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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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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October Good Dinner: Acero, 10/26

October's Good Dinner was at Acero, located in Maplewood. I once again missed the dinner - sorry! Juggling my diva duties and motherhood isn't always easy! But luckily I can depend on the reviews of fellow dinner club diners, so don't be discouraged. Christie was October's host who selected Acero, and complimented the waitress's hospitality and knowledge of the menu. She really liked the tomato & fennel soup. Her pasta was a bit bland, but liked her experience overall. Another reviewer also found the pasta a bit lacking. Looks like overall, the atmosphere was found to be cozy, and accommodating. Everyone praised the server, but service was slow. Examining the menu, it seems the prices are too steep to result in so-so food. I give Acero 3 out of 5 spoons, and I think the 3rd spoon is a sympathy vote for the waitress and her service, which received the highest rating over food and atmosphere. What do you think?

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October Council Meeting: Yia Yia's, 10/10

Our latest quarterly Clubs Council meeting took place at Yia Yia's. For Council dinners, instead of going to somewhere new, we go to a restaurant favorite. This time was Yia Yia's in Chesterfield, and as usual, it didn't disappoint. I wanted a light meal so I got Bill's Chicken Salad, and it was delicious, and reasonably priced. The chicken is "hot mustard glazed" and had a great taste to it. I have however been to Yia Yia's before and eaten more generously - and I remember the pork being amazing. Dinner was great, amongst good company, and I love this restaurant's atmosphere. Upon first look you might think it'd be a bit stuffy with snobby service, but quite the contrary. Everyone working there was really nice. All other attendees gave Yia Yia's high marks. Only con really was although the server was really nice, service was a little slow...or maybe it just felt that way because once again my daughter, almost one, accompanied us, and to summarize, she wasn't in the highest of spirits. I think it's officially time to ensure babysitters are acquired for dinner club events. I've never been disappointed in Yia Yia's and I'd go as far as to say it's one of the finer and more unique eateries in West County. I've even celebrated Thanksgiving at Yia Yia's before with my family. They have, at least in previous years, a wonderful traditional spread and it's nearly that time of year so let this be a suggestion for those of you who don't want to spend the whole of turkey day in the kitchen. I give it 5 out of 5 spoons for being dependently good all around. And you?

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September Good Dinner Club: Il Bell Lago, 9/26

September Good Dinner Club was at Il Bel Lago. Jackie Olinger picked this venue located in Creve Coeur. The food was unanimously liked, rated 4 and 5 spoons by all attendees. Most gave atmosphere and service high rankings as well, however a few were a bit disappointed in the service. Although the waiter was attentive and accurate, special requests (substitutions) were not allowed and bill couldn't be split. Overall, I rate this restaurant 4 out of 5 spoons. What do you think?

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August Good Dinner Club: Five Bistro, 8/25

August Good Dinner Club was at Five Bistro on The Hill. Yet again I had to miss dinner, which was especially disappointing as my handsome hubby Fibbens hosted, and chose Five after hearing great reviews of it. I was even more bummed when he raved about it the next day! He said it was one of his favorite Good Dinner Clubs thus far (I hope that's not because I was M.I.A.!), from the food, to the conversation, to the hospitality, he gave it two thumbs up (I forgot to get his official "spoon rating" but hopefully he'll comment on here and let you know). Another attendee said "I really enjoyed this month's dinner club. From the first contact when we made the reservation with the chef's mother Bonnie, the service was nothing but warm and welcoming. She was excited to have us." It was a more intimate group this time around, with I believe only 5 or 6 in attendance. Everyone seemed to agree that yes, the menu is a bit pricey, but doubly yes that it's worth it. Aside from the main menu, Five offers a fixed four course menu for $45 or with wine pairing for $60. Five's menu changes daily and one reason everything must taste so fabulous is the restaurant's use of fresh organic and natural ingredients via local farms....hmm...I seem to recall another restaurant that did that (Farmhaus) but wasn't nearly as welcoming...I digress. I give this restaurant 4 out of 5 spoons and I can't wait to experience for myself!