Foodies Road Trip: St. Louis Chinatown

Over the holidays I had an opportunity to visit some friends in St. Louis. St. Louis is a virtual foodie town as it boasts thousands of restaurants, cafes and markets. A virtual cornucopia of cuisines can be had from Mid Western comfort food to authentic Italian dishes. An while St. Louis has some local favorite dishes including barbecue pork steak and gooey butter cake, it also is home to one of the Mid-West's best kept secrets: Chinatown. Yep, you heard me right…San Francisco and D.C. are not the only metropolitan cities with an amazing Asian community of markets, bakeries and restaurants serving everything from Peking Duck to Shark's Fin Soup. 

The original Chinatown in St. Louis started out in the region where Busch stadium is now located. Chinese immigrants made this area home from 1869 to 1966 . The community now calls Olive Boulevard in University City home. The area maintains several Chinese business including a Chamber of Commerce. 

As far as food goes,one of the best ethnic supermarkets in the city can be found in Chinatown.  'Seafood City Supermarket' is one of the largest international markets in the Mid-West. The building is thousands of feet of food, seasonings and tools used in various ethnic cultures. Rows of seasonings from China, Korea, India, Jamaica, Japan and many other regions can found throughout the store. Fresh seafood is brought in daily including fish, shrimp, clams, crabs and eels. Kitchen tools such as woks, knives, rice cookers and steamers also decorate the shelves. 

One of our first stops was at the 'Wei Hong Bakery and BBQ'. This small brick building houses some truly amazing little bites of heaven.  We feasted on fresh, hot  pork buns while watching the baker prepare fresh Hong Kong style rice dumplings. 

We also made a stop at J&W Bakery which was serving a number of fresh baked breads and dumplings. They even prepared a delicious pork bun served in a crispy lattice work breading as opposed to the traditional soft bread bun. 

There were a number of little cafes and markets offering Oriental delicacies like Hong Kong dumplings filled with rice and pork. 

Roasted pork and duck seasoned with Chinese five spice hung in the windows of markets. 

One author has noted that the St. Louis Chinatown is more like 'Asiantown'. We found this to be true as we spotted Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants in the area. 

 And while I did enjoy a little bit of Chinese garlic beef at a 'touristy' Chinese restaurant, our true gem came in the form of Pho we found at Pho Long. Pho Long boasts a number of wonderful Vietnamese dishes.

I discovered that because the Missouri Department of Transportation has jurisdiction over part of Olive Blvd. that no decorative arches or gateways could be placed over the roadway. As a result, there is no officially 'designated' Chinatown in St. Louis. But like most cultural treasures, being designated 'officially' makes little difference in the hearts and minds of those who celebrate the Asian culture in this community. They will continue to celebrate their community through the wonderful foods and cooking techniques of their homeland.

Happy New Years Foodie Style!

Here's hoping that all of you have a great 2012! If doomsday prophets and the Mayan calendar aren't correct, we hope to try and share a whole new year of amazing restaurants and foods with you!

Well, 2012 started out with a bang as I was invited to a New Year's Eve party with members of the West Tennessee Thai community. Guests brought several delicious dishes from China, Korea, Japan and Thailand. The intoxicating scent of Thai chilies, coconut milk and lemongrass could be smelled throughout the air. One of the cooks exclaimed "This is the real Oriental food! Not Americanized!"

I started out with some Korean bass. The fish was freshly caught by the cook's husband. The fish was steamed with garlic, ginger and spicy seasoned vegetables. It was delicious!

Next I tried a truly unique dish which was baked jasmine rice with shredded coconut and homemade sausage. It was slightly sweet but having the a nice bite of spiciness. This was served wrapped in lettuce.

For those who attended seeking a little 'heat' in this winter cold, homemade Kimchi and spicy black bean pastes were available. I enjoy spicy foods and this was definitely a treat!

I was in foodie heaven if only for a few hours. The food was delicious, soulful and made with love. Amazing food created by some amazing people. Happy New Years to you and let us always remember the eloquent words of opera great Luciano Pavarotti who said "One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote ourselves to eating."

Ethnic Foods Cooking Class

Have you ever wanted to try to cook like the street vendors of Vietnam or the great chefs of Bombay? Join us as we look into the culture, history, and food of some of the most fascinating world cultures in 'Introduction to World Cuisine'.

Take a virtual tour of an ethnic food market and learn where and how to shop for exotic ingredients found in Asian, Indian and Latin cooking. Learn about the fundamental herbs and spices used in Thai, Indian, African and Middle-Eastern dishes. Learn the history and philosophy behind traditional Chinese cooking. Understand how to identify the tools and supplies of traditional ethnic kitchens. Last but not least, learn to cook delicious Asian street food, Caribbean cuisine and Indian favorites.

Registration for this class is $20.00 and includes class, supplies and take home materials. Class is 8:00 am to 12:00 pm March 31, 2011 at Jackson State Community College.


You may register through Jackson State Continuing Education at http://registration.xenegrade.com/jscc/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=12348

Feast in the Middle East

One of things missing from many chain restaurants is the element of 'atmosphere'. Sure they may have peanuts on the floor but the Toby Keith soundtrack is so loud the waiter has to hold their hand up to their mouth 'yodeling style' to take your order. Or maybe there is decor but it is cookie cutter pre-fabed street signs and sports memorabilia. Somewhere there's gotta be a sweatshop that does nothing but pump out restaurant props." I want you kids to bang out two-hundred of these John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe cutouts by the end of the day or the beatings will continue!"

Much like the 'set' in a theater production can set the mood for an audience, the atmosphere of a dining establishment can sometimes make even the tastiest food unappealing. So with that being said, the atmosphere at Memphis' Al-Rayan takes one into a world of dining pleasure. Colorful handmade rugs and pillows decorate a large area of the restaurant. Exotic lamps, pipes and art from the Middle East give the restaurant a feel of dining in a desert cafe. The alluring smell of lamb roasting on the spit calls the senses. Al-Rayan brings Middle East cuisine to the Mid-South.



Chef Hndi Nahwi serves traditional cuisine from Lebanon and various regions of the Middle East. Meals can be served in a traditional style starting with small appetizer plates known as 'Meze' that are best enjoyed communally. Some of the appetizers include homemade hummus and stuffed grape leaves. For the health conscious there is delightful treat that combines fried white cheese and homemade butter. Yeah...feel em' cloggin....

Soups made from lentils and Arabic spices as well as the refreshing Tabouleh salad made from chopped parsley, fresh mint, wheat, olive oil and fresh squeezed lemon juice. One tasty lentil soup is made of lentils, vermicelli and spices.

 As delicious as these starters may be, let's get into the meat of it. I enjoyed some of the Tandoori Chicken and rice cooked in East African style with fresh herbs. The chicken was smoky and rich and served with fresh warm pita bread and a citrus based salad. I also enjoyed some chickpea croquettes.

Marinated shish kabobs of grilled lamb are also an amazing treat here. Grilled robust shwarma is available wrapped in pita bread with a minty yogurt sauce. One of the most notable items on the menu is a traditional stew from Yemen of lamb, potatoes and herbs. This rich savory stew is served in a traditional clay pot.

My favorite part of the meal was this steaming cup of goodness that the waitress served me. Hot, sweet Arabic tea made from cardamom and cloves served with a golden nugget of sweetbread cookie.



When you are looking for delicious Middle Eastern cuisine you should pay a visit to the folks at Al-Rayan. Pull up a pillow on the carpet and order communally. Great tastes in a great atmosphere.

Al Rayan

288 North Cleveland St.

Memphis TN 38104

Comfort Food Honduran Style

Throughout Jackson Tennessee there is an steady growing number of Mexican restaurants.  Many of them selling the same three usual suspects: meat, cheese and rice. It seems like every 'Los Something', 'El Sew and Sew' and 'La This and That' serve the same cookie cutter Americanized Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos and fajitas.  Much of what passes as Mexican cuisine is about as authentic Mexican as 'Chef Boyardee' is Italian. There are those few local Taquerias that serve authentic dishes like Al Pastor, Barbacoa and Mole Poblano. 

Every now and then something special comes down the culinary pike. Enter 'Los Amigos'…

As the cold weather has began to set in, I am driving down 45 bypass in Jackson and I peer over to see a lighted sign that says 'Los Amigos'. I must admit that with a name like 'Los Amigos', I was not expecting much. (Too Vanilla!) I immediately pulled in and proceeded to go inside just to humor myself.  I was a little leery sensing the same three suspects of meat, cheese and rice would be hiding inside. Maybe I could get a 'McTaco' or a 9 piece box of Salsa Nuggets…As I entered, I noticed a Honduran flag hanging in the front window. Interesting. No images of sombreros, burros or the typical kitch Mexi deco….

I picked up a menu and began scanning. 'Plantains', 'Pupusas' 'Molcajete'…What was this? This was not the same old Mexican fare that could be found all over town. Just then a delightful young lady greeted me and tells me that they serve Honduran foods. Sweet! Without hesitating I took my seat for what would prove to be some delicious fare!

Los Amigos features some wonderful Honduran dishes that many West Tennesseans may have never encountered. Lets start with one of my favorites, the 'Pupusas'. Pupusas are hand made corn tortillas stuffed with pork, cheese and covered in shredded vinegar laden cabbage. Think warm cornbread cakes stuffed with slow cooked pork. Man are these good!

You must try the 'Pastelitos' which are golden fried tortillas stuffed with seasoned beef and potatoes and are covered with a savory Honduran salsa called 'Salsina'. The 'La Marinera' is fresh fried talapia with Honduran salsa served with sweet green bananas and avocado. 

Other dishes include Honduran fried pork chops fried sweet or salty plantains and Honduran fried chicken and salsa. Los Amigo's 'Carnitas' are slow cooked pork tips marinated in citrus juices and seasonings. Los Amigos serves their carnitas with beans, rice and warm tortillas. 

The featured crown jewel of Los Amigos is the creation known as  'Molcajete' (Mole-ka-he-tay). The word 'molcajete' refers to a stone bowl used to grind spices. This amazing dish is served in an actual molcajete. The bowl is filled with a delicious stew made from slow braised steak, caramelized onions, stewed tomatoes and peppers and seasoned with Honduran spices. It is topped with cheese and served piping hot with warm tortillas.   

I don't easily admit this but this food was so good that I came back a second day and ate their cooking again. It was so fresh, so different and so delicious I just had to have more.

'Los Amigos' is operated by the Villeda family from Brownsville Tennessee. Head chef Maria Villeda has been cooking Honduran favorites for years. Come taste some of her amazing Honduran comfort food!  

Los Amigos

1869 Hwy 45 Bypass

Jackson TN

Middle Eastern Treats

Fans of middle eastern cuisine in the Hub City now have a place to get their fix. 'Al Houda International Food Market' is serving up some delicious foods prepared daily. The market is an oasis itself where Jacksonians can find a number of hard to find products including meats, cheeses and a variety of spices.

Al Houda features a huge assortment of spices and herbs ranging from Tumeric and Sumac to Aniseed. There's also an assortment of dried ingredients like lentils, Garam Masala and tea leaves. Foodies can enjoy sodas from Holland and fresh pita bread.

There's a killer selection of cheeses from Syria and homemade butter from the middle east. Cooks can find filo dough and falafal mix to make their own dishes at home!

For those seeking a true Middle Eastern experience, Al Houda sells authentic herbal teas along with Shisha pipes and tobaccos. (Affectionately known in the west as 'Hookahs')

The crown jewel of Al Houda is their fresh cooked meals. Classic foods include lamb gyros and roasted shwarma. A wonderful marinated chicken dish called 'Shish Tawook' is a big seller. Owner and cook Alex Hanson serves roasted kabobs of beef, lamb and chicken alongside tasty bits like falafel and tabbouleh.  Vegans can try their cool and flavorful Mediterranean Salad served with garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. The rich eggplant dip Baba Ghanoosh and Hummus is also available eat in or carry out.

Al Houda International Market 

903 Hollywood

Jackson Tennessee 38301

Cheeseburger in Paradise

" But at night I'd had these wonderful dreams
Some kind of sensuous treat
Not zucchini, fettucini or Bulgar wheat
but a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat"


The great poet James Buffet truly spoke to the heart of many of us who yearn for that big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat. Cheeseburgers...is there a more perfect food? The quintessential combination of meat, cheese and bread. And while it seems very difficult to mess up this kind of combination, there are some that  find a way to do so.

The quest for the ideal cheeseburger can lead you into a number of diners and eateries. Want it served 'fast food' style in a value meal at your favorite 'Mc-Indigestion'? How about as the main star at a more formal burger joint that dries it out but serves it with a bottomless barrel of fries to compensate?

Yes the quest for the ideal burger can be rather daunting. But there is hope my fellow foodies...

Jennifer Boals has thrown down the gauntlet in the world of cheeseburgers. She and her staff operate Ruben's Drive Thru in Humboldt Tennessee and their weapon of choice is a delicious dish known as the 'Cheeseburger in Paradise'. Patted and cooked from real ground beef, the CIP is an 8 oz. patty of 100% ground beef served dripping with ooey-gooey American cheese on a buttery golden bun. Topped with fresh green lettuce and a ruby red tomato slice, the burger is amazing!

Jennifer shares that while it takes her staff a little longer to create a burger while not using a pre-made patty, it is definitely worth it.  Her customers come from miles around to get her famous burger. The Cheeseburger in Paradise is but one of their stars. Customers can try the jumbo size Double Corral Burger made from a 12oz. ground beef patty or truly step up to the plate and get a 16oz. Double Paradise Burger. All of their burgers can be custom built with toppings like chili, jalapenos, bacons or mushrooms.

'Ruben's Drive Thru' also serves a variety of dishes including Philly Cheese Steaks, Patty Melts and Chicken Sandwiches. They also offer dishes that no one else in the city offers including deep-fried green beans, deep-fried squash and sweet potato fries. When the winter months hit, Ruben's offers a variety of bread bowl soups. Summer months bring out a wide variety of salads to give customers a 'lighter' menu of items. 

On Saturday's Ruben's offers customers a taste of southern barbecue as they serve full and half orders of smoked baby back ribs. And while I must admit that I usually don't care for pizza from a restaurant that doesn't specialize solely in pizza, the pizza at Rubens is actually pretty dang good. I had a slice of the cheese which was a stringy, gooey, cheesy experience on a very tasty golden crust. 

Have a sweet tooth? Ruben's serves up a delicious array of deserts including chocolate chip cookies made from real butter, pizza desserts covered in Oreo crumbles and old-fashioned milkshakes.

Ruben's is a breath of fresh air in the world of chain restaurants. Remember folks: EAT LOCAL!

Rubens's Drive Thru

2216 East End Drive

Humboldt Tennessee 38343