I recently got an e-mail
from the Quincy Street Bistro inviting me to check out their Lobster
Festival event. After looking at their website I found a familiar
face; Chef Birk.
I remembered Chef Birk from many lunches at Cousin
Hugo's on Hanley Rd.Chef Birk, Matt Birkenmeier, got his start at Cousin Hugo's and considers Tommy Bahn as his mentor. From there he has worked for the Millennium Hotels, Wolfgang Puck’s, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Ritz Carlton Resorts-Montego Bay Jamaica, Owner of Biggs BBQ-Montego Bay Jamaica, currently Executive Chef at Quincy Street Bistro; bringing his flare for Southern American Classics and Midwestern BBQ back to South St. Louis.
Mike and Sue Enright are
the owners of Quincy Street Bistro . They have been married 28 years
and call St. Louis Hills home. Both grew up in South St. Louis; Mike
actually grew up on Quincy St.. They look at Quincy Street Bistro as
an extension there family and home. The atmosphere they hope to
provide is as if they are welcoming each guest into their home with a
comfortable atmosphere, courteous service, and great food.
The building, formally a bar known as Jimmy’s Saloon, is 110 years old. The upstairs was four separate apartments with bathrooms down the hall. It is now, all open seating for approximately 100 for large parties etc.
The Lobster Fest offered a wide variety of the tasty crustaceans from appetizers, to soup, to entrees.
The appetizers included butter poached lobster salad, lobster cakes, lobster bruchetta, and a classic lobster bisque.
The entrees included tempura fried, or fire grilled,lobster tail, open lobster ravioli, and a lobster roll.
The menu also offered a cast iron chicken dish with a mushroom and artichoke mornay sauce, a Chef's cut tenderloin with caramelized onions, and a blackened salmon entree.
I ordered the lobster bisque, fire grilled lobster tail with roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts with lardons and homemade bread pudding for dessert. Each item was perfection. Chef Birk has come a long way from flipping burgers at Cousin Hugo's!
There were plenty of local craft beers as well as National brands, a good wine list and some house special cocktails. To be specific, the in house, barrel-aged Manhattan was amazing! Other offerings included a barrel-aged Sazerac, Old Fashion and a Manhattan De Sarona. They definitely have a well stocked bar.
I found it very refreshing to enjoy gourmet food in the setting of a neighborhood bar. It was truly a great experience! They also have table seating. The service was great, the staff was friendly and I think the Quincy Street Bistro has become one of my favorite places in St. Louis.
The Quincy Street Bistro offers special event menu's on a regular basis so check out their website, www.quincystreetbistro.com to see a schedule of upcoming events. You will also see some great photos of Chef Birk's culinary skills.
I am also tempted to try their private Chef Tasting for 2 to 10 people which includes wine, beer, scotch, bourbon, paired dinner of 3 to 6 courses priced from $100 to a market price per person depending upon the meal and number of people.
Reservations are accepted but you can also eat at the bar. The Quincy St. Bistro is closed on Sundays. They ar located at 6931 Gravois Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63116
For information or to make a reservation call (314) 353-1588
