St. Louis, Missouri, is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and a unique blend of culinary delights. From its iconic toasted ravioli to its mouth-watering BBQ, St. Louis is a food lover’s paradise. In this article, we’ll delve into the city’s famous dishes, explore its culinary scene, and discover what makes St. Louis a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
A Brief History of St. Louis Cuisine
St. Louis’ culinary identity is shaped by its strategic location at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The city’s history as a major trading hub and its cultural diversity have contributed to the development of a distinct culinary style. German, Italian, and African American influences have all played a significant role in shaping the city’s cuisine.
Immigration and the Birth of St. Louis-Style Cuisine
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, St. Louis experienced a significant influx of immigrants from Europe, particularly from Germany and Italy. These immigrants brought with them their culinary traditions, which eventually merged with the existing African American and Native American cuisines. This cultural exchange gave birth to a unique St. Louis-style cuisine, characterized by hearty, comforting dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
St. Louis’ Famous Foods
St. Louis is famous for its toasted ravioli, provel cheese, and BBQ, but there’s more to the city’s culinary scene than meets the eye. Here are some of the most iconic St. Louis dishes:
Toasted Ravioli
Toasted ravioli is a St. Louis staple, consisting of breaded and fried ravioli filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. This dish is often served as an appetizer or snack, and its origins are attributed to the city’s Italian-American community.
The Story Behind Toasted Ravioli
According to local legend, toasted ravioli was invented by accident in the 1940s by a chef at a St. Louis restaurant. The chef, who was trying to create a new dish, dropped a ravioli into the fryer, and the rest is history. Today, toasted ravioli is a beloved St. Louis tradition, with many restaurants and bars serving their own versions of this crispy, cheesy delight.
Provel Cheese
Provel cheese is a type of cheese that’s unique to St. Louis. It’s a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan cheese, and it’s often used as a topping for pizzas, pasta dishes, and salads. Provel cheese has a distinctive flavor and texture that’s both sharp and smooth.
The History of Provel Cheese
Provel cheese was invented in the 1950s by a St. Louis cheese maker who was trying to create a cheese that would melt well and have a unique flavor. The cheese quickly gained popularity in St. Louis, and today it’s a staple in many local restaurants and households.
St. Louis-Style BBQ
St. Louis-style BBQ is a type of BBQ that’s unique to the city. It’s characterized by its use of pork, beef, and chicken, which are slow-cooked over charcoal or wood. St. Louis-style BBQ is known for its sweet and tangy sauce, which is made with a combination of tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.
The Best BBQ Joints in St. Louis
St. Louis is home to many excellent BBQ joints, each with its own unique style and flavor. Some of the most popular BBQ joints in the city include Pappy’s Smokehouse, Bogart’s Smokehouse, and Salt + Smoke.
Other St. Louis Specialties
In addition to toasted ravioli, provel cheese, and BBQ, St. Louis is also famous for its:
- Gooey Butter Cake: A rich, sweet cake that’s made with a crumbly crust and a gooey, buttery center.
- Brain Sandwiches: A St. Louis specialty that consists of a slice of bread topped with a slice of fried brain, often served with mustard and pickles.
- St. Louis-Style Pizza: A type of pizza that’s made with a thin crust, provel cheese, and a variety of toppings.
Exploring the St. Louis Food Scene
St. Louis is a city that’s passionate about food, and its culinary scene is reflected in its many restaurants, bars, and food trucks. From fine dining establishments to casual eateries, St. Louis has something for every taste and budget.
The Hill
The Hill is a historic Italian-American neighborhood in St. Louis that’s known for its excellent restaurants and bakeries. This charming neighborhood is home to many of the city’s best Italian restaurants, including Adriana’s, Lorenzo’s, and Charlie Gitto’s.
Must-Visit Restaurants on The Hill
- Adriana’s: A family-owned Italian restaurant that’s been a St. Louis staple for over 20 years.
- Lorenzo’s: A cozy Italian restaurant that’s known for its delicious pasta dishes and pizza.
- Charlie Gitto’s: A historic Italian restaurant that’s been serving up classic dishes like toasted ravioli and provel cheese since 1946.
Food Festivals and Events
St. Louis is a city that loves to celebrate its food, and there are many festivals and events throughout the year that showcase the city’s culinary delights. Some of the most popular food festivals in St. Louis include:
- Taste of St. Louis: A annual festival that features food from over 50 local restaurants and food trucks.
- St. Louis BBQ Festival: A festival that celebrates the city’s BBQ heritage, with live music, food vendors, and a BBQ competition.
- St. Louis Food Truck Festival: A festival that features over 20 local food trucks, with a variety of cuisines and dishes to try.
Conclusion
St. Louis is a city that’s passionate about food, and its unique culinary scene is reflected in its many restaurants, bars, and food festivals. From toasted ravioli to provel cheese, and from BBQ to gooey butter cake, St. Louis has a dish for every taste and budget. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a new city to explore, St. Louis is a must-visit destination that’s sure to delight.
What is the culinary scene like in St. Louis?
The culinary scene in St. Louis is a unique blend of traditional Midwestern comfort food and modern twists on classic dishes. The city is known for its toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and provel cheese, which are staples of the local cuisine. St. Louis is also home to a diverse range of international restaurants, serving everything from Vietnamese and Mexican to Italian and Greek cuisine.
In recent years, the city has seen a surge in new restaurants and bars, particularly in the trendy neighborhoods of Soulard and the Central West End. These establishments offer a range of dining options, from fine dining to casual eats, and often feature locally sourced ingredients and creative cocktails. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or new and adventurous, St. Louis has a culinary scene that is sure to satisfy.
What are some must-try dishes in St. Louis?
Some must-try dishes in St. Louis include toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and provel cheese. Toasted ravioli is a St. Louis specialty that consists of breaded and fried ravioli filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Gooey butter cake is a rich and sweet dessert that is made with a crumbly crust and a gooey, buttery center. Provel cheese is a type of cheese that is made in St. Louis and is often used in pizzas, pasta dishes, and salads.
Other popular dishes in St. Louis include pork snoots, which are crispy fried pig snouts that are often served as an appetizer, and brain sandwiches, which are sandwiches made with sliced pig brains that are often served on rye bread with mustard and pickles. St. Louis is also known for its barbecue, particularly its slow-smoked pork ribs and burnt ends.
What is the history of toasted ravioli in St. Louis?
Toasted ravioli is a St. Louis specialty that is believed to have originated in the city’s Italian-American community. The dish is thought to have been created by Italian immigrants who came to St. Louis in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These immigrants brought with them their own culinary traditions, including the use of ravioli in soups and stews.
Over time, St. Louisans began to adapt the traditional Italian recipe for ravioli to their own tastes, adding a crispy breading and frying the ravioli until it was golden brown. The resulting dish, toasted ravioli, became a staple of St. Louis cuisine and is now enjoyed throughout the city.
What is provel cheese and how is it used in St. Louis cuisine?
Provel cheese is a type of cheese that is made in St. Louis and is often used in pizzas, pasta dishes, and salads. The cheese is a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and parmesan cheeses, and is known for its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor. Provel cheese is a staple of St. Louis cuisine and is often used in place of other types of cheese.
Provel cheese is a key ingredient in many St. Louis dishes, including pizzas, pasta bakes, and salads. It is also often served as a snack on its own, melted and served with crackers or bread. In addition to its use in cooking, provel cheese is also a popular ingredient in St. Louis restaurants, where it is often featured as a specialty item on menus.
What are some popular restaurants in St. Louis?
Some popular restaurants in St. Louis include Pappy’s Smokehouse, which is known for its slow-smoked barbecue, and Ted Drewes, which is famous for its frozen custard. Other popular restaurants include the Boathouse, which serves seafood and steaks in a scenic lakeside setting, and the Hill, which is a historic Italian-American neighborhood that is home to many restaurants and bakeries.
In addition to these well-known restaurants, St. Louis is also home to a number of trendy new eateries, including the Block, which serves creative American cuisine, and the Libertine, which offers a range of small plates and craft cocktails. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or new and adventurous, St. Louis has a restaurant scene that is sure to satisfy.
What is the best way to experience the culinary scene in St. Louis?
The best way to experience the culinary scene in St. Louis is to try a variety of different restaurants and dishes. The city is home to a diverse range of cuisines, from traditional Midwestern comfort food to modern twists on classic dishes. Visitors can try toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and provel cheese, as well as other local specialties like pork snoots and brain sandwiches.
In addition to trying different restaurants and dishes, visitors can also experience the culinary scene in St. Louis by attending food festivals and events. The city hosts a number of food festivals throughout the year, including the Taste of St. Louis and the St. Louis Food and Wine Festival. These events offer a great opportunity to try a variety of different foods and drinks, and to meet local chefs and food vendors.
What are some popular food festivals in St. Louis?
Some popular food festivals in St. Louis include the Taste of St. Louis, which takes place in September and features a variety of local restaurants and food vendors. The St. Louis Food and Wine Festival, which takes place in April, is another popular event that showcases the city’s culinary scene. Other popular food festivals include the Soulard Oktoberfest, which celebrates German cuisine and culture, and the Hill Italian Fest, which features Italian food, music, and dancing.
In addition to these large festivals, St. Louis is also home to a number of smaller food events and festivals throughout the year. These events often take place in local neighborhoods and feature a variety of different foods and drinks. Visitors can check local listings and event calendars to find out what’s happening during their visit.