Sub-Series: Restaurant Reviews - The London Tea Room

The London Tea Room
http://thelondontearoom.com/
Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO

Took a delightful friend of mine out for a "cuppa" and lunch and I think we both have rave reviews to share!

Price: Around $30 for two, sharing a pot of Goddess tea, sweet treats and hearty lunches gave us pause, but the experience was worth it after all.

Ambiance: Quaint and quiet, marble top tables, comfy wood chairs, and a wall of shiny tins with tea. English furniture shop adjacent: cute!

Iron Goddess of Mercy Tea: Mouthwatering, earthy, light, and fresh; a tea tied to beautiful legend. A sprinkle of turbinado sugar perfected the warming blend.
(Click here for the namesake's legend.)

Sweet Treats: Eccela cake with currants galore, made my sweet tooth no more! Flaky crust and just lightly browned, filled the gap 'til lunch came 'round!

Croque Monsieur & Broccoli Cheddar Bisque: The bisque so-so, sad to report, but the pugliese bread delighted: wrapping great Gruyere and Muenster among a pile of shaved smoked ham.

Brie and Apple Sandwich & Cream of Tomato Bisque (Guest Meal): The apple peel among soft brie left texture desired, but the tomato soup opened her eyes wide in flavor-to-be-admired.

Overall: Drink Me, Eat Me, the coquettish menus boast. Enjoy a giggle next to a tradition long upheld in this urban tea house where cultures meld.

I highly encourage all of my readers to also check out The London Tea Room website. Their brews are available to be shipped! Besides the one recommended here, The Queen of Hearts is an amazing treat as well (reminiscent of flavors found in Earl Gray, but with a mellow twist.)

Sub-Series: Restaurant Reviews - Rosalita's

Wow! Was my last restaurant review really in 2010?! I guess 2011 must have gone by fairly uneventful in the restaurant visiting world.  I am back with a vengeance, however, so you'll be seeing some of my absolute favorites coming up for review for the first time as well as some totally new places for us.

Now, let me start with Rosalita's... a great Mexican cantina in downtown St. Louis on Washington Ave.  We detoured due to a closed highway and ended up staying for a few drinks and dinner!

I couldn't take a lot of pictures without looking like a total tourist. The dining room was dim and the flash on my camera was a bit too obvious.

So here we go!

Rosalita's Cantina
http://rosalitascantina.com/
Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO

Now, we went all out and spent a grand total of about $75 for the two of us after tip.  We had a phenomenal server, so she got the full 20% gratuity.  Considering we each had two alcoholic drinks, full entrees, and dessert, I'd say the price was just right.

Appetizer: Chips and salsa were sublime! Crunchy, salty, fresh chips and garden delicious salsa treat the taste buds.

(Guest Post by Joshua) Classic Rosalita's Margarita:  They said they sell 100 gallons a week. I TOTALLY believe it - these were AMAZING. Now I want to try the 168oz "Tower of Power!" 

Paella Mexicana Entree: A swirl of flavors; surely the chef's best dish-a-sizzling carrying tomato rich rice, buttery scallops, freshest shrimp and spice a poppin'.

Service: Luck was a lady this night as Jane catered to our every culinary need with speed and agility. Friendly banter made our night.

Ambiance: Rustic, heavy wood dining sets, meticulously tiny-tiled walls, and low mood lighting lent to an old-world down-home good food feel.

Overall: Strolling Washington is a treat for the senses and the lure into this cozy cantina is no disappointment. A new regular spot!