time for HARVEST
For about a year now, I've heard people comment on Harvest, an American-style upscale restaurant in the Richmond Heights-Clayton corridor. I've read reviews in St. Louis Magazine, Riverfront Times, and Sauce Magazine as well (if you aren't familiar with these three resources from st. louis, you should definitely get acquainted). And yet, it seemed like every time I tried to go, something came up.
Well, this weekend, I finally got my chance to try it out. Located next door to Hank's Cheesecake, this small-but-quaint eatery is decorated with grapevines, gauze-draped lamps and mood lighting, creating a celestial ambience for diners. After sitting down to a white-linen-covered table, our waitress took our order for a bottle of wine, and listed their off-the-menu specials for the night. The menu itself changes seasonally, to ensure the best picks possible.
I enjoyed scallops with root vegetable couscous (I had no idea what to expect of this, but it was amazing), and my dining companions tasted the fish special - a Hawaiian wahloo - the creamiest white fish I've ever had, and the pork tenderloin. All entrees were complete with something a little different to spice it up: wahloo with coconut lime sauce, tenderloin with a carmelized apple potato cake, scallops with citrus-watercress vinaigrette. Don't worry though, if you are unsure of anything listed, the knowledged wait staff will explain...or if you need more help, the chef himself, Stephen Gontram, will come out to give you details.
Now for dessert. This being a birthday dinner, we decided to get four desserts so everyone at the table could enjoy and sample a variety. I chose creme brulee, one of my favorites, that they offered with white chocolate flavoring. We also ordered their famous bread pudding with currant sauce, which deserves all of the rave it gets. Not to be forgotten were the exceptional spicy carrot cake with cream cheese fondue and ginger ice cream, and flourless chocolate cake with strawberry sorbet. There wasn't a crumb left on the table.
If you are looking for the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two, a special night for a larger group or just great food for any number of people, Harvest will definitely meet all of your expectations.
Place: Harvest
Location: 5 minutes west of downtown
Contact: 314.645.3522 or harveststlouis.com
