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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