Annie Gunn's Awards

Annie Gunn's Restaurant Review:

The vast network of local farmers and quality international suppliers chef Lou Rook III has assembled makes every dish a feast. An example is the toasted cheese sandwich, which oozes melty goodness from Hungary, Denmark and Wisconsin, and it's served with tomato jam from a producer just down the road. Serious steak eaters can't do better than the giant, hand-cut rib-eye, whether it's plain or smoked. It’s a good idea to call ahead --- even for lunch. And if you’re lucky you may snag one of the walled-off, private alcoves where you can indulge in highly addictive potato chips or house-smoked shrimp. For dessert, try the ever-changing sorbets or a cheese plate with a little more wine; the list is expensive but wide-ranging, with a penchant for top California and European labels. For those interested in something different, experiment with cellar master Glenn Bardgett’s Missouri offerings.