The Severed Cortex

Link: http://www.anamericanplacestl.com/

Nancy and I probably spent too much money for Valentines Day, although Nancy would never admit that if it meant she didn't receive any more jewelry. In return for such baubles, Nancy agreed to take me out for a very nice dinner. We've tried a couple of times to get reservations here but it was always tough to come by. This place is run by Larry Forgione and the niche for it is that all the ingredients are organically grown or raised in the immediate vicinity of the restaurant. Obviously in St. Louis seafood is not included in that rule, but they do bring it in as fresh as possible each day. Nancy volunteered to drive and since she included drinks as part of the celebration, I took advantage. God did I take advantage. It was my downfall. We started in the Grand Bar of the Renaissance Hotel and I went straight to the Knob Creek.

The dinner menu was a 6 course prix fixe in honor of Valentines Day. We chose the option of sans wine pairing and went with a bottle of 2004 Schug Chardonnay instead. I asked for the 2003 but they were out. We did get to choose our appetizers, entree, and dessert, but the 'amuse' course and the soup course were chef's choice.

Amuse: Sabayon with Paddlefish Caviar
This was an odd mixture of anise flavored Sabayon and salty caviar. Not really my thing but interesting nonetheless.

Appetizers: Nancy had the Orange Anise Ceviche while I had the Country Pate with bourbon mustard, muscat aspic, and crusty bread
Goose liver pate is not normally something I like to eat, but this was incredible. It looked like a chunk of olive loaf on the plate but it tasted fantastic, especially with the mustard and aspic.

Soup: Winter Squash Bisque with Elderberry Coulis and Pepitas
Not my thing. Nancy ate mine. I tried it, but didn't really care for it all that much.

Entree: Nancy originally wanted Seared Diver Scallops with roasted peppers, cipolines, fried collards, and satsuma butter. They were out so she settled for the Yellowfin Tuna with Pommes Boulangeres, brussel sprouts, littleneck clams and brown butter sauce. I had the Ozark Heirloom Pork Chop with sweet potato apple gratin, grilled onion rings, and sherry vinegar sauce.
The pork chop had fantastic flavor, but was a tad bit dry. Just barely though. I tried Nancy's brussel sprouts which were better than any other I've ever tasted, but to be honest a pig is still a pig even if you put lipstick on it.

Dessert: Nancy had Louisiana Strawberry Shortcake and I had Financiers with lemon curd, candied blood orange, and dreamcicle ice cream.
The financiers were very tasty, but then again by this time I was drunk. Since Nancy was driving she only had one glass of wine. I had the rest of the bottle.

The food, while outrageously expensive, was very good and the service was top notch. It's definitely in the top 10 of places we've ever eaten, but probably closer to 10 than 1.

My liver retaliated on Sunday.