|
 Citizen
Kane's
shows why it is considered by many as
St. Louis'
best steak house
by Daniel Hines
Publisher
America's Seniors/TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com
Although St. Louis is likely best-known for its Italian cuisine and not
its steaks, Citizen Kane's Steak House in suburban Kirkwood has rapidly
gained a reputation for its outstanding steaks--and with good reason.
The restaurant has a lot going for
it. It is located in a turn-of-the-century home nestled among the
tree-lined streets of Kirkwood, one of the premier in-close (20 minutes
from the Arch) suburbs of St. Louis County. Owner Frank Kane (and
you thought the name came from the Orson Welles character) and manager
Brian Heilman have created an ambiance that reflects traditional St.
Louis charm, coupled with an obvious eye for selecting a great cut of
beef, as well as assembling a group of waiters and staff that is
courteous, attentive and prompt without being stuffy and overbearing.
But, as picturesque as the restaurant
itself is, it is the steaks that are the stars of the show.
We have enjoyed Citizen Kane's steaks
before, but it was a first time for our guest, so her perspective would
act to ensure that we were objective. By the time we left, we both
agreed that the steaks were among the best that we have ever had.
We started our meal with appetizers of
chilled shrimp and sautéed mushrooms. It set the stage for what was to
follow with the shrimp being chilled and firm, and served with a
wonderful cocktail sauce. The mushrooms were served in a wine,
garlic and fresh herbs sauce that left us thinking seriously about
ordering more.
But, that would have detracted from the
steaks that were to follow--a wonderful soft-textured and perfectly
cooked filet for my guest. I ordered a rib eye, but not without
some reservations because it seems that too often rib eyes today are more
fat and gristle than good meat.
Not to worry, however. This was an
absolutely wonderful rib eye with just the right amount of marbling to
add flavor and texture. It was the best that I had enjoyed since
leaving my small Central Illinois village nearly 20 years ago--and in
that heart of the Prairie, we had some great corn-fed steaks.
This, however, was their equal or better.
We both ordered a salad with Mayfair
dressing, a St. Louis favorite. It is always fun to see how
different restaurants prepare their Mayfair and there are as many
variations as there are establishments. Citizen Kane's is a creamy
Mayfair whose anchovy base is lighter than some places, but is prepared
in such a fashion as to create a smooth mouth feel and pleasing taste
that lingers.
For dessert, we decided to split a
home-made carrot cake. It was a fitting end to a great meal,
although we found ourselves casting looks at some of the chocolate
dishes that we bypassed.
Our wine was ordered by the glass--a rich
red Zinfandel that left us wondering once again why more people have not
learned to enjoy this great variety, especially with steaks.
Citizen Kane's has received many awards,
including recently being named by one publication as having the best
steak in St. Louis. We endorse that recognition and add that the
steaks are so good that it left us thinking that they truly were among
the best--if not the best--that we have had anywhere.
That is why Today's Seniors has chosen
Citizen Kane's as the recipient of one of its Top Twenty St. Louis
Restaurants. Great food, wonderful staff, a picturesque and
genteel setting with steaks to die for...but what a way to go!
By the way, about the Citizen Kane
reference: be sure to note the delightful decorations such as the
Rosebud sled at the entrance and the pictures of Orson Welles from the
movie.
Citizen
Kane's Steak House
133 West Clinton Place
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Phone: 314.965.9005
Major
Credit Cards accepted
Reservations
required
Casual
atmosphere
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