Showing posts with label City Spotlight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City Spotlight. Show all posts

Dive into Dessert: St. Louis' Top 5 Picks


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Cakes, cookies and pies, oh my! Who doesn’t love dessert? It’s the tastiest and most enjoyable part of any meal, and it rightfully deserves to be saved as the best for last. Chocolate wears the crown as my go-to sweet, while cupcakes come in at a close second. Do you fancy my top picks, or are you just looking to indulge in something sugary? My advice is to fill up at one of these St. Louis favorites —they’ll make you scrape your plate and put a smile on your face.
1401 St. Louis Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63106
(314) 621-9650


Open since 1913, Crown Candy Kitchen is “one of St. Louis’ oldest and most popular attractions,” according to the Kitchen’s website. Here you’ll find a host of homemade goodies ranging from toffee bricks to the beloved “Fire Chief Special,” which is made with two scoops of ice cream (blended in the shop’s antique copper candy kettle, of course), drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with strawberries, sliced bananas, crushed nuts, whole pecans, whipped cream and a cherry. Savor the love that has been added into every confection offered on Mondays through Thursdays between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays between 10:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. and on Sundays between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

4224 South Grand Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63111
(314) 352-7376

6726 Chippewa
St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 481-2652


Have you tried an infamous yellow cup of Ted Drewes? Differentiated from traditional ice cream by its use of less air, the smooth and creamy texture of frozen custard makes for the perfect way to end any warm day. Made customizable with a variety of flavors and toppings, Ted Drewes pleases the masses. You can even choose from a menu of specialty items if strawberry shortcakes and cookie sandwiches are more your thing. Whatever the case is, two locations are open daily to satisfy your cravings.

2641 Cherokee Street
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 932-5758


Prepare to say goodbye to any preconceived ideas of what an ice cream cake ought to look and taste like because I Scream Cakes has been challenging the status quo for quite some time now. The bakery prides itself on incorporating only natural flavors, organic eggs, milk, sugar and butter into their products, so what you see not only appears to be better, but it’s also better for you. Stop settling for your grocer’s rendition of cake and ice cream – place your order now!

6483 Chippewa
St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 352-2253


Every city has its staple foods, and for St. Louis, gooey butter cake, well, it takes the cake. The legend of this unique treat states that “a baker put too much sugar in a regular butter cake [and] not wanting to waste the cake, he simply mixed in additional ingredients,” explains Gooey Louie’s official website. Just one bite, and you too will become a fan of Mr. Gooey Louie, the cake that was voted as the best “Goo in the Lou” and featured on the Food Network. Go and witness firsthand how a St. Louis classic is crafted. Both stores are open Tuesdays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

8509 Delmar Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 993-5455


There are so many great things to say about Jilly’s! Even before its win on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, I was a frequent admirer of the bakery’s gourmet creations. If how the miniature cakes are presented isn’t amazing enough, just wait until the moment your fork splits into one of their stuffed centers. In addition to cupcakes, Jilly’s new ice cream flavors are said to send you over the moon into euphoric delight. But it gets better: if you’re not near Jilly’s flagship location, they deliver! For more information, check out www.S2YD.com, or give the folks at Jilly’s a call.

By: Brianna Arps

Foodie City Spotlight: New York City


New York is the type of city where there are many ways to enjoy it at its best. Based on personal experience, going back to New York will bring new experiences and new memories. There’s just so much to discover and explore; a couple of days (or even a couple weeks) will not be enough. But there are three restaurants that are a definite must when visiting New York because each one gives you a different atmosphere that is mandatory for the New York experience.

Shake Shack


Shake Shack offers a variety of freshly processed food, such as burgers and hot dogs and also sweet treats, such as shakes and custards. However, they are not only famous for their delicious, fresh and savory food and drinks, but also for a unique eating atmosphere. The company started from a simple hot dog cart in Madison Square Park and expanded into three different distinct fast food restaurants in the city. Even though the order line is almost always packed (it can even end outside of the restaurant at the one in the Theatre District), the service isn’t a long, dreadful wait. You’ll get your order after exchanging a couple of conversations with your company. I recommend trying the ‘Shack Stack,’ which is a cheeseburger with crisp-fried portobello mushrooms oozing out when you take a bite. For dessert, any of their ‘concrete,’ which is their dense, blended frozen custard with mix-ins (fudge sauce, strawberry puree, the list goes on and on), will surely make your tummy happy.

Location: Various locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn
Price: $5+
Website: www.shakeshack.com 

Dean and Deluca




Want to take the tourist hat off and act like an actual New Yorker? Have lunch at none other than Dean and Deluca in SoHo. Super busy, yet super trendy New Yorkers grab lunch at this super exclusive supermarket. From frozen pasta to sushi, every possible on-the-go yet well-prepared food is available here. Their variety of soup makes soup one of the most popular items and are served in an ice-cream-cup-like bowl with your choice of bread. There’s really no seating place in the supermarket, or any space to properly eat your food on that note, but there are chest-high tables where you can eat while standing up. Here’s the catch: Eat your meal quickly or else you’ll look like all the other tourists taking their time (and the small tiny space) and devouring their food.

Location: 560 Broadway on Price Street
Price: 10+
Website: www.deandeluca.com

Serendipity

Small space? Yes. Long waiting list? Yes. Worth every minute you wait to finally sit down in their uber-cool and uber-unique restaurant? Yes. Serendipity is known for being the location of one of the most romantic movies ever made about a man and a woman who met in serendipity (the noun). Since then, people from all over the world and also New York residents are constantly filling up the tiny restaurant and the waiting list. You cannot leave Serendipity without ordering their trademarked frozen hot chocolate. Yup, that’s right. Trademarked. While you’re at it, go wild with their dessert options. There’s never one I didn’t like … or finish. And if you’re waitlisted for more than two hours, don’t give up. There’s a seven-and-a-half-story Bloomingdale’s not far from the restaurant and Dylan’s Candy Bar right around the corner.

Location: 225 E. 60th St.
Price: $10+
Website: www.serendipity3.com 

By: Sazanka Idris

Foodie City Spotlight: St. Louis


It’s often said that variety is the spice of life- literally, in the case of food. Ethnic food is one of the best ways to “spice up” your regular restaurant routine. It doesn’t matter if you’re from St. Louis or only visiting; there are several choices to get your ethnic food fix without leaving your table.

RANOUSH

This authentic Syrian restaurant is located in St. Louis’s Delmar Loop and is a double threat by being a trendy hookah bar at night and having exotic dinner platters. Ranoush organizes its menu by hot or cold “mezza” (or dishes), ranging from tabbouleh (a type of parsley and tomato salad tossed in olive oil and lemon juice) to batata harra (potatoes stuffed with peppers and spices). Many of the dishes are vegan friendly, and the menu describes all mezza for diners not familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine. I highly recommend dessert; Ranoush’s baklava is sweet and delicious!

Location: 6501 Delmar Blvd. St Louis, Mo. 63130
Price: $10+
Website: ranoush.com

THAI SAWADEE


Thai Sawadee is a cozy restaurant in St. Louis’s western suburb of Chesterfield, close to the Chesterfield mall. Thai food has a distinctive taste, different from all other types of Asian cuisine, and Thai Sawadee does an excellent job of bringing these flavors into interesting lunch and dinner specials. My personal favorite is pad thai, which is a dish of pho rice noodles infused with a tangy sauce topped with egg and vegetables. This dish, along with many others, can be ordered with beef or chicken, or made vegetarian with extra vegetables or tofu. I also recommend ordering Thai iced coffee, which is a sweet cream and coffee drink that goes great with the spiciness of some of the dishes.

Location: 171 Hilltown Village Center Chesterfield, Mo. 63017
Price: $15
Website: thaisawadee.com
ZIA'S ON THE HILL


Zia’s is located in the heart of St. Louis’s traditionally Italian district, called “The Hill.” Zia’s offers many of the traditional Italian pastas, but its huge and diverse menu also includes signature dishes (including toasted ravioli, a nod to a St. Louis favorite). Lunch or dinner at Zia’s is a hearty meal, especially with their mouth-watering garlic bread and savory “ensalatas” included alongside your entrée. Zia’s wide range of options and authentic Italian flair does The Hill proud and represents the best of the area’s culture and flavor.

Location: 5256 Wilson Ave. St Louis, Mo. 63110
Price: $15+
Website: zias.com

THE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL


Also located in Chesterfield, the Mediterranean Grill offers a range of dishes with a blend of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The Mediterranean Grill offers entirely different lunch and dinner menus, with lunch specializing in gourmet sandwiches and dinner focusing on traditional dishes. Although I enjoy both menus, I recommend that first-timers visit the restaurant during lunch, when the prices and the dishes are better. The Mediterranean Grill’s sandwiches are unique and delectable; my favorite is the Santorini, an amazing blend of feta cheese, kalamata olive spread, peppers and basil. Meat-eaters may enjoy the chicken souvlaki, which is served in a pita with feta, onions and olives. I recommend the dips and “Spreads Sampler Plate” to share with your lunch companion.

Location: 703 Long Road Crossing Drive Chesterfield, Mo. 63005
Price: $15+
Website: themedgrillstl.com

By: Hannah Boxerman | Images: Source, Hannah Boxerman

Foodie City Spotlight: Seattle


Traveling might be hard to squeeze in between classes and exams; however, it can never hurt to explore all our country has to offer. When you get a chance to go to the upper West Coast, try visiting Seattle for a change of atmosphere. While Missouri mostly has humid air, Seattle will probably bring daily cool showers. From fish and chips to bubble teas, College Gloss Mizzou gives you the guide to experience the Emerald City at its best. So don’t forget to bring your best raincoat, cutest umbrella and snazzy rain boots to experience Seattle in style.

IVAR'S SEAFOOD BAR

Seafood is hard to come by in landlocked Missouri, but there is plenty in Seattle. One of the best places to eat seafood while experiencing the Seattle coast is at Ivar’s Seafood Bar. Even though Ivar’s restaurant is a respected place to eat, the seafood bar is what causes the buzz about this place. Located in the Pier 54, Ivar’s Seafood Bar serves fresh and juicy fried seafood such as codfish, salmon and scallops served with french fries. When it’s nice out, try eating by the dock overlooking the coastal water surrounding the Pier. You will be accompanied by flocks of seagulls eyeing your fries. If it’s raining, grab a book and get the bread bowl that comes with the warm, creamy and recommended clam chowder soup.

Location: 1001 Alaskan Way, Pier 54 Seattle, Wash. 98104
Price: $10-$20
Website: ivars.com
Twitter: @IvarsClam

LE PANIER



A couple minutes walk, an elevator ride up and a walk through the ever-busy Pike Place Market, and you will find a small French bakery café called Le Panier. From the first moment you step inside, you are hit with the fresh bakery scent and instantly see glass displays full of various French baked goods. All of the breads are presented using their original French names. From croissants to macaroons, Le Panier serves a variety of flavors for each of their freshly baked goods! If you’re lucky, you can enjoy your French pastry in the cozy café while watching the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market.

Location: 1902 Pike Place, Seattle, Wash. 98101
Price: $3 - $20
Website: lepanier.com
Twitter: @LePanierBakery

T-STATION 


If you’re looking for a place to chill, far away from the average coffee and tea shops, stop by T-Station Café. This small yet comfortable hang out place serves a variety of bubble teas. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this Asian term, it's a type of drink originally from Taiwan, containing an original or flavored milk tea with tapioca. But T-Station serves more than that. Besides the 28 flavors of milk tea, you can also choose a variety of fresh fruit smoothies, fun ‘frost’ or ‘snow’ drinks that you can pair with any of their sweet or sour toppings. Available toppings include tapioca, popping mango, lychee, coconut and aloe vera. How out of the ordinary does that sound? Pair up your adventurous drink with T-Station’s famous snack, popcorn chicken, for a change from the everyday café pastries.

Location: 13242 Aurora Ave. N Suite 104 Seattle, Wash. 98133
Price: $5 - $15
Website: tstationseattle.com

By: Sazanka Idris | Images: Source, Sazanka Idris

Foodie City Spotlight: Chicago

Portillo’s hot dogs and Giordano’s deep dish pizza are always favorites, but for your next trip to Chi-Town, why not try something new? Chicago is the place for adventure, especially for your tastebuds. It has everything from Parisian to Peruvian. So, if you’re a frequent visitor to the Windy City or planning to make a trip there in the near future, definitely make some time to visit these delicious hot spots! 

SOUPBOX


Soupbox, located in downtown Chicago (and a second location in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood) has the perfect comfort food for the chilly winter season. Some of their popular items include their Signature Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice, Fresh Tomato & Basil Bisque and Signature Lobster Bisque. They also make fresh salads and grilled cheese sandwiches, perfectly paired with any of their delicious homemade soups.

Location: 50 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60611
Price: $10+
Website: soupbox.com
Twitter: @soupbox

FOREVER YOGURT

Forever Yogurt opened its first location in Chicago’s Wicker Park only a couple years ago, and it now has several locations nationwide! Even though cold weather is amongst us, Forever Yogurt serves one of the city’s best frozen yogurt. Red velvet, maple bacon donut and key lime sorbet are just some of the flavorful flavors at FY. Their topping bar is huge and has a large variety of toppings to choose from. Best part is, it’s self-serve, so go crazy!

Location (multiple): 1924 W. North Ave. Chicago, IL 60622
Price: $5 - $10
Website: www.foreveryogurt.com
Twitter: @ForeverYogurt

TIPAROS THAI CUISINE & SUSHI BAR

Feeling oriental? Tiparos, located in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, has appetizing Thai dishes and fresh sushi. Chicago is home to many Thai restaurants, but Tiparos is one of the few that stays truly authentic. It’s also vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy something off their expansive menu. Favorites include: Thai spring rolls, green curry chicken and pad thai. Save room for dessert! Their Thai custard is to die for. 

Location: 1540 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60610
Price: $15 - $30
Website: www.tiparosthai.com

By: Allison Shapiro
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