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!

Quarterly Council Meeting: Bristol, no, make that Addie's Thai House, 7/8

The last GDC Quarterly Council Meeting wasn't without excitement, and the drama wasn't good. I was out of town for the meeting, so I missed the bru-haha, but let's just say the meeting and dinner was originally to be held at Bristol, the seafood restaurant, and the group ended up at Addie's Thai House. Well, ok, I guess I can't just say that without an explanation. The group had reservations at Bristol in a private room for five people, but because one of the four was going to be arriving late, the restaurant would not seat them. They then tried to make them sit at a four person table, even though they knew one more person would be arriving! Apparently, the staff was being pretty unaccommodating, which was unexpected at such a high class restaurant. So the group lost their Bristol appetite and decided to just change venues rather than dine somewhere they felt less than welcome. That brought them to Addie's Thai House, where thankfully, things were looking up. I can only summarize what I've been told by those in attendance, but basically, everyone loved Addie's, especially the Siam Toast. And Shelby loved the Waterfall Beef. Thanks for turning frowns upside-down Addie's! You get 4 out of 5 stars. As for Bristol...shame on you!

July Good Dinner: Big Sky Cafe, 7/19

July's Good Dinner was at Big Sky Cafe, and your very own Diva was the host this month. So the pressure was on to pick a good restaurant - and Big Sky did not disappoint. I'd say the main thing that stood out at Big Sky was the great customer service. The tables were set and ready for our big group, and our server Nick was, to quote a fellow dinner-goer "courteous and very accommodating." I also liked the atmosphere of the restaurant - too bad it was about 100 degrees outside, as I would have loved to enjoy their quaint outside patio. Those who surveyed the restaurant gave it almost consistently good marks. Some true winners on the menu were the Salmon and Beef Tenderloin. I unfortunately ordered the Potato Gnocchi, which was a pretty small portion and not so remarkable. But they use very fresh and high quality ingredients and that is noticeable. Extra points are also extended due to the special attention my nine month old daughter received. When I asked if I could get some diced tomatoes for her to munch on, they also brought me diced cucumber that the chef said was an especially sweet variety that she'd be sure to love, and they brought this beautiful array of green & red veggies on a fancy rectangular plate for my tot - not that I'd let her have the porcelain plate for one second knowing it'd end up on the floor, but still, it's the thought that counts and it was a very thoughtful thought - I thought! (Heehee, ok, moving on). It seems like there was some disparity on the Sangria - one diner said it wasn't so hot, while another said the Watermelon Sangria was great. So I guess that's your gamble. All in all, I'd say this was a successful selection and I'd love to go again - maybe on a cool fall night. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. What do you think?

June Good Dinner: Truffles, 6/21

June's dinner took place at Truffles in Ladue. What a breath of fresh air after a disappointing May dinner. From the moment I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised with the great customer service and extraordinary experience. Why surprised? Well, I am ashamed to say that knowing the restaurant was in Ladue, I feared to be met with some snobbishness - I think I was scarred from our bad experience last month. The reality was quite the contrary. I was first greeted by a genuinely friendly host, who led me to my table. It was another big turnout so we were split between two tables, which is understandable, and they were ready for us.
First off, once again we give props to a fabulous server: Beth. She was wonderful, very knowledgeable and helpful with explaining menu options, and everything came out of the kitchen accurately.
Something that concerned me at first glance was the menu prices - but don't let this discourage you! First of all, this place is worth the expense. Secondly, upon noticing they had main options to share, I decided to go that route with two other GDC members, Tabitha and Michelle, as so much looked good, we wanted to try an array of items. And in doing this, our bill ended up quite reasonable.
First we tried this amazing cheesy melt-in-your mouth ball of spread that was served with crackers - amazing. Simply delectable. Then we went onto a pasta dish - some sort of risotto with pesto - the menu is frequently updated so I can't recall the exact names of these items. Again, heavenly. Let me tell you, by this time, we are thoroughly enjoying our dinner - the food and great company, as well as great service.
For our main dish big enough to share we selected the "Whole Roasted Chicken". They should rename this the "Wholey Cow Chicken" because that is what you'll say upon first bite - it's so good. First of all, the presentation was impressive: they brought out the whole chicken to show before taking it back to the kitchen to carve for us. It was golden brown, perfectly seasoned and juicy. The main entrees also came with two sides - this dish wasn't just big enough for two, three of us split it and then two of us took generous leftover portions home! Literally a family of four could have enjoyed this meal. For sides we went all carbs tossing any guilt out the window - a potato item and another type of gnocchi - yum and yum.
Well we just couldn't stop there. We had to get dessert - two actually (hey, there were three of us after all!). We selected the assorted cookie plate and "Bombolini" - something like doughnut holes and espresso dip...Heaven. But here's the real shocker, a more daring dinner club member and this month's host, Holly, ordered a dessert called "Peanut Butter Semifreddo with chilled rhubarb soup." Sounds really odd - and we were told it tasted like peanut butter and jelly - even odder - BUT, you'll have to take my word for it - it was the best dessert of the three, as Holly graciously offered samplings. And yes, it does taste like PB&J, but sweeter and oh so smooth.
All I can say is you'll have to try it for yourself - I'm sure you won't be disappointed. My hubby was out of town and had to miss this GDC and I immediately reported back to him saying we'll have to go there on a date night sometime in the near future. If there was  a way to give this restaurant 6 out of 5 stars I would. At the very least, I give 5 out of 5 stars.
Kudos, Truffles! What do you think of Truffles? Rate & reply below!