December Good Dinner: Vin de Set, 12/18

December's dinner venue was selected by host Jerina: Vin de Set in the Benton Park/Lafayette Square area. I was sad to have to miss this dinner at the last minute, stuck at home with a sick child. I've only enjoyed a happy hour at Vin de Set before, and have yet to dine there. It seems this spot has really gained much popularity. Unfortunately, we had a small turn out for this December dinner, which happens around holiday seasons. Those that attended thought the service was excellent and everything else - food, ambiance - was ok. I've heard reviews of this spot on both ends of the spectrum - some absolutely love it, others, not so much. A close friend of mine's husband actually got food poisoning from a visit! I'd say if you haven't been, you should go and see for yourself. I'll give Vin de Set 3 out of 5 spoons based on the Club's review.
What do you think of Vin de  Set? Please rate & comment below!

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November Good Dinner: Nico, 11/30

November's dinner was at Nico, a somewhat new restaurant in the Delmar Loop featuring Mediterranean Cuisine. My husband was the November host, and I'm not surprised he chose Nico, as it is owned by those who developed Franco, a Soulard gem we've always enjoyed. And Nico didn't disappoint. For starters, there is free valet, which in the Loop especially, is a great perk. We experienced friendly and quick service by a knowledgeable waitress. The ambiance is somewhat stark, but it fits the urban trendy vibe that envelops the loop. On a scale of 1-5, most everyone gave 4's on everything from service, food & atmosphere. There was nothing particularly spectacular to make me want to run back there, but if someone invited me to dine with them at Nico in the future, I'd gladly attend, and be able to rest assured it would be pleasurable experience with quality food. I give Nico 4 out of 5 spoons.
Have you dined at Nico? What did you think? Please rate & comment below!

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October Good Dinner: Matthew's Kitchen, 10/30

October's Good Dinner venue was Matthew's Kitchen, located in my south-city neighborhood of Southhampton, and why not? I was the host after all! Matthew's Kitchen recently look over the old Del Pietro's location, and I was glad to see the charming brick building stay in use. Matthew's seemed to call my name every time I drove by it - it looked so inviting! Needless to say, I was excited to finally have the opportunity to check it out, and who else better to share in a detailed investigation other than our Good Dinner Club?
By the time my husband & I arrived, daughter in tow, most everyone else was already seated upstairs at a long table nestled in the back of a quiet but large room. Everyone from the hostess, to the wait staff was very warm and welcoming, and seemed genuinely glad we had decided to dine with them. The ambiance was very warm & inviting. We had plenty of room to spread out at our table, and yet were still able to hear conversation well enough from end to end. Of course, we were eating on a weeknight, one night prior to Halloween, and there were few other diners present at the time, so I can only speak from our experience.
Our server aimed to please, and although he was initially a little slow on drink orders (which is somewhat expected with a larger group, and maybe he had to go downstairs to get them), everything quickly progressed at a comfortable pace.
Onto the menu: it was mouthwatering, and full of some unique items you don't generally come across, like Pig Wings, as opposed to chicken wings, which of course my husband had to try out, so we got them as our appetizer and did enjoy them. Matthew's is also distinct in that it's a far cry from normal uppity eatery trends these days boasting all-natural, cage-free, free-range, locally produced, organic, animal friendly terminology. I'm not saying Matthew's food isn't fresh or any of those things (I really don't know), but for example they fry some food and serve it up homestyle, and aren't ashamed to say it. I for one ordered the Shepard's Pie served in a cast-iron skillet. It was good, but I did have some foodie remorse, because their were so many good choices, and when I saw my fellow GDCer served some Shrimp & Grits in the most presenting of fashions, I was downright jealous. Everyone seemed pretty pleased with their selections overall, and in reviews, one noted the baked potato soup and generous serving of short ribs were both delicious.
I concur with the words of another who said "Enjoyable food and overall experience. Was very pleased with my drink, appetizer and dessert, and look forward to trying other dishes I saw served. I will definitely go back, and would gladly recommend to others." I am proud to report that we all seemed to enjoy my restaurant selection. In reviews, Matthew's got unanimously 4 out of 5 spoons for service, 4 & 5 spoons for food, mostly 4 spoons for atmosphere and another unanimous 4 spoons for overall experience. So it's safe to say I give this quaint south city spot a solid 4 spoons, and you should definitely check it out.

Have you been to Matthews? What did you think? Please rate & review below!

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September Good Dinner: Tavolo V, 9/24

GDC President Shelby was host of our September dinner, and she selected Tavolo V, a restaurant new this year to the Delmar Loop. An Italian restaurant featuring mainly pizza & pasta with some additional surf and turf entrees, I really liked Tavolo V's curb appeal. A great open restaurant which spills out onto the sidewalk. If the weather had been nice, I would've loved to have sat outside. Not too busy the evening we attended, we were seated upon arrival, and the server was friendly. However, after that, service was a little slow. After one GDC'er ordered the calamari, and after seeing how good it looked, Shelby ordered her own, but this turned out to be her first disappointment. In her own words, "My drinks were absolutely delicious but my food left much to be desired. I ordered a calamari appetizer after another diner's looked so good. Mine ended up overcooked and under seasoned. I ordered chicken scaloppine which just seemed way to thick to be a scaloppine and wasn't very well seasoned either." For the rest in attendance, the food was ok, but nothing spectacular. The same was true of the risotto I ordered. Maybe we should've tried the pizza? They did have Shock Top beer on tap which was enjoyed.

Have you tried Tavolo V? What do you think of this new Loop locale? Rate & review below!

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September Council Meeting: Blood & Sand, 9/13

The September Club's Council dinner meeting was at Blood & Sand, a members-only restaurant and bar downtown, which Ronda hosted. Council members in attendance really appreciated the outstanding service and great food. I had to miss this meeting, but B&S got all 4 and 5 spoon ratings except one 3-spoon rating for ambiance. It seems the overall impression is you get what your membership pays for: great food and great service. One Council member said, "I loved it! The excellent service and personal attention is the cherry on top of the scrumptious food. A fav for sure." However, not everyone was so eager to pay a monthly membership fee for this.

Sounds like while this restaurant got mostly high scores, the membership deal isn't for everyone, so I'll give this unique restaurant 4 out of 5 spoons.

Have you been? Would you pay to join? Rate & review Blood & Sand below!

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August Good Dinner: Jim Edmond's Fifteen, 8/23

The August Good Dinner locale was selected by host Earl: Jim Edmond's 15, a downtown steakhouse. I had to miss this dinner due to a family vacation. Unfortunately, it looks like I didn't miss much and it might be best I saved my money this time around. As for service, our diners gave the waitress an average 3 spoon rating. Apparently, it seems she was really nice and trying hard but new and not well trained, which reflects poorly on management and seems the slow/inadequate service might be due to understaffing. To further back this hypothesis, patrons were greeted by a server at the door instead of a hostess, and there was no bartender working the bar at 6:30pm. Hmmm. As far as the food goes, folks were excited about the menu which sounded promising, but somewhat disappointed in the quality upon arrival, especially for a menu with a higher price-point. In addition, one diner felt what may be called an upscale restaurant wasn't reflected by the ambiance - which I'm gathering was lack-luster and maybe not fully conceived. Overall impression was this restaurant isn't horrible, but didn't leave GDC'ers any reason to rush back. I'll give them far less than 15 for sure: 2.5 spoons out of 5, trusting my fellow diners' sincere reviews.

Have you been to 15? What did you think? Rate & review below!

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July Good Dinner: Franco, 7/24

July's dinner was at Franco's in Soulard. I love Franco's, and it has a special fondness in my heart because my hubby and I went there once for our anniversary dinner and the owner treated us to a complementary champagne toast, which was really thoughtful. So I was glad our host Sheena chose this unique eatery. Seated in a reclaimed old brick building steps from Soulard Market, Franco's serves French cuisine with a modern twist. In addition, they pride themselves on serving locally grown produce and locally raised meat. The freshness is tastable (is this a word?). July's good dinner was a quaint group, I believe 6 of us in all, circled around a nice corner table. I love the ambiance of this place. Once again Franco's did not disappoint. Almost everyone gave the restaurant straight 4 spoons out of 5 in service, food, atmosphere & overall. One diner said "The french onion soup is one of the best I have ever had in my life and my apple tarte tartin was really tasty." I can't promise they'll have these same items when you go, as Franco's is always switching things up, but I can tell you whatever you get, it's sure to be good.

I'll gladly comply with my GDC'ers and give Franco 4 heaping spoons out of 5. How about you? What do you think of Franco? Rate & leave comments below!

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June Good Dinner: Truffles, 6/28

June's dinner took place at Truffles in Ladue. Wait, is this Déjà vu? No - it just so happened we got to eat at Truffles last June too (see last year's post here)! This time around Michelle was the host. I was very sad to miss this dinner, as last year's visit was incredible, however I am also very sad to report the restaurant has apparently taken a nose-dive. Last year everyone including myself raved over this Ladue hidden treasure, and it received the first 5 out of 5 spoons ever from yours truly. What has changed? Well firstly the menu has been significantly altered, making the selection more like that of a steakhouse rather than a fine dining establishment. Most gave the food 4 out of 5 spoons, so there is still some quality worth noting, but no fives were given out, probably because GDCers were expecting the same wow-ing experience they had last time. Another significant change seemed to be quality of service. Every member of the wait staff was excellent last year, but this time around most were disappointed in the server appointed to the GDC table. I do give a shout out to Duke the bartender who someone met during a pre-dinner drink in the bar and said he was excellent. Way to go Duke! You may give us some hope after all. The restaurant's atmosphere was decent and diners did appreciate the nice big round table which made for ease of conversation among the group. Overall, we're mourning a loss, Truffles. What happened? I'll give Truffles three out of five stars. What do you think? Rate & review below!
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May Good Dinner: Layla Lebanese Restaurant, 5/20

Our May dinner took place at Layla Lebanese Restaurant located in The Grove neighborhood, advertising fresh Middle-Eastern food. My first overall impression was a letdown as the ambiance was lacking, as what appeared as a somewhat promising venue from the outside was sparsely decorated and void of semblance on the inside. However this is a fairly new eatery so I cut a little slack on that and was still hopeful of a good dinner among friends - after all great food trumps any decor faux pas. Our group of diners was a good size - probably ten in all, and were seated already when my hubby and I arrived, toddler in tow. Things seemed off to a decent start - but unfortunately quickly became rocky. We had a nice waitress that seemed earnestly eager to please, however I found it odd that during drink orders, most everyone was taking water. Now, it was a Sunday evening but our group typically indulges in wine regardless of the day. I soon came to find out the restaurant was awaiting its liquor license - bummer for the owners and patrons alike. Then came the food. Here is what was enjoyed: the water bread, fries with rosemary, the carrots, and the baba ganush...but that was it. Most found their main entrees very bland and not nearly as bursting with flavor as one would expect with Arabic food. Many asked for some dipping sauce or hot sauce just to add some flavor to their meals - and there was hot sauce available but no other sauce other than olive oil was available. Hmm. Another oddity noticed while dining was the extreme fluxes in room temperature - it seemed maybe there were issues with keeping this updated old building comfortable because at one moment I was cold with air blasting on me and the next air was shut off and I was sweating. This whole review isn't really going anywhere good so let me just summarize with how our group rated Layla: For service one gave 2 spoons, and 4 gave four spoons. For food, there was one 1 spoon, one 2 spoons, two 3 spoons and one 4 spoons. And atmosphere: one 2 spoons, three 3 spoons and one 4 spoons. I think I'd summarize by saying ambiance was wanting, service was decent and food was so-so - nothing that wooed us to come back anytime soon. I give Layla 2 spoons. What do you think of Layla? Rate & comment below!

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April Good Dinner: Bristol Seafood Grill, 4/22

April's dinner was Sunday at Bristol Seafood Grill, the Creve Coeur location. Bristol treated the group well, providing the "VIP Booth," which was a nice touch. Overall, GDC'ers seemed to enjoy the surf & turf being served up. Food and Service received all 4's and 5's on a scale of 1-5. The Lobster Bisque was a favorite, however the Lobster Mac & Cheese was a bit cold. The partaker of the Meyer Ranch Braised Boneless Shortribs - pictured above - thought the ribs were too bland and too sweet (not sure how that can occur at the same time, but I digress). Sure does look pretty though!  Let it be known, prices are on the higher side, but entrees do come with sides. Bristol had good overall marks on atmosphere as well, but one diner thought the decor could use some updating. In the end, I'll give Bristol 3.5 out of 5 spoons. I think you might find it worthwhile to find out for yourself - check it out. Or, already been? Rate & comment below!

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March Good Dinner: Market Grill, 3/30

March's Good Dinner restaurant was Market Grill in Soulard. Another eatery focused on serving the freshest locally grown food. Unfortunately, life has been busy and the diva missed out on this. March's diners gave Market Grill 4 and 5 stars for service, all 4 stars for food, and all 3 stars for atmosphere. The Grill was liked overall, and our patrons would go back, but nothing exceptional of note to write home about (of course, you don't have to write about it - just direct folks to this blog!). The Grill's prices are reasonable, but portions are on the small side as well. One diner said the Asparagus Soup was delish - I commend this person for even trying something called Asparagus Soup - apparently it's worth the risk. I'll give this restaurant 3.5 out of 5 spoons. What do you think of this new Grill? Rate & leave comments below!

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February Good Dinner: Salt, 2/29

I know, I know, bad, bad blogger! I've once again kept you in suspense as to what the GDC has been up to lately. Why, eating, of course! Unfortunately I had to miss the February Good Dinner, and it seems I missed a good one. February's dinner was at Salt, a new Central West End establishment. Salt is another restaurant taking on the trend of featuring locally grown food, keeping dishes fresh and simply delicious. This restaurant got great reviews by GDC members, which says a lot, as we generally have a discerning palate. Six diners provided reviews. For service, Salt received three 4 stars, and five 5 stars; for food and atmosphere alike, one 4 star, and the remaining five gave 5 stars. Not too shabby! Some additional comments included great, delish drinks, great fried chicken, "super cute" ambiance, and awesome bathrooms. Props also goes to Frank the server, and the knowledgeable bartender (sorry we don't have your name!) - both got good mentions. Now this sounds like one to try - if for no other reason to see what's so special about this bathroom! I'll give Salt 4.5 out of 5 stars based purely on my colleagues reviews, whom I trust entirely. Have you been to Salt? What are your thoughts? Rate & review below!

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January Council Meeting: Sidney Street Cafe, 1/28

January's club council meeting dinner was held at Soulard's Sidney Street Cafe. Club President Shelby's parents and niece joined us so that was delightful. Sidney Street is very upscale. It has a cozy atmosphere in a renovated old building, which I always appreciate.
I personally really enjoyed my meal. I had the Filet Bearnaise stuffed with lobster, and served with mashed potatoes. My husband enjoyed his meal as well -he ordered the Missouri Lamb Trio. Other diners opinions varied. Two people had the Pan Roasted Skate and gave it rave reviews. But other people gave the food three's on a scale of 1-5.
Service was pretty good. Our server Leslie was very nice and knowledgeable about the menu items, but service was slow - maybe on purpose for that "fine dining you have to wait for something this good" vibe. Not a fan of that. Diners beyond myself gave the atmosphere ratings of 2 and 3. This kind of surprised me. I think I'd personally give a 4 in this category. The venue is nothing that wows, but I found it to be unique and comfortable.
I can't write this review without acknowledging Shelby's major disappointment. Shelby was in love with an appetizer: Blue Cheese Tartlets. Because of these, Sidney Street had been Shelby's favorite restaurant. Shelby discovered they no longer had the wonder tartlets on the menu nor a comparable substitute, and was extremely disappointed. The server explained that they could be requested if given 24 hours notice prior to a dinner reservation, but that didn't satisfy. The tartlets were a hit with many - confirmed by our server who said many people request them - so why not keep a sure thing on the menu? Apparently the restaurant has undergone new management. Suffice it to say, this is no longer Shelby's favorite restaurant. Bummer. Major bummer.
That was for you Shelby. For myself - I can't close this review without mentioning the price. It's pricey. Like I've said before - if you're going to be pricey, the food better be worth it. My food was good, but given other reviews, it's apparently not a sure thing.

Are you willing to take the expensive bet? What do you think of Sidney Street Cafe? Please rate and review below!

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January Good Dinner: Trattoria Branica, 1/26

January's dinner was at Trattoria Branica in Frontenac, a St. Louis restaurant serving up fine Italian dining. I, however, had to miss this dinner unfortunately (Lord knows I love pasta!). Yet - maybe not so unfortunate. Reading diner reviews, this place sounded like somewhat of a letdown. The average food rating was fair and service was slow. The atmosphere didn't win over any hearts either - one person mentioned a loud disruptive drunk being one of the few other patrons in the restaurant, and another person called the decor "geriatric" - ouch. I will say, this is the original Trattoria Branica location. They have since opened Kirkwood and Chesterfield locations, and from the website's photos, the atmosphere of those locations seem to be more en vogue. However, they might want to try updating the first location before opening two new locations - seems this venue has been overlooked. That's all I've got for you. I'll have to check it out myself sometime...or, maybe not. What's your take on Trattoria Branica? Rate and reply below!

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