I have already begun the research for next year’s edition of my annual STL 100. This year, as part of that research, I am making a series of intensive visits
This summer Courtney, Brando, Chris and Tim are taking The Courtney Show on the road to visit some of the best donut shops in the St. Louis metro area!
Thai Sawadee might not be radically different from the St. Louis area's many other Thai restaurants, but its menu features more focus than most. For example, only four curries are available, and you can't mix and match curry sauces and meats. No worries: The beef panang curry is outstanding, rich and spicy. The house specialties are worth a look, including pineapple fried rice served dramatically in the hollowed-out cavity of half a pineapple. Nam tok beef features the tasty combination thinly sliced grilled steak tossed with lime juice, chiles and scallions. The friendly staff and peaceful ambiance make this a winning spot.
Right off Olive Boulevard near Chesterfield Parkway, Gianfabio Italian Restaurant serves up typical and not-so-typical pastas, pizzas and entrées in west county. In the casual atmosphere, start with appetizers such as toasted ravioli, escargot or crab-stuffed mushrooms. Pasta dishes include spaghetti and meatballs, cannelloni stuffed with veal and covered in marinara, cream sauce and provolone and Cajun farfalle in a spicy cream sauce with shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes. Pizzas, hand-tossed and made small enough for one person, come covered in the sauce of the diner's choice, including tomato sauce, a spicy brown sauce or olive oil and cheese, and topped with a choice of meats and veggies. Entrées include an eight-ounce filet mignon seasoned with fresh peppercorn and covered with a gorgonzola-cognac cream sauce, and a rack of lamb roasted with herbs and a wine sauce. Lunch options are available, as well as a frequent diner program where repeat customers can earn points