When the temperatures begin to drop and the holidays start to loom, our cravings for rich, delicious comforts go through the roof. Here are 10 tasty treats perfect for this – or any – season.
Caramel Brioche Bread Pudding with Cherry Bourbon Sauce
With a gooey, chewy middle and crispy, browned edges, this dessert gives you the best of both worlds. Served with a sweet, buttery, syrupy caramel sauce with a hint of bourbon flavor. Paired with light, fluffy whipped cream and it’s a dessert you’ll find yourself craving in every season.
Cyrano’s Café, 603 E Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, cyranos.com
Creole Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo
This isn’t the gumbo you’ll find in fancy New Orleans restaurants, this is the gumbo you’ll fill up on in the smoky bar room past the video poker machines next to the illegal card game. Made with Chef Eric Tirone’s heart and soul and a few tricks he picked up living in New Orleans, one taste and you’ll feel the warm embrace of the Crescent City.
The Parkmoor Drive-In, 220 W Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, theparkmoor.com
Southern Firebird Chicken Sandwich
Southern delivers all the comforts of home with classics like fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, greens and mac ‘n cheese. Choose from a variety of sandwiches like the signature Firebird chicken sandwich or catfish po’boy. Finish off your selection with the heat level of your choice.
Southern, 3108 Olive St, St. Louis, stlsouthern.com
Pink Squirrel Spirited Shake
Made with Creme de Noyaux (pink almond liqueur), Creme de Cacao, and Serendipity’s vanilla ice cream.
Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream, 8130 Big Bend Blvd, St. Louis, serendipity-icecream.com
Red Chile and Chicken Posole
A hearty Southwest soup with chicken, red chile, hominy, and spices. Topped with radish, cilantro, and Monterey Jack cheese. Served with flour tortillas.
Taco Buddha, 7405 Pershing Ave, University City, tacobuddha.com
Shrimp and Grits
Andouille sausage, peppers, onions, okra, hominy and smoked paprika cheddar grits. Turn features this dish every fall when okra is plentiful from Urban Harvest.
Turn, 3224 Locust St, St. Louis, turnstl.com
Rich and Creamy Pasta con Broccoli
Cavatelli tossed in garlic cream sauce with fresh broccoli, sliced mushrooms, a touch of marinara and Parmigiano cheese.
Pasta House, multiple locations, pastahouse.com
Chicken and Dumplings
Hearty roasted chicken with savory broth and hand-rolled dumplings.
909 Public House, 909 Main Plaza Dr, Wentzville, 909publichouse.com
Angry Bird
Kingside Diner makes a move beyond brunch! Kingside After Dark features creative evening menus with customer favorites such as the Angry Bird (French-cut chicken wings, Belgian waffle, maple-sriracha syrup & green onion) and an extensive beverage menu. Available at the Central West End location, from 4 to 10pm, Wednesday through Saturday.
Kingside Diner, 236 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, kingsidediner.com
Lasagna
Anthonino’s signature lasagna is cooked to order with fresh pasta, ricotta, aged parmigiana, Volpi sausage, mozzarella and housemade bolognese with veal and pork. Served piping hot in a individual pan with crispy edges and a nice crust all the way around.
Anthonino’s Taverna, 2225 Macklind St. Louis, anthoninos.com
This article appears in October 2021.