STL Cocktail

Taste

St. Louis, Missouri » Central West End

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I went on a little road trip this weekend and stopped overnight in St. Louis. Since we had three bartenders from STL in the Greater Kansas City Bartending Competition, it was easy to find a place we could stop in for a good drink. We're sorry we missed Chad from DeMun Oyster Bar though. It was harder to get out of town on time than we thought!

We tried three drinks at Taste Thursday night: Beachfire, Goodfella Flip and the Ab-Duck-Tion. All cocktails on their menu are $10. Just like at Manifesto, each drink is shown with icons of what kind of glass it is served in and how it's prepared. The Ab-Duck-Tion was our hands-down favorite, it was rich, creamy and tasted like ice cream. I loved how it looked like a fried egg in a glass. According to barman and beverage director Ted Kilgore, it's the third best-selling cocktail at Taste. There's a great patio out there too.

--- {Ab-Duck-Tion} ---

Duck Fat Infused Grand Marnier, Domaine de Canton Ginger,

Lemon, Mascarpone, Pepper, Lavender Bitters, Absinthe

Photo by Linh Trieu

Restaurant Roadie

Port Fonda

Kansas City, Missouri

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As soon as Port Fonda started accepting reservations for their sole six-top table, we immediately e-mailed chef Patrick Ryan for our chance to sit and eat in his converted Airstream trailer. Being a smidge neurotic, I contacted him three more times to absolutely confirm we were for sure getting in. The vintage-y/retro set table glowed invitingly from the parking lot of The Rieger Hotel. There was a steady stream of visitors stopping by to congratulate the chef and just to gawk as we most certainly would have, including chef Howard Hanna (The Rieger), chef Brian Aaron (Tannin) and several service industry veterans. The four-course prix fixe meal was delightful, especially the insanely yummy pork belly tacos. Our Port Fonda night was hands down one of the most fun and memorable dining experiences any of us have ever had. Thank you Port Fonda and we hope to come back and see you soon!

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We found out about open reservations on facebook. Click here to get to their page.

Or you can email Chef Patrick directly for reservations (patrick@portfondakc.com).

the road to justus

Justus Drugstore

Smithville, Missouri

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The Employee Lounge tagged along with Cellar Selections wine rep

George Vial* to Justus Drugstore last week where we once again ran into

Rich Zellich from Pinnacle. For those of you who don't know Rich, he is Pinnacle's

 main wine guy in Kansas City and he is everywhere. While we waited for the reps

to flog their products, we checked out downtown Smithville and captured

a few shots of the restaurant before they opened their doors.

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View of the open kitchen where we spotted one of the most beautiful mustaches.

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A simply gorgeous table. 

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Jonathon was testing his chicharróns for the patio menu and

gave us a taste. Served with his own hot sauce made from home grown chilis

(some roasted, some smoked) and puréed with house made white wine.

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Elixir of the Day made by bartender Derek C.

Small's Gin, Trenel Creme de Framboise, fresh lemon and lime juice,

soda, simple syrup and garnished with fresh thyme.

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Black Tie Affront

Corrido Reposado tequila, smoked Anaheim pepper-infused Chambord

and Kahlua, lime juice, rimmed with Thai basil-black pepper salt.

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Mushroom Soup

Three kinds of mushrooms, prepared in three different ways

around a center of pâté and a crostini with watercress and greens.

At the table, Derek poured the consommé to complete the dish.

It was really kind of incredible.

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Fresh herbs planted around their patio.

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A collection of infusions and elixirs.

The dry vermouth and cardamom in the third container over

was a work of art. All the ingredients settling and floating

reminded us of a beautiful ocean scape. 

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*Full disclosure. George Vial is the husband of Linh Trieu.

We use him whenever possible to take us to fun places and meet interesting people.

But this is not an exclusive relationship. ANY wine or liquor rep may contact us.

Let's hang out.