one of newest favorites is the King and I since they have a Pad Thai with scallops or seafood!

Pad Thai with seafood

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Friday, September 24, 2021

Take Out September 2021

September 3rd = Even though it's not my week to pick, I still got to provide "inspiration"! Pai had sushi earlier in the week and I was super jealous and it's probably my favorite. At least we mixed it up and ordered from Blue Ocean!

Blue Ocean Sushi

September 17th = Pai and I both were out of town for the previous weekend and so we were finally back on track. Pai needed some comfort food after a long work trip so Mai Lee was called upon to get her feeling right. Since we order from them so often, I decided to try something new... Duck with Egg noodles!

Duck with Egg Noodles

September 24th = In case you hadn't heard Southern is back open for Curbside pick up and that's exactly what I did for this week's "Take out Friday"! Easy to order online (you can pick a date/time in advance) and you just pull right up front and they hand you the order through the car window! 

I ordered the Firebird sammich with mac & cheese on the side, and then extra side of cucumber salad!

Firebird Sandwich with Mac & Cheese and Cucumber Salad sides

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Saturday, September 4, 2021

Big Macs & Burgundy Wine Class

I can't remember the last time I was at a wine class...much less one hosted by the STLWineGirl, so I was incredibly excited to attend this class. And it's been at least two years since I was at a Cocktails Are Go cocktail class with Beth Sorrell, who was the other host.

I have to admit it was so good to see some old friends that the class itself is mostly a blur, especially after five courses of heavy pours. All the wines were excellent and I only shared one of them, which was probably not in my best interest to finish so many of them. I am so rusty!

This class, Big Macs & Burgundy, is based on the book by the same name and there were so many people who couldn't make the class that night that there is already demand for another one.

Anyway, we started off with one of my favorite pairings, "salt + bubbles". The salt this time was potato chips, although some BBQ chips were mixed in as well. This might be my favorite because I love bubbles so much.

Salt + Bubbles

A challenging pairing of spinach artichoke dip, made sense with a Gruner Veltliner, and a glass of Pinot Gris was also added. Gruner Veltliner is the go-to for foods that are difficult to pair with.

Vegetal + White wine

I usually don't eat too many spicy foods, but luckily my other favorite, Riesling, is the best thing to pair with it. And it was Mai Lee's Lo Mein so extra bonus.

Spicy + Sweet

The title pairing, half a McDonald's Big Mac with a Coteaux Bourguignons, was just OK. I feel bad because it's hard for me to eat a Big Mac these days since I think most fast food is gross now, but I bet a fresh grilled burger from an actual grill would have done it. The wine was amazing though. I think this wine would have been awesome with some chocolate too.

Fast Food + Fancy

We wrapped up the night with Starbursts, Twinkies, and bites of cheesecake, which was well paired with an equally sweet Moscato. I had trouble drinking the Moscato as I can't do those sweet wines anymore!

If you get a chance to take the class, or any STLWinegirl or Cocktails Are Go class, be sure to sign up quickly!

Big Macs & Burgundy Menu

Resources:

Big Macs & Burgundy = https://www.amazon.com/Big-Macs-Burgundy-Pairings-World/dp/1419744917

STLWinegirl = https://stlwinegirl.com/

Cocktails Are Go = https://cocktails-are-go.com/

Novel Neighbor = https://thenovelneighbor.com/

Sunday, August 29, 2021

PW Pizza Cigar City Brewing 2021

Unfortunately, it does not appear that we'll be having any "in-person" PW Pizza beer dinners this year at the rate we're going at so it was nice to do another "take home" version, featuring Cigar City Brewing, since we skipped the last couple of months.

We actually recently tasted Cigar City's beers back in January 2020, so you can read about it here: https://www.stlcheesegirl.com/2020/03/pw-pizza-cigar-city-brewing.html

Still, there was only ONE repeat beer and the rest were new!

Cigar City Brewing 2021 can lineup

Instead of a salad, the appetizer was Shrimp Cocktail! The shellfish was well paired with a lighter IPA cleverly called "Jai Low" since it only has 4% ABV.

Shrimp Cocktail

The first pizza, a Hot Italian, (insert your own joke here) had a lot going on and there seemed to be an overabundance of onion and pepperncinis for me. All this spice went well with the Jai Alai, their traditional IPA.

BBQ Chicken Pizza on the left, Hot Italian Pizza on the right

I preferred the BBQ Chicken pizza, which was paired with their Maduro Brown, nice and smooth.

There were TWO baby Key Lime Cheesecakes included in this dinner so Pai and I didn't have to fight. This was paired with the fruity, yet sour Margarita Gose.

Key Lime Cheesecake

Now if we can just find time to get down to Tampa and visit Cigar City in person...

Menu

Resources:

PW Pizza = https://pwpizza.com/

Cigar City Brewing = https://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Friday, August 27, 2021

Take out August 2021

August 6th = I celebrated my friend Tony's birthday for this week's "Take Out Friday" and since he is Italian, we always go to an Italian restaurant. For a few years I tried mixing it up, but this time we went back to his favorite, Lo Russo's. Now the restaurant is super close to where I live!

August 13 = Friday the 13th! This particular Friday lived up to its name as we lost power Thursday evening and I ended up having to work from my friend Amy's house all day. With no power, it was a perfect time for "Take Out Friday". I decided to go to (one of) Amy's favorite restaurants since it's right around the corner from her. Russell's on Macklind has a great reputation even beyond the neighborhood, so you know the food is always good. I ordered the Ricotta Gnudi...so filling!

Riccotta Gnudi

August 20th = Pai's turn to pick so of course it was Asian, but I couldn't argue since I got to have my favorite Pho Ga from Mai Lee. It really hits the spot after a long week...

Pho Ga from Mai Lee

August 28th = With everything that's going on in the world, a friend on Facebook suggested that folks support Sameems Afghan Restaurant, as the owners are refugees as well. It was delicious and hopefully we can visit in person! Patience ordered the Lamb Qabelli while I enjoyed a chicken kabob. We were well behaved and shared samosas, well, if you count getting two separate orders!

Samosa in chutney

Photos by Patience Scanlon