Vangel's

I had another meetup with a friend and she is always good for trying a new restaurant. Since she lives way out west, I picked something halfway that has been on my list.

I'm not sure where I heard about Vangel's, but it definitely is a hidden gem sitting at the end of a strip mall in Rock Hill. And you can't go wrong with Italian. The wine list was short, but the cocktail menu was impressive and we both enjoyed ours.

Cocktail Menu

We probably could have made a meal just out of appetizers as it was hard to pick just one, which we did with much discipline! The Roasted Carrots were laid on top of a bed of whipped goat cheese. We were generously given bread to mop up the rest with...

Roasted Carrots

We also split a house salad, which was pretty much an Italian salad, since we both knew it was going to be a lot of food for the evening. (The salad came pre-split, which is a huge service plus to me.)

House Salad

I knew I wanted the Eggplant Parmesan after studying the menu, as it's my go to and was the first item on the list! There were two huge slices of eggplant on top of a bed of angel hair pasta. I stopped at one, don't worry, as it was easily two meals.

Eggplant Parmesan

Jessie got the Tortellini in cream sauce, which also was a winner.

Tortellini

We were way too stuffed for dessert, but I definitely hope to go back!

Menu

Resources:

Vangel's = https://www.vangelsrestaurant.com

Tenacious Eats Chateau Coupe Roses French Wine Dinner

Chef Liz and Sommelier Shannon Behnen are an amazing chef/somm pairing, so I had to go to this French wine dinner at Vom Fass!

While there aren't too many wine dinners at Vom Fass, usually just wine tastings, often led by Shannon herself, this is the first time I can remember attending a full coursed dinner.

Anyway, Chef Liz and her husband run Tenacious Eats where they host unique food events and dinners. Since their website is under construction, your best bet is to look through the events at Work & Leisure!

I used to attend quite a few of their events many years ago, and if you search for "Tenacious Eats" in this blog you can see those blog posts, so it's nice to get to see them again!

For now, let's look at the gorgeous wines by Chateau Coupe Roses and courses...

Wines by Chateau Coupe Roses

We started the night off with a Salmon Amuse Bouche, but unfortunately, we forgot to take a picture since they were passed hors d'oeuvres.

Still keeping it light, the next course was a salted cod in a parsley crème fraiche sauce...

Brandade du Morue or Salted Cod

Next up was a Brulee prawn with cherry tomatoes, which was my favorite dish of the night.

Crevettes et Tomate Vierge or Shrimp with tomatoes

The heavy and meaty dish came next, "Allouettes sans Testes", which is a shaved local ribeye with prosciutto. There was also a beautiful red beet rose as a vegetable side along with potatoes too. The sauce was to die for!

Allouettes sans Testes or Ribeye with Prosciutto

And for dessert, I was thrilled at the Fromage (cheese) course with apples and fig jam!

Fromage or cheese!

Here is the official menu since it was quite elaborate and we felt fancy!

Tenacious Eats Chateau Coupe Roses wine dinner menu

P.S. We bought the first two wines on the list!

Resources:

Tenacious Eats = https://workandleisurestl.com/event-cale

Chateau Coupe Roses = https://chateau-coupe-roses.com

Vom Fass = https://vomfassusa.com/blogs/stores/st-louis

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Marconi Mercato

I just love trying new restaurants! Even if it's another Italian restaurant on the Hill!

Why YES! It IS a market on Marconi street! How did you know? The store in the front of the restaurant is small and cute, and allows plenty of room to hang out while you wait for the rest of your party.

My friends and I ordered a couple of appetizers to share. Arancini rice balls are my favorite...

Arancini rice balls

We exchanged a couple of them for some Carciofi Fritti, or fried artichokes. Anything fried is delicious!

Carciofi Fritti

The specials all sounded amazing, but I was feeling pasta. All the dishes were winners.

I finally chose Maine Lobster Gnocchi...two of my favorite things together. The gnocchi melted in my mouth, and then I dipped the lobster and bread in the leftover sauce!

Maine Lobster Gnocchi

My friends ordered the Tagliatelle Bolognese and Wild Boar Pappardelle used such fresh pasta and were so rich and creamy.

Tagliatelle Bolognese

Wild Boar Pappadelle

And dessert? Of course we did, as I couldn't turn down the cannoli. Luckily, they were on the smaller side (four to an order), so we were able to put them away. Unfortunately, we forgot to take a picture. 

If you love Italian restaurants on the Hill and are willing to try something new...be sure to add this to your list!

Resources:

Marconi Mercato = https://www.marconimercato.com/

Photos by Patience Scanlon