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!

NOTE: To comment, click on red "comments" text below this blog box.

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!

NOTE: To comment, click on red "comments" text below this blog box.