120449 Tue Jan 29 21:34:47 -0800 2002 10 8 Midwest 0 656640 I'm looking for some good Italian (not Italian American) food here in St. Louis. I went to Bar Italia recently and enjoyed it but wondered it that was the apex. I've read some posts recently on I Fratellini and La Piazza and wondered if they were worth the trip. Any thoughts? Thanks Ryan Tue Jan 29 21:34:47 -0800 2002 0 Ryan 1 656641 LaPiazza was very good. Our group thought the (thin) pizzas were well done. Mushroom was the favorite. Tratorria Marcella is always excellent. Can't go wrong with most anything offered. Be sure to reserve. Wed Jan 30 08:01:46 -0800 2002 656640 0 CliffA 2 656653 Thanks for the advice. What else does La Piazza have on its menu? Ryan Thu Jan 31 12:35:28 -0800 2002 656641 0 Ryan 3 656656 Let's see...the usual Italian stuff, easy on the red sauce. It's "northern" Italian. I had osso bucco, which was very good. Served with asparagus and mashed potatoes. Fri Feb 01 08:55:18 -0800 2002 656653 0 CliffA 4 656662 Sounds good. I'm planning on trying it next week. Thanks for the info. Ryan Sat Feb 02 19:49:19 -0800 2002 656656 0 Ryan 1 656677 Has anyone mentioned Brazie's on Hampton? I'm a huge fan of the restaurant, and actually prefer it to places like Cunettos. Also Northern Italian, with a healthy dose of garlic. The restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside, but mmmmmmmmm, inside. The Shrimp Gina Maria appetizer is HIGHLY recommended. Mon Feb 04 17:26:33 -0800 2002 656640 0 PeteGray 2 656678 Pete, Thank you! Ever since this thread started up I've been trying to remember the name, Brazie's. I moved away from St. Louis over a year ago, back to the East Coast, after 25 years in St. Louis. And Brazie's was always a favorite. Isn't there also a place called Lo Russo's? Depending on how long you've lived there, maybe you recall Little Italy when it was way south on Hampton. Now THAT was the best. I tasted my first glass of Orvieto Est est est, there. They moved close to Hampton on the Hill, but then Bruno died. I don't know much after that. But, yes, Brazie's is great, in my memory. Mon Feb 04 17:38:14 -0800 2002 656677 0 Pat Hammond 3 656682 Lo Russo's is actually in my neighborhood. (on Watson)Good, no? Tue Feb 05 08:04:50 -0800 2002 656678 0 CliffA 4 656683 Well, it used to be good. In my memory, I think it pre-dates Brazie's. Watson, hmmmm. I always had trouble with Watson. Does it branch off Hampton somehow? But I sure you're correct. I'd definitely try it, if I were you. Let us know. Pat Tue Feb 05 09:09:45 -0800 2002 656682 0 Pat Hammond 5 656692 If you go east on Chippewa as it crosses Jameson, Chippewa branches north just past Ted Drewes an turns into Watson. LoRusso is just up a few blocks. I picked up a menu in October and it seemed pretty standard fare, but i'm willing to give it a try. I'll let you know when i do. Wed Feb 06 08:40:34 -0800 2002 656683 0 CliffA 2 656684 Brazie's is a good, reliable restaurant, particularly if you like garlic and capers, both of which abound there. It's pretty odd looking from the outside, sitting, as it does, with its front window facing the parking lot of a strip mall. Service is friendly, and food is consistent. I agree that the shrimp is one of the better dishes. Tue Feb 05 09:27:48 -0800 2002 656677 0 Alan Freed