Lucky Accomplice Dinner

Right now, this has got to be one of the best restaurants in the STL.

I don't think I can really describe these dishes because of all the layers of flavors and textures, not to mention that the menu constantly changes. So you should probably just enjoy the beauty of the dishes and get yourself there as soon as you can.

Bring friends so you can try lots of things!

We started off with some smaller plates...

Hummus and homemade bread

Melon..with a kick!

Hominy with raclette cheese on top

Missouri Rice

Carrots

Then a couple of larger plates...

Pork dish that I did not try but the squash on top is just beautiful

Quark Gnudi...my favorite and almost too pretty to eat

And we had to get both desserts! Luckily, pun intended, they always have the Lil John and it's the best .(Because it's chocolate!)

Rhubarb dessert

Lil John

Resources:

The Lucky Accomplice = https://www.theluckyaccomplice.com/

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Cork & Rind Cheese Class - Kevin's Favorites

While Patience was out of the country, I decided to treat myself to a cheese class up in St. Charles County at Cork & Rind. I'm a big fan of Kevin, the cheesemonger, and I used to know him in a past life as he used to coach football at my high school. Kevin knows cheese and therefore has my utmost respect.

I believe the theme of this class was his favorites and he picked all winners.

Kevin's Favorite Cheeses

One of my favorites was Flory's Truckle, the lone Missouri cheese, which I first tasted at the American Cheese Conference several years ago in Des Moines. I was blown away at how complex this cheddar tastes so look for it at specialty shops.

Kevin's favorite cheeses with green olives and crackers

Another complex cheese, and most interesting visually, is the Irish Porter. The porter gives the cheese a hoppy flavor with hints of chocolate or caramel.

You can sign up for Cork & Rind's mailing list to learn about future classes. Unfortunately, I am sick this week and couldn't make it to this month's cheese class.

Resources:

Cork & Rind = https://www.corkandrind.com/

Menya Rui

I couldn't WAIT to take Patience to this new ramen shop that recently opened nearby and it's quite the experience!

We got there a few minutes after they opened for the evening, and there was already a line. I was confused by this, but once we got inside, I understood there is VERY limited seating. This restaurant felt very "big city" ramen shop.

They seat you wherever there is a stool available and we shared a table with some strangers. While there is maybe one or two other tables, the rest is bar style seating. 

At the time we went, there were two appetizers to try in addition to the ramen, so we got both! 

The first was Karaage, Japanese fried chicken served with Kewpie mayo.

Karaage

The pickled cucumbers were delicious. Definitely recommend this one as an appetizer.

Pickled Cucumbers

But the ramen was beautiful. Pork for Patience, chicken for me.

Pork Ramen

If you're a ramen fan, be sure to put this one on your list, but make sure you have enough time to wait for it. 

NOTE: They do NOT do take out! 

Resources:

Menya Rui = https://www.facebook.com/menyaruistl

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Bluewood Brewing and Burger 809

Late June, I had a friend come in town to visit, and he regretted not making it to Bluewood Brewing as he tried to cram in as many St. Louis breweries as he could while he was here. Then I realized I forgot to make a reservation for a scheduled dinner, and luckily, the brewery name was still fresh in my mind!

As soon as we pulled up to Bluewood Brewing, I knew exactly where I was... it's the old Table! No wait, the old Stable! I miss both of the previous restaurants, but excited to try this new version.

Bluewood Brewing

If you've never been, this brewery / restaurant, it has an incredibly large space with a small stage and patio attached. Be sure to add it to your list of breweries to check out!

In the little kitchen window space, near the bar, Burger 809, has taken up residence serving sliders. What a perfect match with beer! 

We tried several sliders and I was filled up on two! (I had to take the third one home.) 

Sliders from Burger 809

My favorite was Hey Henry! - it was topped with their Baked Mac and Cheese!

Hey Henry! - Your mac n cheese is on my burger!

Not to mention full size sides - Onion Rings for Patience, but Cheesy Fries for me!!

Onion Rings and Cheesy Fries

Cheers!

Resources:

Bluewood Brewing = https://www.bluewoodbrewing.com/

Burger 809 = https://burger809.com/

Photos by Patience Scanlon

Rock Star Tacos

Cheers to Dan!

I ran into Wil Pelly at a salute to a friend's passing and that was the final sign I needed to get over to Rock Star Tacos. Now that they've moved to the city, I had no excuse.

Luckily, it was also my turn for selecting Take Out Friday!

The best part is reading all the taco (band) names, and we'll definitely have to go back to try more of them. 

Pai wanted to try the Skinny (Hush) Puppies (I guess they couldn't call them Sick Puppies, which is one of my favorite bands), so we got the starter size! 

Skinny Puppies

Pai and I stuck with our favorites...I ordered the Fish You Were Here and the Thunder Cluck, while she chose the Shrimp Bizkit and the Birria Dollar Babies.

Tacos!

Pai raved about the Birria so special close up on that one!

Birilla Taco 

And I couldn't stay away from the Mac and Diane side... it had green chilis in it, but it wasn't too spicy for me at all! It was definitely ooey and gooey as stated on the menu!

Mac and Diane

I also got to see Naomi behind the bar when I went to pick up the food so be sure to make it TO the restaurant so you can have a proper drink with your tacos.

Resources:

Rock Start Tacos = https://www.toasttab.com/gas-light-4916-shaw-ave/v3

Photos by Patience Scanlon