Cafe

Russell’s Café & Bakery

by Stephanie on June 29, 2012

in American, Dinner, Lunch

It’s finally Friday! And yes, it’s a hot one. Yesterday’s high temperature here in St. Louis was 108 degrees. Wow. I felt like I was baking like a little muffin!

Mmm…muffins…

Ahem. Back on topic.

I recently visited Russell’s Café & Bakery in Fenton, a suburb of St. Louis. I go here often for lunch because it’s so close to my job.

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It’s a nice little hideaway that I often escape to when I need a change of scenery during lunch.

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Isn’t it cute? Smile

Russell’s offers a number of tasty items for breakfast and lunch. Salads, wraps, sandwiches…you name it, they’ve got it! Russell’s also has a nice selection of sweet treats. The cookies, cupcakes, and cakes were calling my name, but I resisted. Barely.

Instead, I went with this:

 

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Say hello to the Kitchen Sink Salad! This monstrosity included mixed greens, veggies, shredded parmesan, dried cranberries, roasted chicken, and balsamic vinaigrette. In other words, it stayed pretty true to its name. Smile

There was also a deliciously soft roll that accompanied my meal. You all know how much I love bread, right?

Anyway, this salad was delicious. I loved the nice variety of veggies, and the balsamic vinaigrette was the perfect dressing; it wasn’t too overpowering, and it allowed the taste of the fresh greens to come through.

Service at Russell’s is fine. It’s a quick grab-and-go type of place, much like St. Louis Bread Company, so there’s no waiters running around. But I like that!

Prices are a little on the steep side (this salad was $9.05, which seems a little expensive!), but the quality of the food made the expense worth it. I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a healthy option for lunch.

See? I don’t always eat chicken wings, bread pudding, and bacon! Winking smile

See you next week.

{ 6 comments }

Murdoch Perk

by Stephanie on April 22, 2010

in American, Breakfast, brunch, Lunch

Every month I get together with my mom and sister for brunch.We take turns picking places to eat. The only stipulation? It has to be somewhere none of us has visited before.  This time around it was my turn to pick, and I really had to rack my brain for someplace new! As a (self-proclaimed) foodie, I really do get around! There was one place on my radar that I had been wanting to try, though: Murdoch Perk.

It’s a cute little corner cafe in the South Hampton area of St. Louis. Sort of in the same area as Ted Drewes. We arrived at 11am, and it was PACKED. I was surprised that we found a corner table to sit in. I recommend coming around noon or shortly after if you want someplace to sit.
I ordered the bacon egg and cheese croissant: the menu described it as ‘fluffy scrambled eggs topped with crispy bacon and american cheese on a flaky croissant.’ Mmm…I do love bacon! I had to try it.  It came with your choice of fruit or potatoes. As much as the fat kid inside me wanted the potatoes, I went with the fruit (I’m trying really hard to eat a little healthier here!).

The sandwich itself was pretty good. Didn’t blow me out of the water, but it was solid. I could have used a little more bacon and a little less egg, but that’s just the bacon lover in me coming out. The fruit? Don’t let the pretty picture I took fool you! It was a mess, simply put. A few apple chunks, some pineapple chunks, a few grapes, and smushed up mandarin oranges.  I LOVE fruit, but this didn’t look appetizing at all! And it wasn’t in a nice little cup or anything, either; it was all over the plate, where the juice from the fruit had the potential to get on the bread for my sandwich! I know…it sounds silly, but I don’t like my wet foods and dry foods to touch. Maybe I’m a little OCD.

My mom ordered the belgian waffles. She really liked them. I tried a bite and they were fluffy and very light.



The service was slow, but that’s understandable since they were SO busy. I would have appreciated a little more friendliness as well, but once again…they were busy. I guess I can understand.

On to the scores!

Food: 3 stars (out of five)

Ambiance: 3 stars

Service: 2 stars

Value: 3 stars

I know the scores are pretty low, but I wasn’t really blown out of the water by this place. I live pretty close, so I’m sure I’ll be back, but I’m not itching for a return visit or anything. Oh well…you win some, you lose some, right?

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Hendel’s Market Cafe

by Stephanie on April 6, 2010

in American, Bread Pudding, Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Lunch

So I started a new job recently. Instead of working downtown (where good eateries are abundant!), I’m now working in St. Louis county, which is a  food wasteland of sorts. Lots of chain restaurants, and…not much else.

Or at least that’s what I thought before I visited Hendel’s! Located in Old Florissant, it’s a cute little blast from the past.

It’s very old fashioned and cozy. Lots of indoor (and outdoor!) seating as well, which is always a plus.

Now it’s time for the food! I had the spinach salad — Fresh spinach, mushrooms, red onions, smoked bacon and chopped egg with hot honey bacon dressing. Mmmm, it was delicious! The dressing was pretty fantastic as well. And the salad was pretty large for a lunch portion. Definitely enough to fill me up.

I was going to skip dessert at first, but then the waitress told me that they have homemade bread pudding. BREAD PUDDING?!?! And it’s homemade?!? Yes, please!

It was absolutely delicious. Warm, gooey, and flavorful. I didn’t even mind that there were raisins in it. The whipped cream on top was sweet and fantastic. And the piece that was brought out to me was HUGE! Totally one of my top 5 bread pudding experiences.

My only complaint? Our waitress could have been a lot friendlier. She was pleasant, but she looked and acted like she secretly hated her job. Don’t rain on my parade, woman!

Despite that small complaint, I’ll be back.

Overall Scores?

Food: 4 stars (out of five)

Ambiance: 4 stars

Service: 2 stars

Value: 3 stars

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