GREEN SHEET REVIEWS

SQWIRES (Brunch) —————————- Sqwires – (Restaurant) When you walk in it’s a wonderful mix of Modern Rustic (converted from a wire manufacturing plant), infused with structured weekly activity. Sqwires has constant schedules for music and changing food faire. In the Fall and Spring they have “Family Style” dining on Thursday nights. Meaning you pass the bowl of chicken or mashed potatoes. Very unique and fun.

Here are two Starter Suggestions: Baked Brie: Figs, dates, golden raisins, pecans and maple, french baguette. PEI Mussels: They come with Gulf Shrimp, whole crawfish, roasted red pepper shallot tomato broth, grilled baguette. The mussels are large and very tender and the shrimp taste that makes them really different and of high quality. The day that I was there. I tried the Soup of the Day, Black Bean and Smoked Pulled Pork. It was superb.

I want to make note of their comfort food. Chicken Pot Pie – New potatoes, fresh herbs and veggies, topped with puff pastry. Truly Incredible. Meatloaf – Au jus, whipped potatoes, green beans, yellow onion and bacon. Equally as good. Beef Brisket – 2 slices of House-smoked brisket, grilled onions, horseradish cream. When they smoke their meals you can usually smell it in the neighborhood and on their patio.

Please take time and put them on your culinary schedule. You’ll be glad you did.

Address: 1415 S. 18th Street Telephone: 314-865-3522 Web site: SQWIRES.COM —————————- Lombardo’s (Italian) Lombardo’s is old school Italian. The ambiance gives you a warm and comfortable feeling while you dine. The Staff is very professional and helpful when it comes to your choices for your dining experience. All of the following suggestions are terrific:

Shrimp De Jonghe – Garlic Butter, Tomato and Romano Cheese with Crostini Escargot – Baked in a Garlic White Wine Broth, Topped with Italian Bread Crumbs and Romano Cheese House Made Toasted Ravioli – Oversized Meat-Filled Toasted Ravioli served with Marinara Sauce and Romano Cheese. (Probably St. Louis’ Best)

When it comes to Entrees I Highly Recommend: Rigatoni Trattoria – Sauteed Italian Sausage with Onions and Mushrooms in a Creamy Tomato Sauce. (This is one of the Manager’s Favorites. It really is Incredible.) Cappellini Anthony – Chicken, Garlic, Olive Oil, Sundried Tomatoes and Fresh Tomatoes. Veal Marsala – Veal Tenderloin Medallions with a Marsala Sauce with Mushrooms. Served with Potato of the Day. Filet Angelou – Mushrooms, Pancetta, Provolone Cheese in a White Wine Sauce. Served with Potato of the Day.

Reflecting back on my visit. I now realize how really good their place was. It’s the kind of restaurant you go to and know you’re going to go back. It’s a perfect blend of atmosphere, great service and excellent food. This has got to be on your list of “Go To” restaurants. Cheers.

Address: 201 South 20th Street Phone: 314-621-0666 Website: LOMBARDOSTRATTORIA@SBCGLOBAL.NET

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Square One (Spirits of St. Louis)

This is the kind of place that makes my job worth while. I was a guest at Square One Brewery. They operate Spirits of St. Louis Distillery at 1727 Park Avenue here in town. These people are Brilliant Artisans. I tried four of their Distilled House Crafted Spirits. All were very smooth with no after burn. They are: Captiva – A 75% Rum and 25% Whiskey blend using a Solera process (fractional blending which creates a mixture of ages). This is really good and smooth. JJ Neukomm Whiskey – This is a single malt whiskey. They blend cherry wood smoked malts and then age them in Missouri White Oak Barrels. Smooth. Urban Bourbon – Corn, Barley and Rye Malt aged in a heavy char Missouri Oak Barrel. This bourbon is smooth and really worth trying. Vermont Night Liqueur – They start with their JJ Neukomm Whiskey and then infuse it with Citrus, Spices and Maple Syrup. This turns out to be very tasty. They make numerous other spirits which warrant your tasting. Square One is not a tasting room. It’s a full bar and restaurant attached to a Brewery and a Distillery.

You can get tastings or full cocktails. Their beers are worthy of an afternoon of fun. I suggest the Spiced Pumpkin Ale and Octoberfest for this time of the year. They’re really good. This should be a priority stop for all of you “Spirited” folk.

Address: 1727 Park Avenue Telephone: 314-231-2537 Website: http://squareonebrewery.com/

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The Planet Sub (Sandwiches, Salads & Soups)

This is a very simple Sub Shop in Downtown St. Louis. There is nothing special about it’s ambiance. However when I walked into the kitchen I saw 25lbs Bags of Flour. That’s right they make their own incredibly fresh bread from scratch. Couple that with really fresh and tasty meats and you get the beginnings of a great Sub. I tried the following:

The Experience – Signature Chicken, Bacon, Pepperoni, Pepper-Jack Cheese, Cream Cheese, Jalapenos and Chipotle Sauce.

The Planet Sub – Premium Roast Beef, Oven-roasted Turkey, Smoked Ham, Bacon, Swiss Cheese, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Dijon and Mayonnaise.

Super Hero – Salami, Pepperoni, Spicy Capicola, Provolone Cheese, Red Onions, Lettuce, Banana Peppers, Oregano and Oil & Vinegar.

Simple Turkey – Untoasted bread with shaved Turkey and Thousand Island Dressing.

They have been in their location for 11 years and you can see and feel the pride they take in their food. They also have Gluten Free bread for those who need it. Throw in Home made Cookies from scratch and you have a great quick lunch which is High in Quality and Taste. They do small & large catering orders. Great Lunch.

Address: 211 N. 9th Street Phone: 314-588-7827 Web: PLANETSUB.COM/Planetsub

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SQUIRES (Brunch)

This is one of the best Brunches in St. Louis. The restaurant is housed in a brilliantly renovated 19th Century brick structure in Lafayette Square. They are a 5-Star Certified Green Dining Alliance membership. They support and buy ingredients and products that are local, organic and responsibly raised.

I personally met the Chef one day walking by the restaurant while he was Smoking

Briskets in their outdoor smoker. His name is Chuck Woolery and he cares about his food passionately.

The Brunch features a large Bloody Mary Bar and their Wood Burning Fire place going and a piano player playing great music in the background. This is the setting for which I suggest the following:

Squires Benedict: English muffin, poached eggs, fresh spinach, herb hollandaise, rosemary breakfast potatoes, choice of house-smoked salmon, grilled beef tenderloin or house-made veggie sausage.

P.S. It has a real Hollandaise Sauce. In the city of St. Louis this can be, tough to find.

Smoked Brisket Hash – Two eggs, English muffin, add Hollandaise Sauce

Truffle Scramble – Spinach and wild mushroom, tofu, red onion, truffle oil, breakfast potatoes, English muffin

Salmon and Bagel – House-smoked Salmon, sliced tomatoes, capers, whipped cream cheese, shaved red onion. Bagels come perfectly toasted with a large portion of salmon.

Croissant Breakfast Sandwich – Fried egg, bacon, Brie. Simple but really good.

I could go on about the food and theambiance of Sqwires. Your best bet is to go to one of the best brunches in town at Sqwires and enjoy. (Saturday and Sunday they open at 8:AM.)

I give Sqwires 5 Wows.

Address: 1415 S. 18th Street Telephone: 314-865-3522 Website: SQWIRES.COM

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Angelo’s Taverna

This Establishment looks like an ordinary Tavern when you walk in. However, make no mistake about it. The food is fantastic. I started with the following:

Calamari Strips: Calamari Strips, Lightly Breaded, Served with a Spicy Garlic Aioli. What was unique about them was the texture and taste. Definitely different than your ordinary Calamari. Really Good.

Fried Artichoke Hearts: Breaded and Served Golden Brown with a Garlic Butter Sauce. They were perfectly cooked and very tasty.

I have had the following for Entrees. They were all Flawless in their Presentation and Taste. I Highly Recommend them:

Tortellini: Peas, Mushrooms, Prosciutto in a Creamy Pesto Sauce

Chicken Parmigiano: Italian Breaded Chicken Breast, Topped with a Marsala Wine Sauce and Mushrooms, Served with Tuscan Potatoes

Shrimp Scampi – Eight Shrimp, Lightly Italian Breaded. Drizzled with a White Wine Garlic Butter. Served with Creamy Risotto

Pizza – I tried them both; Sausage and Pepperoni. Both were great and the crust was perfectly cooked.

This place has a relaxed atmosphere and the Staff is one of the friendliest and most professional in St. Louis. I am looking forward to going back. Enjoy.

Address: 316 Market Street Telephone: 314-588-9000 Website: Lombardosrestaurants.com

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Pappy’s Smokehouse (BBQ)

When you walk into Pappy’s it doesn’t look like anything special. Then the food comes. It’s no wonder the Food Network says they have the best Ribs in the United States. The meat falls right off the bone and is remarkably tender. What you might also want to try is:

Pulled Pork Beef Brisket Turkey Breast

The Turkey Breast was really moist and tender. Everything I have tried shows the attention to detail necessary for any Restaurant or Smokehouse to be Nationally renowned. They’ve got it down. Their sides are equal to the meats:

Fried Ear of Corn Potato Salad Sweet Potatoes Fries Baked Beans

All four of their Homemade Sauces are Great. Sauces range from Sweet to Hot. It was truly an experience into the Best of the Best when it comes to BBQ. Please put it on your list of “Must Do’s”.

Address: 3106 Olive (Main Entrance on Cardinal) Phone: 314-535-4340 Website: pappyssmokehouse.com

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Jack Patrick’s (Irish Sports Bar)

The thing I love about Jack Patrick’s are the people. Both behind the bar and in front of it. It is a super friendly place that is welcoming to all. The drink prices are very reasonable and the food is what I would call “Great Chow”. Nothing is gourmet. However, everything is good. It is very unique in that you have to order from a window for your food. You then go to a table and they bring it to you. It is a wide open place well aged in the genre of an Irish Sports Bar. Lots of Flats Screens and games (Golden Tee, Bowling Machines, Shuffle Board and Darts).

After work, this is a great place to meet regulars and Tourists. Enjoy for cocktails and a game.

Address: 1000 Olive Street Phone: 314-436-8879 Website: jackpatricks.com

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Sushi Ai

This should be your “Go-To” Sushi Restaurant in St. Louis. When you walk in the door you are met by very friendly staff members who seat you immediately. In a lot of sushi establishments you order and it takes a long time to get your food. Not here. I have been there for lunch and dinner. The service is excellent.

Behind the sushi bar there are usually three people (including the owner) making their rolls from really fresh sushi grade ingredients.

They have a lunch and dinner special “All you can Eat”. Which works great for all you Hearty eaters.

I recently had and recommend the Crab and Shrimp Roll and the Alaskan Roll. Both were really satisfying and big sellers.

They stock Sapporo, Asahi and Kirin along with a large lineup of Domestic Beers.

Sushi Ai is consistently fresh and well presented at very reasonable prices everyday. Please enjoy.

Address: 910 Olive Street Phone: 314-588-7888 Website: SUSHIAISTL.com

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Polite Society

I was invited by a friend to go to Polite Society. It’s on Park Avenue in Lafayette Square, in a highly gentrified area. I would suggest business casual when it comes to attire. Make no mistake about it this is an excellent restaurant.

Roasted Beet Salad – Ricotta Salata | Almonds |Frisee and Radicchio | Blood Orange Vinaigrette.

I am not a big beet salad kind of guy but it was to die for. The Cornbread was really tasty and the broth from the mussels was truly world class.

When it comes to entrees. I would suggest:

Pork Osso Bucco: The meat was falling off the bone. Really Tender. Herb & Goat Cheese Polenta|Radicchio | Marinated Tomatoes

The Scallops were perfectly caramelized and very fresh.

It’s nice to be able to find that kind of perfection and freshness in the Midwest United States. At Polite Society you have it.

They have great specialty cocktails you should try. I have tried four of the ten Signature Drinks. They were all excellent.

The service is among the best you’ll find anywhere in St. Louis.

Put this on your Culinary Target List.

Address: 1923 Park Avenue Phone: 314-325-2553 Website: PoliteSocietySTL.com

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*** Washington Avenue Green Sheet thanks all the people of St. Louis and it’s visitors for making our city a great place to live. showmegreen.com

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Flamingo Bowl (Bowling/Food/Beverages)

This really is more of a venue review than a restaurant review. The interior is a really cool Art Deco Style. It’s a Bowling Alley and Bar in the Heart of Washington Avenue. The bar has 10 unique draft beers with a 34 plus Can and Bottle Beer selection.

They have a collection of Signature Cocktails and a very interesting bar menu. It includes: Voodoo and BBQ Pork sandwiches, Turkey Clubs, Grilled Cheeses, BLT, Diced Chicken Quesadillas and more. All of which are very good.

Most importantly the Flamingo has one of the greatest Private Venues in St. Louis. There is a private entrance to an area which has a Bar, Pool Table and Four Bowling Lanes. All for your private enjoyment. It can accommodate up to 100 people. This is for sure a fun place with good food. Alternative catering for larger events available.

Address: 1117 Washington Avenue Phone: 314-436-6666 Website: Flamingobowl.com

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La Bamba (Mexican)

When you walk in you are greeted by bright colors and an energetic vibe which creates a great atmosphere. This establishment is open 7 days a week from 11am. It is fabulous!

I suggest the following: Al Mojo de Ajo (SHRIMP) – Cooked with their special garlic and onion sauce.

Carnitas (PORK) – Fried pork tips on a bed with onions and bell peppers served with rice, lettuce, pico de gallo and a jalapeno.

POLLO MILANESA – Crispy Fried Chicken in a number of dishes.

FISH TACO (Outstanding!)

When it comes to their Margaritas

I suggest you try the following:

Black Cuervo – Tequila Alce, Negro, Tequila Jose Cuervo Blanco, Homemade Citrus, Agave Nectar, Premium Orange Liqueur

Paloma – Hornitos Plata Tequila, Pomegranite Juice, Homemade Citrus, Agave Nectar, Grapefruit Juice.

Rose Petals – Tequila Centenario Infused with Rose Petals, Gran Gala, Premium Liqueur, Homemade Citrus, Fresh Rose Petals and Lime Juice. The cocktail has an actual Rose floating on top. Really Unique.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights they have a Mariachi Band roaming around for added ambiance. Tough to beat for all around great Mexican.

You should also try Al Pastor (Pork & Pineapple Tacos). Very authentic

Mexican specialty.

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Happy Hour is everyday, All day. The service is Excellent.

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