Best Of

My top 5 Restaurants of 2011!

by Stephanie on December 30, 2011

in Best Of

2011 has been an amazing year for my blog. Every day, I’m just so amazed (and flattered) that I have people (other than family members) who read and enjoy my blog! I love writing about, eating, and photographing food, and the fact that I can create a blog that people read just makes me so unbelievably happy.

This blog has given me some amazing opportunities, and I’m so thankful.

I was interviewed for the Post Dispatch:

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I made an appearance on Great Day St. Louis:

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And I did some freelance pieces for Maryland Heights Patch and Maplewood-Brentwood Patch.

I just feel so lucky. I love you all. Seriously.

But enough about me – you’re here for the food! Last year, I wrote a list of my Top 5 Restaurants of 2010. I thought it would be fun to do another list for 2011, so with no further ado…My Top 5 Restaurants of 2011! These are in no specific order. It was hard enough to pick just 5; I can’t rank them any further! Smile

 

1. Bogart’s Smoke House

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Oh baby. This barbecue joint in Soulard makes some of my favorite. Scratch that. Bogart’s has the best BBQ in St. Louis. Yeah, I said it. I highly recommend the ribs. And don’t worry about figuring out how to eat them (like I did!). The meat just falls right off the bone. Delicious.

 

2. Truffles

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Truffles is where I had bone marrow for the first time. It was like buttah, baby! But that’s not why Truffles is on my list. They’re in my top five because of the pillowy gnocchi you see above. Rich. Chewy. Flavorful. I could eat this everyday for the rest of my life, and I don’t think I’d ever get tired of these. Amazing!

 

3. Goody Goody Diner

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Whoever first combined chicken and waffles is a genius. A genius! The combination of sweet and savory just can’t be beat. Don’t let 2012 go by without checking out this historic diner. Great service and great food. You can’t beat that combination!

 

4. Epic Pizza & Subs

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This new Pizza/Sub/Burger spot in Soulard is…well, it’s epic. Is it weird that I’m still full from my meal there? Winking smile Talk about amazingly delicious food! When you visit, grab an order of the garlic knots. They will change your life. I promise! And don’t forget the epic sauce!

 

5. Pearl Café

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Oh, come on. You knew I was going to include Pearl Café, right? This might be my most-visited restaurant of 2011, so it’s only right that I add it to the list. Remember when I conquered Level 25 of the Spicy Challenge? Or maybe you remember when I tried (and failed) to beat level 50 of the Spicy Challenge. Ah, it burns! Anyway, Pearl Café makes my favorite Thai food in St. Louis. Seriously. No one else even comes close. Hop in your car, drive to North County, and dine at Pearl Café. Everything I’ve tried on their menu is amazing, but I highly recommend the Spicy Tofu with Green Beans. Fantastic.

 

And there you have it! My top 5 restaurants of 2011. Places I will visit again and again. I would heartily recommend any of these restaurants, so I suggest that you visit! Thank you for an amazing 2011! I can’t wait to explore new restaurants in 2012. Smile

What are your top 5 restaurants of 2011?

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My Top 5 Restaurants of 2010!

by Stephanie on December 30, 2010

in Best Of

2010 has been such a great year for me and my little blog! It’s hard to believe that I started this baby only 10 months ago! I’ve had so much fun writing, taking pictures of, and eating delicious food! With so many amazing restaurants, it’s hard to pick just 5 favorites. But I’m going to try! Without further ado, here are my top 5 restaurants of 2010 (in no particular order):

 

Terrene

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Andy took me here for our 3 year anniversary in October. That was just a couple months ago, and I’m still dreaming about those scallops. They were like buttah, yall!

City Coffeehouse & Creperie

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I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited the Creperie this year. It’s probably one of my favorite breakfast/brunch places of all time. Their crepes never disappoint!

 

Sweet Art

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Sweet Art is hands down my favorite bakery in St. Louis. Aside from their delicious cupcakes (and vegan brownies!), they also make delicious vegetarian and vegan fare. You might remember my post where I waxed poetic about the joys of Sweet Art. Why haven’t they hired me as their social media representative? I’d do a great job, I bet! *hint hint*!

Tam Tam African Restaurant

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Tam Tam was my first foray into West African cuisine, and I guarantee it won’t be my last. Their ginger juice was so deliciously potent! Wowza! Such a friendly, down home atmosphere, too.

 

Milagro Modern Mexican

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Milagro Modern Mexican opened this year in Webster Groves, and I’ve been a fan from day one. Expertly prepared Mexican food with an upscale flair. And with their newly expanded menu, there’s enough to keep me coming back again and again. Oh, and a little birdie told me that their horchata martini is to die for! I guess I better go back and find out for myself.

Jeff Ruby’s

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And now for the bonus selection: Jeff Ruby’s! It’s too bad that Jeff Ruby’s is no longer here in St. Louis. Who could forget that gluttonous adventure my mom treated me and my sister to? Oh, it was grand. Rest in peace, Jeff Ruby’s (and if I ever visit Cincinnati, Louisville, or Belterra, I know where I’ll be headed!)

 

So there you have it. My top 5 (plus 1!) favorite restaurants I’ve dined at this year. What are your favorites? Have a safe and happy New Year! See you in 2011!

 

P.S. I’m sorry it took me so long to pick a winner for the Wendy’s contest! I picked one earlier this week, I just didn’t get a post up. Anyway, the winner is…*drumroll*

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Congrats, Mez! Email me your contact info and I’ll get the giftcard in the mail to you! Smile

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