Joshua K.'s Profile

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 know 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 even remotely 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.