THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Mandarin Bay

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Mandarin Bay Restaurant Review:

Locals have been known to argue over whether the décor of this newest member of the see-and-be-seen circuit has been lifted from Miami or San Francisco. No matter; it's gorgeous, airy and dramatic with lots of white, careful romantic lighting, and gauzy drapes used as room dividers. The large bar separates the restaurant from the hotel lobby and on weekends becomes packed with people who almost look as though they're not from St. Louis. Dropped off by limos? Showing lots of cleavage? Wearing lots of leather and/or fur but no spikes? That's this crowd, which make sitting back on one of the bed-sized sofa booths just as much of a spectator sport as football at the nearby dome. Surprisingly, there are noisier restaurants in town. But this only occurs on weekend nights. During the week, it's a swell place for a private conversation in a quiet spot. And the food? Not up to the décor, but what could be? Unlike most too-fashionable places, the dishes can sometimes be very nicely spicy. Lamb chops with a mustard vinaigrette are the best bet among the entrées. Service is surprisingly attitude free, at least so far.