April 2005

April 21, 2005

My Queendom for a High-Shine Lip Treatment!

I've got the demand; where's the supply? After being clued in to the wonderfulness of The Body Shop's new "High-Shine Lip Treatment," I bopped on over to my nearest location (the dread Galleria) to pick up one for myself and one for a friend who needed a pick-her-up. (New babies + hormonal surges + no sleep = sudden episodes of pathos, but that's a topic for another time.)

One for her, in Bronze Beam, no problem. But where was my own Mauve Dream? The salesgirl thought that afternoon's shipment would include some; later, she called to tell me it had not.

A few days later, on a trip to NYC, I remembered my quest as I strolled by a Manhattan Body Shop. "Perfect!" I thought; something I already wanted could be my shopping souvenir! Imagine my disappointment when that trip turned up fruitless, as well. A second New York Body Shop stop yielded similar results. Someone tried to sell me on Pink Cream, but I don't want Pink Cream, dammit -- I want Mauve Dream!!

And somewhere, someone is wearing it...

April 17, 2005

So West County

A trip into "the valley" last night had me wondering; exactly how many restaurants can Chesterfield support, anyway? A lot. That's the answer and on a Saturday night, they're all doing quite well, thank you.

We don't venture that way, well, ever really but had occasion to and chose from a ridiculously overwhelming (ah, America) selection. The valley is a geographic buffet.

I didn't know that the Old Spaghetti Factory had planted an offshoot in Chesterfield and while it's just not the same, if you order your favorite Italian dish (cue Dad: Sophia Lauren!) and close your eyes it's almost . . .

Oh who am I kidding? You must go to the city for real Old Spaghetti Factory, but if you're already in Chesterfield and some garlic cheesebread and a huge plate of pasta is in order; just go.

Continue reading "So West County"

April 08, 2005

Comfort and Cheese at Jasoom

In the spot once (and long) occupied by Le Petit Paris (don't fret, petits chou-choux, we're sure Chef Philippe will turn up just fine at a multitude of new ventures), we now have Jasoom, bringing the mini-trend of upscale comfort food to the South Grand strip. The new look of the dining room is modern and clean (our dining companion noted "how much bigger the space looks without all that crap on the walls"); the menu includes one of God's gifts to appetizers, the fried pickle (though we'd prefer them sliced and not speared, but a minor quibble). We're not sure where down home the proprietors hail from, but they learned at the apron-strings of a master: Kentucky Hot Brown, fried chicken dredged in buttermilk and spices, and plenty of other treats to tuck into. Given the overall fat (and cheese) content of many of the entrées, this may have to be an occasional treat rather than a three-times-a-week standby. And one gimmick -- sandwiches made on thick French bread turned upside down so that it forms giant crusty wings -- is a lot better in aesthetic theory than in eating practice.

Check it out: 3210 S. Grand, 314-644-4145, dinner served Tu-Sa.