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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