Food Tour

This past month we've had some fun food experiences. Babysitters have been coming out of the wood work, so we have been taking full advantage.

Our food tour started off with a hole in the wall Vietnamese place near our old neighborhood. There's about 10 tables in the restaurant and it's owned by an older couple. When we went for lunch, the Vietnamese man stopped and talked to us each time he brought something to our table. His wife was in the kitchen cooking and you could tell he was so proud of his wife as he bragged about her food. The food was delicious. The word we kept using was fresh- everything tasted so fresh. We loved eating the food, while hearing this old man tell us about the homemade sauces his wife made and seeing his cute personality and pride in his family business.

Last week we had some of our friends treat us to dinner at a new Mexican restaurant. It more like a Mexican bistro type place verses your typical place with mariache band playing in the background and pinatas hanging from the wall. The presentation of the food was art and the flavors bold. It was yummy- especially the sangrias. One thing that stood out to us was actually in the bathroom. They had old black and white photos of wedding pictures (we're assuming it was the owner's parents) hanging in there. Again, the touch of food and family- we loved it.

This week we went for Greek food. One of the Greek Orthodox churches in town hosts a luncheon every Friday where they cook up some good Greek grub. I've heard about it, but have never gone, so we ventured out there. As soon as I stepped in the door a whiff of incense hit my nostrils and I immediately thought of my childhood. Greeks love to have actual incense in their services as a representation of our prayers. You have to get used to it, otherwise you'd probably get a head ache every week. Anyway, we satisfied my Greek craving and on the way out we noticed the bulletin board: "Lambs for sale for Easter. Call ..." Seriously, where else will you find a bulletin board advertising lambs? I'm sure Gus or Pete or whoever is selling the lambs will sell out this Easter. Every Greek home has one cooking away come Easter morning. I used to love my dad's lamb he made at the holiday.

So, it has been a fun month having our own little "Taste of St. Louis". Lots of variety, good food and creative atmospheres.