Restaurants

When life starts to drag me down, there are two things that can always be counted on to cheer me:  listening to some good old-fashioned blues music and a thick, hearty soup.  In my younger years, my modus operandi after any break-up was to hole up in my house with some Jimmy Reed playing on the stereo and a pot of homemade minestrone bubbling on my stove.  It always made me feel better.

So when I heard about B.B.’s Jazz, Blues and Soups in St. Louis, Missouri, I knew I’d have to go – no matter what my mood might be.  The pairing of great live music and my all-time favorite comfort food was just too much to pass up.

Though B.B.’s might be best classified as a club or music venue, it has a full and varied menu.  You can eat your fill on a good ol’ Po’ Boy sandwich, some toasted ravioli (a St. Louis classic) or just some hot wings.  But the soups are the reason to eat here.  The place prides themselves on tasty, healthy offerings – in fact, they “stake their reputation on it.”  B.B.’s Louisiana File’ Gumbo is always available but the four other soups offered vary daily.  On my visit, I went with a fantastic ham and navy bean soup that was served with a hunk of fresh made cornbread.  I was not disappointed.

And the music?  The venue is perfectly sized so you can get up close and personal with some of St. Louis’ best local blues and jazz bands.  I was lucky enough to catch local artist Alvin Jett, whose rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s Little Wing literally took my breath away. And from what I hear tell, all of the acts at B.B.’s are on the same level.  B.B.’s website offers a full calendar of performing acts.

But have I mentioned the soup?  I worry that no words of mine will do the soup justice.  I still dream about that soup.  I will return for the soup even if no acts are playing that night.  That’s how good that soup was.

So if you are in the mood for the kind of comfort that will warm you deep down to your core, I heartily recommend spending an evening at B.B.’s Jazz, Blues and Soups.

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B.B.’s Jazz, Blues and Soups
700 South Broadway
St. Louis, Missouri 63102

Tel: 314.436.5222

Photos courtesy of B.B.’s Jazz, Blues and Soups.

Brio Tuscan Grille in Kansas City, Missouri

Mention Kansas City, and most people think of the world’s best barbeque. And it’s true; those of us who travel to this big city in Missouri nearly always enjoy BBQ beyond compare. However, anyone on vacation in Kansas City can’t survive on barbeque for every meal. My favorite classy, high-end Italian restaurant in Kansas City is the Brio Tuscan Grille, and the next time I’m in that fun city, I’ll be sure to eat there again.

Brio Tuscan Grille is part of a large chain with restaurants in nearly every state. In fact, there are two Brio Tuscan Grilles in Missouri alone. But this is no Olive Garden (nothing against Olive Garden, these restaurants are simply more upscale!) in several ways. The service is friendly yet professional, the wine list more than sufficient, and the food…Well. The entrees at this Italian restaurant are great, delicious traditionally Italian fare, and a perfect respite from the ribs and pulled pork for which Kansas City is more renown.

I went to the Brio in Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, on Nichols Road. Country Club Plaza is a popular, great location in Kansas City, with a lot of luxury shopping and other restaurants for meals and drinks. Brio Tuscan Grille has competitors (Figla’s Italian restaurant comes to mind), but it more than meets the challenge. Specializing in Tuscan fare – hence the name – with beautiful decor and a warm, friendly ambiance, this restaurant has been popular with Kansas City residents for a long time. A reservation is needed on weekends, particularly for large groups.

Dining area, Brio Tuscan

Now, I was with a large group when we ate here: We sat in one of the six banquet rooms and shared large plates of traditional Italian food. There were also a couple of bottles of red wine on the banquet table, and the vino perfectly complemented our meal. Everyone was extremely pleased with all aspects of the restaurant. It’s hard to please everyone in a group! Clearly, the staff at Brio Tuscan Grille know what they’re doing. It’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri.