Josh "Double Rainbow" K.'s Profile

I popped in to Absolutli Goosed with a few friends for a couple drinks the other night before heading to dinner. They had a pretty sweet happy hour going on at the time, so I started with a Long Island.

The decor and feel of the bar is pretty average. Nothing really sets it apart from other mediocre bars in that department.

When it came time for seconds, I remembered hearing rumblings of a Pumpkin Pie Martini, but I decided to try something a little adventurous. The waitress was promoting the new Absolut Bacon Vodka that had recently come out. They had a Bacon Bloody Mary on the list, and though she said it was "different," I didn't think I knew what I was getting into.

The night took a turn for the worse after the first sip hit my lips. "This is friggin' BACON!" I remember saying. Of course it was...right? Well it wasn't your mom's bacon that she used to make on Sunday mornings as the family gathered around the table for pancakes and juice. This was greasy Waffle House bacon you eat at 2AM when your taste buds have retired for the night. I think at one point during the course of this drink I asked for a chaser of scrambled eggs, which may have helped the overwhelming 'baconyness' (not a word).

I finished it because, well I paid for it, thats why. I wasn't happy, and neither was my stomach for the rest of the night. All in all, an average bar who is ballsy enough to serve a drink like that gets an A-OK in my book. Show owner comment »

I give all Downtown STL restaurants the benefit of the doubt when it comes to parking. It just doesn't happen on most nights. Sen Thai falls into that category as well. It's location on Locust, right off the busiest section of Washington Ave, limits itself to street-side parking. Walking's never killed anyone, so I kept that in mind as I trekked a few blocks through the snow.

I started my meal with some of the best Tom Kha Gai soup I have ever had. It wasn't nostril-cleansing spicy like some I had tried in the past, and the mushrooms they used in the soup were amazing! I also managed to slam a couple Summer rolls as well, which were average.

The highlight of my meal at Sen Thai came in the form of their infamous Drunken Noodles. I got the beef. Imagine Pad Thai with peppers...on crack. They are so good, I actually switched from chopsticks to a fork near the end to ensure I got every last bite.

Speaking of those last bites, I would like to issue a warning to those who may be considering this dish. You better love garlic! Now perhaps I am being harsh and jumping the gun. Maybe it was just the chef that night, but holy hell was there a lot of garlic on those noodles. Don't get me wrong, I loves me some garlic, but I was afraid to even talk to myself due to garlic breath overload post-meal.

I haven't tried the curry at Sen Thai, which seems to be it's achilles heel judging by other reviews. Don't let that scare you away though. Just get the Drunken Noodles, and thank me later.

During baseball season, your venue of choice post-game can make or break your night. If you are in the mood for a little Cajun flavor and some amazing Jazz, look no further than BB's.

BB's is located 3 blocks form the stadium, easily in walking distance for even the most inebriated of attendees. They are also one of the few bars in the area that stay open to the much loved 3AM spot.

Food-wise, the Sweet Potato Fries are the app of choice at BB's, hands-down. The menu is pretty standard sandwiches and burgers, with some awesome Cajun twists. They even have a beans and rice section! My fav would have to be the gumbo. It has the right amount of spices to taste great, but not make you sweat your ass off. Plus...cornbread, 'nuff said!

With Mardi Gras season quickly approaching, the Soulard district will be packed to the brim with thirsty socialites. BB's will be right on the outskirt of this madness, so readily accessible for those entering or exiting the fray. Though beer remains the beverage of choice for most during these festivities, the Hurricane comes in a close second. That is the drink I roll with, as the dollar to alcohol content ratio seems to be highly in it's favor. BB's serves them up with the best of them. They also have an amazing Hurricane shot which is perfect to spread a little joy all year-round.

If you do find yourself at BB's during the weekend, you may be lucky enough to catch one of the greatest, and longest lasting,  blues bands in St. Louis, the Soulard Blues Band. These guys bounce between venues in the Soulard scene, hitting BB's only once or twice a month. They set the mood for BB's perfectly, belting out amazing tunes all night long.  Watching them perform is a blast. Their level of energy is so intense that even would make Miles Davis proud!

All in all, BB's is the epitome of the St. Louis Jazz and Blues scene that this city is known for. They have kept up with the times and make for an unforgettable night, any day of the week.

While on a weekend getaway to Kansas City, my girlfriend and I dropped into JP Wine Bar for a few glasses before heading to the KC Live area.  It seems to be a very hot spot, as we ended up sitting at the bar due to the crowds.  The atmosphere was very nice and the dim lighting seemed to add a touch of romance.

Pricing was what you would normally find at a wine bar.  We did try one of the Cheese Trays as well, French I believe.  Not too shabby.

All in all, it seemed like a great place to start or end a night out on the town.

When I saw that a new sushi bar was opening up down the street from me, I was a little skeptical.  Living on the IL side and being a sushi fanatic, I am very accustomed to making the venture to St. Louis for good sushi at Wasabi's or Seki Sui's.  My girlfriend mentioned going there for lunch the other day and agreed with the sole intentions of Yelping about it later.

First thing's first....DO NOT LET THE OUTSIDE FOOL YOU!  Sushi Tatsu has quite a silly location, sharing space with a jewelery store (which happens to be owned by the same people).  Parking is pretty limited as well unless you want to sneak over from the adjacent Fazoli's.  The inside is very well done, with a gorgeous dragon statue in the dead center that is gorgeous.

Aesthetics are nice, yes, but how was the food?  Honestly, it is some of the best sushi I have ever had...and I have had alot of sushi.  My trip to Sushi Tatsu was during lunch, so my girlfriend and I got Pork Bento boxes and a couple rolls.  The bentos were very decorative, so much so, I had to take a picture.  As for the sushi, we got a Philidelphia roll, and the signature Tatsu roll.  The Tatsu Roll is top notch.  My favorite type of nagiri is baked scallops, very warn and cheesy.  The Tatsu Roll is a California roll with baked scallops on top, so needless to say, I was in heaven.  

It didnt end there, though.  As stuffed as we were, the waiter brought us a dessert menu to look at.  I had told my girlfriend I had no intentions for dessert, but when I saw Tempura Cheesecake, my eyes lit up.  I rarely look at a dessert menu at a sushi bar, so I am unaware how common Tempura Cheesecake is.  I ordered it without hesitation.  The fried cheesecake topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup soon came and was quickly devoured.  Delicious.

Anyone on the IL side of the St. Louis area who is tired of driving 25+ min for good sushi needs to give this place a shot.

The one thing I despise most about living in the St. Louis Metropolitan area is the complete omission of Korean restaurants.

Want Sushi?  I can find it.  
Orange chicken?  No problem!  
Pad Thai?  I can name four places.
If you want some Bulgogi, Naeng Myun, or Kim Bap, though...you are out of luck!  

My love for Korean food, and lack of places to get it, has driven me to start cooking more frequently.  It's always fun being a mid-twenties white guy walking into the Asian Market.  You get a few looks at first, but after seeing you week after week, people start to warm up to you.

Chong, the stores namesake, is so incredibly sweet and helpful.  Every time I walk in, she rushes over to greet me and asks me what I am going to be cooking this week.  She walk through the store with me as I shop to make sure I get everything I need to make the best curry or soup I intend on cooking.  She also loves to offer cooking tips to help those first-timers out.  Chong makes all of the Kimchi herself, which tastes delicious.

The prices in the store are the norm for most Asian stores.  Since its I pass it on my way home from work, I usually duck in to grab some Pocky or Koala Yummies (my favorite bite sized snack).

I would recommend Chong's market to anyone in the area interested in cooking Asian dishes.

Let me start off by saying this.  I have driven 3 hours specifically for Pineapple Whip!  I promote this small stand to every person who ever asks about dessert.  I now reside in St. Louis, but I have had friends living in Springfield, MO put a few pints on Dry Ice for me when they drive down to visit.

Okay, so how does it taste?  AMAZING.  If you live pineapples even remotely, this whipped ice cream will knock your socks off.

If you are ever close to Springfield as you drive through Missouri, I suggest you make a detour.

I live approximately 2 blocks from this place, and I couldn't be happier!  Whenever I have a craving for good Mexican food, its just a couple minutes of walking and I am there.  

For starters, the prices at Laredo are amazing.  The majority of their entrees are under $10, and the 99 cent Margarita's are a MUST!  These aren't skimpy, shot glass Margaritas you would expect for 99 cents.  Four or five of these bad boys and you are set!

Personally, I am a huge lover of fajitas.  I order them almost every time I go.  Laredo has the best steak fajitas I have ever had.  They come in a hearty portion with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and steak.  They are delicious!  I also recommend trying the queso dip for an appetizer.