Madrina

 I couldn't wait. We literally went the third night Madrina was open, totally breaking my internal rule about waiting for a new restaurant to get its bearings before trying it out.

I had promised Alisha Blackwell-Calvert that I would visit while she worked at Cider House, but it's not the easiest restaurant to just drop in at so I totally failed at keeping my promise. Madrina is now just minutes away in one of my favorite areas, downtown Webster.

Once you step inside, past the hostess stand, you'll forget all about the CJ Muggs that used to be there. This is now old school Italian.

Alisha's service quality did not disappoint and was the highlight of the evening. 

Alisha Blackwell-Calvert

Just explain what you'll be eating, what you like to drink, and she'll quickly have the perfect wine to pair. If only I could bottle it and take her with me everywhere.

While the logistics weren't totally in place yet, the recipes are definitely ready to go. I'm just going to let the dishes speak for themselves from here on out. 

They own the recipe to the Mayfair salad dressing so you know that was my starter. Comes with a little shaved prosciutto on top.

Mayfair salad

We also shared the Whipped Ricotta appetizer with bread service. Our server was kind enough to keep bringing us more bread!

Bread service

Whipped Ricotta

Our friend Jacqui wanted to share her dish, Beef Carpaccio. There was plenty to share!

Beef Carpaccio

The main courses were just beautiful...Spaghetti Chitarra Carbonara, Seared Scallops, and I ordered the Egg Raviollo.

Spaghetti Chitarra Carbonara

Seared Scallops

 

Raviollo

What's INSIDE the Raviolo you ask?? Check it out...

Egg oozing from the Raviollo

And you can't forget about dessert! Cannoli of course!

Cannoli

You're going to want to add this to your date night, special occasion, and meet up for drink list!

Resources:

Madrina = https://www.madrinastl.com/

Photos by Patience Scanlon

City Winery

While City Winery is actually a wine bar / restaurant, we headed down there for our first time as a concert venue. A friend got me into Dar Williams and so I try to see her every time she comes through.

Dar Williams

I understand there is a membership to give those folks the right to buy tickets before anyone else, however, I would recommend trying it out before making that kind of commitment. I admit that for level of talent, you can pretty much wait until tickets go on sale.

Unfortunately, all the tables run long ways down the room so you have to turn awkwardly to the side to watch the performance. Also, the tables are fairly small so you also have to keep track of your feet as well. The servers are squeezing by so you can't leave them in the aisles either.

View from the back

I highly recommend getting to the show as close to doors opening as possible to give yourself time to study the menu and order, as well as finish your dinner before the lights go down.

We each ordered a (fairly pricey) glass of wine and shared some appetizers: Lobster Risotto and Truffle Fries

Lobster Risotto

Truffle Fries

Great for a date night, but I'd probably only go for the right performer, since the place is a little pricey over all.

Resources:

City Winery = https://www.cityfoundrystl.com/directory/city-winery

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Brick River Cider

I had been wanting to try this Cidery / restaurant ever since it opened and we finally got the chance once Patience's friend came in town to visit! 

The building is small, as it was a former firehouse converted into the cidery, so there aren't a lot of tables.

Not only are there quite a few ciders to choose from, ranging from sweet to dry, the menu is extensive.

Featured below is the Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese, Portabella Grill Sandwich, Deviled Eggs, Spinach and Mushroom Flatbread, Brick River Salad, and Cider Brined Wings - something for everyone!

Variety of dishes from Brick River Cider

Resources:

Brick River Cider = https://www.brickrivercider.com/

Bistro La Floraison

As I mentioned earlier this year in my post about Bar Moro, it is my goal to visit all the former Zoe Robinson restaurants under their new owners and concepts.

I FINALLY got my chance to visit Bistro La Floraison thanks to Beth and Matt Sorrell, who is a bartender there a few nights a week. Beth was looking for a date to sit with her at the bar and I jumped at the chance, especially since she was able to guide me through the courses.

THE Matt Sorrell

I highly recommend their cocktails, probably because I know a bartender there, as they have clever names and some classics.

Beth was kind enough to split all the dishes with me, which helped to make the evening a little more affordable as well.

We started with a few items from the "L'apero" section. More of a small bite than an Hors d'Oeuvre. 

French Onion Financiers, which were almost too pretty to eat, and the Golden Kaluga Caviar were Beth's favorites.

French Onion Financiers

Golden Kaluga Caviar on potato waffles

I picked the Gougeres since they are made with a gruyere mousse!

Gougeres

For the main course, Beth let me pick the Ricotta Gnudi since I'm such a fan. There were quite a lot braised beans as well. An incredibly flavorful dish for something so simple!

Ricotta Gnudi

And Beth made sure we got dessert, so you should be sure to make room as well. The Hazelnut Pot De Creme was so light and creamy, although you know I was wishing there had been a little more chocolate involved.

Hazelnut Pot de Creme

Your meal will always be a winner here, so save up for that special occasion!

Menu from September 2023

Resources:

Bistro La Floraison = https://www.bistrolafloraison.com/

Veritas

It was my turn to pick for "Ladies Dinner" and having a friend who lives out west inspired me to finally try a restaurant out in Chesterfield. I haven't heard too much about Veritas in the news, so that made me even more curious.

I feel like Veritas is a hidden gem for those in the surrounding neighborhood. They don't have a large menu, but I feel like there is something for everyone. Very relaxed, calm environment, and when the weather is nice, there is a patio out front as well. Also, there is a small bar area, but a large event space in the back.

A couple of friends started with a salad...Tomato & Burrata and a Kale Salad.

Tomato & Burrata Salad

Kale Salad with Fingerling Potatoes

Of course Patience had to have a side of Brussels Sprouts...eyeroll...

Brussels Sprouts

And we each picked a difference entrée!

I ordered the Halibut since I prefer anyone else to cook fish for me. Loved the bright vegetables underneath too.

Halibut on top of vegetables

Patience ordered the Spaghetti alla Chitarra, no surprise there.

Spaghetti alla Chitarra

Then my friends ordered the Braised Pork (maybe a little too well done on the outside, but the dish was very tender) and Amish Chicken Breast.

Braised Pork

Amish Chicken Breast

We could all see a giant carrot cake (think sheet cake) from where we were sitting, so we all shared a piece at the end. Check out this three-layer decadence with nuts on top and caramel sauce on the bottom!

Carrot Cake

If you're looking for someplace new, a little hidden, it might be worth checking out!

Resources:

Veritas = http://www.veritasgateway.com/

Photos by Patience Scanlon