Last week, Josh Smith, owner of the amazing salad concept Neon Greens (and the newly reopened Biscuit Town) joined us on The Sauce podcast to talk about his culinary journey. He also shared a few of his favorite places to eat around town. Here are his top five picks.
Brasas
“A delightfully fun, chef-driven concept by Andrew Cisneros serving soulful Peruvian chicken alongside a star-studded lineup of national classics. The menu captures the breadth and depth of Peruvian cuisine — and its global influences. The Cevichito Classic is lightning in a bottle: bright, bracing ceviche whose leche de tigre I could happily drink straight (please bottle that stuff!).”
6138 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, brasas-stl.com
Diana’s Bakery
“An authentic Mexican pan dulce institution and family-owned gem on Cherokee Street. Start with conchas and tres leches (their beautiful tiered cakes make standout birthday centerpieces). Also would not allow anyone to leave without buying their super tender and flavorful tamales for the road.”
2843 Cherokee St., St. Louis, Facebook: Dianas Bakery
Little Fox
“After a decade living in Brooklyn, Little Fox reminds me of the best New York hole-in-the-wall spots where every detail is carefully crafted. Craig and Mowgli bring warm hospitality and thoughtful food to St. Louis in spades. Their beverage program is phenomenal, and I almost always start with the potato churros: crunchy on the outside, tender inside.”
2800 Shenandoah Ave., St. Louis, littlefoxstl.com
Louie
“The most beautiful renditions of regional Italian cooking, where thoughtful preparation meets peak-season produce. Hospitality is generous, the space warm and welcoming. And when it’s 20º outside and I’ve just shoveled the driveway, their Roman-style gnocco is exactly what I crave.”
706 De Mun Ave., Clayton, louiedemun.com
Stews Food & Liquor
“A boisterous Soulard bar that reveals new layers the deeper you go. Beyond the raucous fun, Stew’s hides a world of inventive cocktails and Taiwanese-leaning bites that range from snackable to ‘I’m gonna need to take this home.’ A visit is a true choose-your-own-adventure – no rules (nor should there be). OK, actually – maybe one – order the scallion flatbread pinwheels. They’re mandatory.”
1862 S. 10th St, St. Louis, stewsstl.com