December Good Dinner: Mad Tomato Italian Kitchen, 12/20

December's good dinner was at Mad Tomato in Clayton, and it was Good Dinner Club President Shelby's pick. The Tomato just opened this May, and is a restaurant with a conscience, serving local and organically farmed food and sustainable fish and seafood. We didn't do the group evaluations this time around, so I'll share with you my impression of the restaurant and some overall impressions from the group.

The Mad Tomato is a small quaint corner restaurant. I liked the restaurant's atmosphere overall, especially the big butcher block farm table we sat at, however we were right by the front windows (seated there b/c our group makes for some good eye candy I'm sure :)), and it was kind of drafty. That may sound a bit snooty, but honestly it's hard to really enjoy a meal when you can't quite get warm.

December's group was small, most likely because of the hustle of the holiday season, and although I too had a personal to-do list set aside for this outing, I am glad I took the time to dine in good company with good food. For my entree I selected the Lobster Ravioli, and Oh. My. Gosh. - it was sooooo good. This is one of those meals I'm sure to have cravings for in the future. The ravioli was in a bisque-like creamy sauce and the food just melted in my mouth! And for desert - get this - a goat cheese cheesecake topped with walnuts, apple slices and caramel. My resolution to eat healthy over the holidays got kicked out the door and down the street, but it was worth it, at least until I get on my scale. The restaurant is certainly doing something right with its commitment to fresh quality food and ingredients. You can taste the difference.

One issue, however, experienced by my hubby, the Dinner Club's Chair of Alcohol Affairs, was a lack of a varied drink selection. I think he requested about 4 different drink mixes before the waitress could affirm they had the drink ingredients on hand. That seems like kind of a silly thing for a restaurant to lack. Alcohol as far as I know has a pretty long shelf life, so buy a bottle of something so you at least have it on hand ... and in case you were wondering, it wasn't like he was requesting some vintage "circa" something drink. It was also comical that we were told there was just one serving of the lamb meatballs left, if anyone wanted it. That however, I understand, as it's harder to stay stocked up on something like that. This isn't McDonalds with a crate of frozen patties sitting in back.

As far as service at the Tomato goes, it was ok. Nothing to write home about, and at one point I think our server might have gotten annoyed with our requests, but she came around. Ok, one more thing actually: We were provided some flavorful bread rolls while waiting for our entrees, and it was kind of funny as we weren't offered butter or olive oil - we had to ask for some. That along with the drink limitations, I got a little vibe of "stinginess." Good thing the food was incredible, as that saved this experience for me. Most other diners were happy with their meal, but a couple people said their entrees were bland. Seems like when the Mad Tomato chefs get something right, they get it really right, but other items may fall short.

So I'm giving this Tomato 3 spoons. That's it for me. What do you think? Rate and post comments below!

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November Good Dinner: Tavern Kitchen & Bar, 11/22

November's Good Dinner was selected by Allison, and we went to Tavern Kitchen & Bar in Valley Park. Tavern opened in the Fall of 2010 and has gotten rave reviews since. In fact, St. Louis Magazine named it the 2011 Restaurant of the Year. Known for having "exquisite comfort food," this place lived up to the tag line. There was a large group of us this time around the dinner table, probably about 12, and we were seated at this long tall oak table in the front of the venue. The place had great ambiance and we had wonderful service by our awesome server Josh. Service got the highest ratings. Out of the 9 folks who submitted evaluations forms, 7 people gave service 5 spoons, and 2 gave 4 spoons. Most people were very happy with their food, and if not thrilled with there selection, there was a general excitement buzzing about the uniqueness of meal options. For food, three people gave 5 spoons, 2 gave 4.5, 3 gave 4 spoons, and one gave 3 spoons. I am proud to post our first food photo! This picture displays the Oak Plank Taster, consisting of Beef & Barley Stew, Chicken Saltimbocca, Pork Tenderloin and Filet 'Loco Moco' (I believe the filet has the egg on top). Talk about presentation! Folks were also impressed with the Pineapplitinis, a pineapple/vodka infused vodka & Malibu mixture. I chose a lighter fare this time around, having the Iceberg salad with bacon bits and candied pecans with a side order of the Cream 'Less' Corn. The corn was delish! On to atmosphere. Most liked the digs, with 7 diners giving 4 spoons, and 2 gave 3 spoons. The main drawback was the location actually. This is not the type of restaurant you expect to see in a strip mall behind a Taco Bell, which, unfortunately IS where you find it. But overall, a unique and cozy experience is what you find once you enter in. Overall, 2 people gave this Tavern 5 spoons, 3 people gave 4.5 spoons (ok, one person gave 4.25 spoons, but come'on people! Has anyone ever seen a quarter or half spoon?! I digress...). And 4 people gave 4 spoons. Personally, I'm going to give Tavern Kitchen & Bar 4 out of 5 spoons. Looking forward to a repeat visit. What do you think? Rate & leave your comments below!

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