08/25/05

Best New Chef (possibly in the U.S.)

by robmurtha

Good friends, and world-class foodies, introduced my wife and me to this wonderful treasure, surprisingly found in Maplewood, MO. We've recently moved to St Louis from New York, and Arthur Clay's food blows away most places in NYC!

The tomato gazpacho left my palate screaming for MORE!!! The halibut and mahi mahi was so fresh and wonderful you'd have thought we lived by the ocean. Each served in nice sized portions. The creativity of the menu is amazing, sometimes mixing oatmeal and foie gras! Oh! Dessert... we enjoyed some of the finest ice cream imaginable, and the Gooey Butter Cake... divine!

The sommelier knows his stuff. The chef stopped by our table. He is quite modest and gives much credit to his kitchen staff. His wife is sweet and makes great sweets (she's the pastry chef)! And the wait staff is attentive, knowledgeable and friendly, never stuffy nor overbearing!

• Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere

04/13/04

Stylish bistro on Maplewood's commercial strip offers adventurous diners an ever-changing menu of fresh, upscale seafood and international fare.

by Contributor

The Scene
An intimate, relaxed atmosphere and highly knowledgeable staff welcome diners to this sophisticated food-lovers' paradise. Red-brick and hard-wood floors create a cozy, comfortable feel, while subtle lounge music creates a distinctly Euro vibe. The front dining room overlooks Marshall Avenue and houses a comfortable bar; the windowless back room affects a more formal feel. In summer months, patrons opt for the charming front patio.

The Food
Though the atmosphere is outstanding, the real attraction here is the food. The menu changes daily based on what's available, which means Florida redfish one day, John Dorey (a fish popular in the British Isles) or fois gras with scrambled duck egg the next. For those craving consistency, there's always at least one beef entree and a few vegetarian choices available. Desserts rotate as well, but the house specialty, a delicious chocolate caramel tart, is always on the menu.