![Billy's on Broadway pork tenderloin sandwich](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C777 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=1662%2C1247 2008w)
The breaded, deep-fried pork tenderloin sandwich at Billy's on Broadway in St. Louis. Photo by Ian Froeb, ifroeb@post-dispatch.com
This month marks the second birthday of the First Course, my weekly email newsletter on St. Louis dining. If you haven't subscribed yet, you've missed out on two years of newsletter-exclusive recommendations from new and established restaurants across the metro area.
Exclusive insight, news, tips and more on St. Louis' thriving dining scene from St. Louis Post-Dispatch restaurant critic Ian Froeb.
Subscribe to the First Course here, and check out a baker's dozen of highlights from the newsletter's recommended dishes.
![Jovick sandwich](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=150%2C97&order=crop%2Cresize 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=200%2C129&order=crop%2Cresize 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=225%2C145&order=crop%2Cresize 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=300%2C193&order=crop%2Cresize 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=400%2C258&order=crop%2Cresize 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=540%2C348&order=crop%2Cresize 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=640%2C413&order=crop%2Cresize 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=750%2C483&order=crop%2Cresize 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=990%2C638&order=crop%2Cresize 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=1035%2C667&order=crop%2Cresize 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=1200%2C773&order=crop%2Cresize 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=1333%2C859&order=crop%2Cresize 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=1476%2C951&order=crop%2Cresize 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/7e/37e4fac4-336e-52df-8aed-69049a62e477/62a20ef2c7822.image.jpg?crop=1553%2C1001%2C93%2C155&resize=1553%2C1001&order=crop%2Cresize 2008w)
Photo by Ian Froeb, Post-Dispatch The Voodoo Turkey Dip sandwich at Jovick Brothers Deli in Maryland Heights
The First Course debuted on June 8, 2022, with a recommendation for the Voodoo Turkey Dip sandwich at Jovick Bros. Deli at Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights, which brilliantly paired Cajun-spiced roasted turkey with a jus you could repurpose as a base for gumbo. Last year, chef-owner Casey Jovick opened Jovick Bros. Burgers in Princeton Heights, turning his knack for fare that is messy and maximally flavored (without being too ridiculously over-the-top to eat) to smash burgers.
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WHERE: Jovick Bros. Deli, 318 Westport Plaza, Maryland Heights MORE INFO: facebook.com/jovickbrosdeli
WHERE: Jovick Bros. Burgers, 4993 Loughborough Avenue MORE INFO: Instagram.com/jovickbrothersburgers
![Mango Tango bingsu](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C777 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/4b/84baee00-7a17-56b6-82f1-32fb134706ac/62b47f7c87977.image.jpg?resize=1662%2C1247 2008w)
The Mango Tango bingsu at Spoonful Dessert Cafe near Creve Coeur
Monica Lee founded Spoonful Desserts in 2022 in the unincorporated pocket between Creve Coeur and Chesterfield. The restaurant has since expanded to Edwardsville. Korean bingsu is the signature dessert. Bingsu looks like a mound of snowflakes that have been stretched into filaments. On your tongue, just before it melts, it feels feathery. The basic flavor is on the sweet side of neutral. It reminds me more of sweet-cream ice cream than vanilla. This flavor is merely the template for your choice of topping: blueberry, say, mango, cookies and cream or matcha.
WHERE: 12943 Olive Boulevard, west St. Louis County; 1063 South State Route 157, Edwardsville MORE INFO: spoonfuldesserts.com
![sisters bologna](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C777 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/1b/f1bff597-f81d-57ba-a869-c8fbf692b2cc/639b6556e57da.image.jpg?resize=1662%2C1247 2008w)
The Sisters Sammie, a fried bologna sandwich, at Sisters Sandwich Shoppe in Southampton.
The Sisters Sammie at Sisters Sandwich Shoppe in Southampton delivers a slab of springy fried bologna topped with gooey American cheese on toasted white bread. To this, the sisters add one St. Louis touch: Red Hot Riplets. The chips adds a nice crunch, while the trademark sweet-hot seasoning cuts the heaviness of the bologna and cheese. Order a cup of tomato bisque on the side, if it is available. Very creamy and with a surprising kick of cayenne or something similarly spicy, it pairs perfectly with the fried bologna sandwich.
WHERE: 5353 Devonshire Avenue MORE INFO: 314-405-8011; sisterssandwichshoppe.com
![Edley's BBQ pork](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C777 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/2b/62b4e81c-3c66-512d-96c6-629e9f3bc741/644a91a332938.image.jpg?resize=1662%2C1247 2008w)
The hot pork platter at Edley's Bar-B-Que in Glen Carbon. Photo by Ian Froeb, ifroeb@post-dispatch.com
The Nashville Hot Pork at the Glen Carbon location of Nashville, Tennessee-based Edley’s Bar-B-Que is marinated overnight in a habanero chile mash, smoked for at least 10 hours and served with Edley’s Ghost BBQ sauce. Between its marinade, seasoning and sauce, this pork is ferociously hot — certainly as spicy as any hot chicken I’ve eaten outside of Nashville proper. But this dish is no gimmick for capsaicin masochists. As barbecue, the pork is also excellent, with a proper ratio of tender meat to gnarled crust and juicy even in the bites that lack much of that Ghost BBQ sauce.
WHERE: 92 South State Route 157, Glen Carbon MORE INFO: 618-307-9111; edleysbbq.com
![Amigo Soul burrito](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C777 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/14/914f7239-5c6a-590b-9016-69744e7d427f/65315749e5cd0.image.jpg?resize=1662%2C1247 2008w)
The Hot Cheetos Burrito at the Delmar Loop Mexican restaurant Amigo Sole. Photo by Ian Froeb, ifroeb@post-dispatch.com
Hot Cheetos aren’t the “meat” of the Hot Cheeto Burrito at the Delmar Loop Mexican restaurant Amigo Sole. You choose one of three options: carnitas, chicken tinga or carne asada. (I went with the asada.) Rice is the burrito’s third main component after the meat and Hot Cheetos, while cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo and chipotle mayo are the garnishes. All of this makes for a plump, but not overwhelming burrito. And those Cheetos are no gimmick. In the burrito, their airy crunch reminded me of chicharrones, and the steak and rice helped balance their DayGlo heat.
WHERE: 6102 Delmar Boulevard MORE INFO: 314-260-9365; amigosole.online
![Billy's on Broadway pork tenderloin sandwich](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C777 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/6a/46a4a6b7-a7f6-50e0-8006-4ee4fa515079/653943cdb2d78.image.jpg?resize=1662%2C1247 2008w)
The breaded, deep-fried pork tenderloin sandwich at Billy's on Broadway in St. Louis. Photo by Ian Froeb, ifroeb@post-dispatch.com
A proper breaded pork tenderloin sandwich defeats the need for words. I mean, just look at the picture accompanying this recommendation from Billy’s on Broadway near Busch Stadium. You might as well try to make a sandwich with a continent than with this piece of pork pounded thin, breaded in a Saltine cracker crust and deep-fried. The obvious comparison here is schnitzel, though deep-frying yields a crisper crust with gnarly ridges. Though the cutlet is skinny and the edges can be more breading than pig, most bites deliver tender, juicy meat.
WHERE: 701 South Broadway MORE INFO: 314-476-0119; billysonbroadway.com
![Pho Noodles Sandwiches](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C777 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/a6/ea62e931-a1eb-5f63-a8c4-236caa6a075d/659eef2109c78.image.jpg?resize=1662%2C1247 2008w)
Pho with brisket at Pho Noodles & Sandwiches in Fairview Heights
Pho Noodles & Sandwiches serves a silky, fragrant beef broth cooked for 24 hours and showered in the bowl with onion, scallion and cilantro. The heady, anise-forward flavor doesn’t need much doctoring, though you can add lime, jalapeño, basil and other accents to taste. If anything, I wanted more of this broth. The serving of noodles and beef is generous, but it fills a bowl that is a bit smaller than typical. Still hungry? Pho Noodles & Sandwiches also serves excellent Taiwanese-style popcorn chicken.
WHERE: 714 Lincoln Highway, Fairview Heights MORE INFO: 618-206-8223; phonbt.com
![bono's pizzeria](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=150%2C157 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=200%2C210 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=225%2C236 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=300%2C315 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=400%2C420 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=540%2C567 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=640%2C672 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=750%2C787 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=990%2C1039 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1087 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1260 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1399 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/2d/a2d5c2de-677d-5c1c-88ff-39540238963b/64f8cb0ad3530.image.jpg?resize=1405%2C1475 1476w)
A Chicago-style deep-dish pizza from Bono's Pizzeria in Southampton. Photo by Ian Froeb, ifroeb@post-dispatch.com
The First Course also lets me visit places I’ve somehow missed over the years, like Bono’s Pizzeria in Southampton. Bono’s deep-dish is a neutron star of a pizza, compact but dense. My pizza wasn’t a sloppy, lasagna-like construction, but smartly layered from sauce down to the crisp-bottomed crust. The top layer of tomato sauce is the signature ingredient, though, ripe and summery with an appealingly rough-hewn texture.
WHERE: 4500 Hampton Avenue MORE INFO: 314-470-4793; bonospizzaria.com (Note: Bono’s URL does include a misspelling.)
![original shawarma](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C777 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/84/3849453c-89ab-59e8-b8e2-a5b07ce2272f/6488c6190706d.image.jpg?resize=1662%2C1247 2008w)
The chicken shawarma platter with an Arabic salad of cucumber, tomato and parsley at Original Shawarma House in Winchester
The chicken shawarma at Original Shawarma House in Winchester features juicy meat and gorgeously bronzed char. The chicken shawarma platter serves a generous portion of the meat over regular or modestly spicy rice with your choice of a spread (hummus, as pictured above; baba ganoush; or muttabal, an eggplant-tahini dip) and your choice of a salad (pictured here is the Arabic salad of cucumber, tomato and parsley). However you decide to enjoy the chicken shawarma at Original Shawarma House, the restaurant’s creamy garlic sauce is the essential final touch.
WHERE: 14560 Manchester Road, Winchester MORE INFO: 636-220-2524
![GOTham & Eggs nest](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=150%2C116 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=200%2C154 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=225%2C174 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=300%2C231 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=400%2C308 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=540%2C416 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=640%2C494 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=750%2C578 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=990%2C763 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C798 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C925 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1028 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1138 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/e7/3e7e93d7-3396-5746-8447-f0bf2ef1c8d1/6554f6c20654f.image.jpg?resize=1639%2C1264 2008w)
Ian Froeb
The Robin’s Nest (waffle fries with smoked sausage, vegetarian gravy, eggs, peppers and onions) at GOTham & Eggs in Tower Grove South. Photo by Ian Froeb, ifroeb@post-dispatch.com
The Robin’s Nest at superhero-themed GOTham & Eggs in Tower Grove South is a sort of cross between a slinger and nachos. A bed of crisp, golden-brown waffle fries cradles two eggs (sunny side up, in my case), spears of smoked pork sausage and vegetarian gravy with peppers and onions. Even beneath a blanket of creamy, mildly peppery gravy, the fries retain their form and crunch. The sausage gives the dish some spice (my serving could have used a bit less char on its sausage), but its superpowers are limited. Liberally apply hot sauce from the bottle at your table.
WHERE: 3139 South Grand Boulevard MORE INFO: 314-833-8355; gothamandeggs.com
![Baked & Boiled Bagels](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=150%2C113 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=200%2C150 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=225%2C169 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=300%2C225 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=400%2C300 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=540%2C405 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=640%2C480 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=750%2C563 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=990%2C743 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C777 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C900 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1000 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1107 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/86/f863e2b1-0aa5-5cdc-8557-475833a87e4e/65ba818238c35.image.jpg?resize=1662%2C1247 2008w)
A salt bagel with cream cheese from Baked & Boiled Bagels in Soulard. Photo by Ian Froeb, ifroeb@post-dispatch.com
Owner Alex Pifer developed a following for the traditional water bagels at the Tower Grove Farmers Market before she opened Baked & Boiled Bagels at the corner of South Ninth and Soulard streets in Soulard. St. Louis’ Year of the Bagel in 2023 certainly clarified my preferences, with everything and salt bagels my go-to (though not exclusive) styles. Baked & Boiled impressed with both examples, delightfully chewy bagels with a verdant nudge of scallion cream cheese.
WHERE: 1801 South Ninth Street MORE INFO: 314-571-9017; bakedboiled.com
![MeYou khao soi](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=150%2C119 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=200%2C159 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=225%2C178 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=300%2C238 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=400%2C317 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=540%2C428 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=640%2C507 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=750%2C595 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=990%2C785 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C821 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C951 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C1057 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1170 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/stltoday.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/4e/94ee4529-468a-5e6c-a7b6-d28004fe64e5/663132d851978.image.jpg?resize=1617%2C1282 2008w)
The khao soi (curry-noodle soup) at MeYou, a Thai restaurant in Webster Groves. Photo by Ian Froeb, ifroeb@post-dispatch.com
The small Webster Groves Thai restaurant MeYou might offer a barebones dining room, but it boasts excellent khao soi — no idle claim in St. Louis, where you can find excellent versions of the northern Thai curry-noodle dish at Chiang Mai next-door as well as Fork & Stix and Chao Baan. At medium heat (below hot and “Thai Hot,” above only mild), MeYou’s khao soi delivers lacerating, lasting heat, though not so much heat that I couldn’t taste the silken coconut sweetness of its curry broth or the tangy bite of its pickled mustard greens, the vital garnish.
WHERE: 8162 Big Bend Boulevard, Webster Groves MORE INFO: 314-961-5999; meyoueatery.com
Nick Bognar, owner of Indo and Sado restaurants in St. Louis and James Beard finalist, shares the importance of his early beginning in the restaurant industry to build his current passion. Video by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com