The centerpiece of the colorful décor at Carmine's Steak House is the vibrant mural of a carnival in Venice. The homemade toasted ravioli is a favorite appetizer with regular patrons. The 16-ounce veal chop with a port demiglaze is terrific. An equally mouth-watering entree is the filet gorgonzola. When the halibut with rum sauce is available as a special, do not miss it. For dessert try the delicious bread pudding topped with lemon sauce or the Pecan Bourbon Creme Brulee.
BicycleWORKS has a clear goal of getting at-risk youth into positive environments, increasing their potential and possibilities. At the shop, kids and adults can come to interact with peers and bicycle enthusiasts, learning how to fix their own bikes and gaining a sense of self-efficacy in the process. The kids work toward earning bikes for themselves by assisting in the shop, and learning the ropes of bicycle maintenance. Stop by to talk with the warm and friendly staff and leave a donation if you like.
Waberi Grocery Store is a small, local grocer that caters to the neighborhood and specializes in staples. Its charm is the low prices for goods and the diversity of international spices and products. Many of the people who live in the Cherokee Street Business district have come to St. Louis from all over the world and grocery stores like this one help to maintain family traditions and make the transition to another country a little easier. Due to the diversity of the people who patronize Waberi Grocery Store, there's always an opportunity to meet someone new and swap recipes. -Cathryn D. Blue
The southern part of St. Louis city boasts of its international appeal: from restaurants and grocery stores to specialty shops, this area of town has something from every culture. Cherokee street is the part of Benton park that heavily represents the Mexican population and Supermercado El Torito is Cherokee street's quintessential supermarket. This market carries all the ingredients needed to make great Mexican dishes; ingredients that cannot be found in chain supermarkets. Besides their large selection of meats, produce, and spices, they also carry souvenirs and clothing. The staff is always very helpful. Many customers outside of the neighborhood who have no experience with Mexican groceries visit often, so the staff has a reputation for being thorough and patient with newcomers. Stop by to see what can be found and after shopping, visit El Torito next door for dinner! -Cathryn D. Blue
Pi emerged quickly as a St. Louis favorite and has won many awards for their ambiance, staff, and incredible pizza. The atmosphere is laid back, fun, and captures the quintessence of what a pizzeria should be: all about the pizza. Presentation is very important to the chefs. For example, the garlic bread appetizer is served as a loaf of French bread accented by a clove of spreadable roasted garlic and a pad of soft butter. Vegans rejoice. Pi also serves a completely vegan pizza: vegan cheese, vegan thin crust, and even vegan sausage. Menu items are a bit pricey, but a dining experience at Pi is certainly worth the cost.
Located on The Hill (also called Little Italy and known for its fine Italian establishments), this restaurant caters to an elite clientele. The atmosphere is inviting, elegant and will bring patrons back time and again. Fine Italian cuisine is served by the friendly staff, making the visit well worth the cost. If you cannot decide what to start with, try the Gourmet Appetizer dish, which consists of toasted ravioli, fried artichoke hearts, crab-stuffed mushrooms, fried cheese and antipasto. Then try the homemade lasagna with a house salad and a fine bottle of Pinot Grigop-Torre de Luna. Do check the website or call for timings.
If you've ever wanted to know what goes into a marinade or spice rub, Penzy's Spices may be able to help. With an inventory of over 100 different spices and spice mixes, an online store that carries everything the Maplewood store doesn't have on hand, a patented line of spices and herbs, and a staff that knows everything spice, there is no way that flavor you crave can't be identified. For those who are getting into the culinary arts, Penzy's is a great place to stop for ideas and recommendations. For those who are well seasoned in the craft, this shop, though quaint, conjures sentiments that are tantamount to those of a child in a giant penny candy warehouse. -Cathryn D. Blue
The exquisite team of Westrich Photography specializes in wedding, family, corporate, kids, groups and individual portraiture. Rob Westritch, the head photographer, is fun to work with and tries to make clients feel comfortable. The Westrich style is clean and elegant. Whether pictures are posed for or just “caught” during a candid moment, these photographers have an eye to capture the most beautiful possibilities. Photos can be taken either in the Clayton studio or on site.
Frank & Helen’s Pizzeria opened in 1956 and has been growing strong ever since. A local staple, their patrons vary from various generations who frequent here for their delicious food and warm hospitality. Established by Frank, Betty and Helen Seitz, it is now owned by Patrick and Rebecca who have followed the restaurant's traditions. Savor their dishes like Chicken Wings, Lasagna, Meatzza Pizza, Calzone and Roasted Chicken. Children can eat free after 5p every Tuesday to Thursday.
You can always tell whether a Chinese restaurant is respectable by looking at the clientèle. If there are Chinese people around, chances are good that the food is good. And if you see roasted fowls in the window, you've definitely found a winner. The regal dining area features dark tables and comfortable, red-velvet cushioned chairs. Everything is delicious, especially the roast duck and chow fun. You will leave with a full, satisfied feeling every time. Beer and wine are both available. If you are feeling brave, you might try the Chinese beer Tsingtao.
Sugarfire Smoke House is not your typical American BBQ joint. Located in Olivette, this restaurant advocates an unconventional approach in their cooking. On the award-winning menu are arguably the best smoked meats in town prepared by their skilled pit masters and paired with signature sauces like Coffee, Sweet BBQ and Carolina Mustard. Tuck into decadent Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, Baby Back Ribs, Big Muddy and House Recipe Sausage Link with shakes, floats or beer.