Sasha's on Shaw
There's not really too many places to eat around the Missouri Botanical Garden. Well, there is World's Fair Donuts, but, you can't really make a meal of out donuts - well, I suppose you could, but it probably wouldn't be a good idea.
So, the neighborhood's local foodies were pretty pleased - so they told me - when the owner of Sasha's Wine Bar (in Clayton) opened an outpost on Shaw.
Located on a corner lot, there's a nice outdoor seating area (filled on the night I was there), and two nice spacious dining areas and two bars.
The decor is 21st wine bar. Lots of wine bottles everywhere, including hanging lights made from bottles. And lots of granite. Lots of granite!
We ordered a bottle of Cosentino Sangiovese (2006) which was just delightful and started with the prosciutto and Parmesan platter. The prosciutto was from the local (and nationally known) Volpi Foods. The Parmesan was shaved thick and served along with cornichons, French bread toast and a nice spicy mustard. A good start!
Around the table were ordered a pepperoni pizza, a prosciutto crepe, and the brisket French dip (me).
Before we get to the Dip, a note on the other two dishes. The savory crepe was nicely done and served with the same mustard at the prosciutto and cheese platter. The pizza was quite interesting (I got a taste of both dishes). A very thin crust, a good spicy sauce, and generous pepperoni slices. Though a round, it wasn't cut into the usual pie-shaped wedges, but rather into
squares. I've seen this every now and then and thought it was interesting. Little did I know, this cutting style is a St. Louis tradition!
So, what about the Dip? Nice thin meat, a very chewy and slightly toasted French roll. The dipping sauce was also spiced to compliment the meat. Served with a side of potato salad and pickle, it ranked as a very good French dip.
Service was good with our waiter offering wine suggestions (when our first choice wasn't available). Some reviews have noted that the service was below par and verging on surly. I asked my companions about this (they're regulars) and they said that the first round of
staff hired were a bit problematic, but that they hadn't noticed any problems lately.
Here's to hoping that Sasha's on Shaw will stick around!
More photos.
Meal: Dinner
Rating: ****
Date: 11 May 2009
Address: 4069 Shaw Ave., St Louis, MO 63110
Website: http://www.sashaswinebar.com/ (not working 13 May 2009)
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