Wayne Z.
Yelp
It's one of those days, where your broker screws you with the wrong Load info, and in trucking, that translates to a layover in this economy; Didn't pick up a load, ain't heading back home to Los Angeles. And so I found myself parked with my big rig in the village of East St Louis, Illinois-- a not so charming town, with no nearby restaurants, not even a Denny's, and it was right then and there I had this epiphany...I have 15 hours to blow off, and what better way than to call an Uber and maybe check out this town home to the Gateway Arches, and where the expedition to the West began in the days of Lewis & Clark.
So I arrive at the lobby of the Hilton, no rooftop bar in sight, this was the destination I set alright. The city seemed a bit quiet in this side of Broadway street. Maybe its the recession. After walking in, I ask the concierge, is there a restaurant at this location, and without hesitation, he swipes his card and puts me on a one way trip to the 26th Floor.
Enter the floor, it is alive, it is everything you'd expect of a rooftop bar in the center of the city, no fancy dress codes, very chill, very lax, everyone just having a good time. No complaints about the decor here, and they were playing my type of music, house & lounge, just like Vegas!
Maybe earlier at first glance it was a recession, but the ballpark next door was packed on this Monday night so I taketh whatever I said back. Cheers.
I'll put a stop to my rambling and get to the drinks and the food. You'd think that coming out here, your really just paying for the atmosphere and views; however I'm quite impressed with everything that I ordered tonight.
The 360 Old Fashion, is probably one of the better variations I've had, a little on the sweeter side, but overall a very palatable drink. The House Fries, I devoured, reminded me of my childhood visiting Lebanese Shawarma Stalls in Saudi Arabia by the Red Sea, think it was the Garlic Aioli though, very similar to Arabic Garlic White Sauce ( a blend of lemon juice and garlic ). Moving on to the Lobster Arancini, a mix of pomodoro, Parmesan and parsley, being the first time trying such a dish, I just wanted to say, this is what Falafel and Marinara Sauce paired together would look like, except the filling is langostino shellfish, and cheese. Nevertheless, this was a really good starter, and kudos to my server for recommending it. Last but not least, I ordered the Miso Salmon, this is very Asian inspired, yet very creative too. I've quite frankly never had glass noodles, paired with Salmon. Enjoyed every bite of this dish, it was light, refreshing, had the right amount of peppers & spice, Salmon, was cooked just right, tender in the middle, charred on the outside. Two thumbs up.
For those out of towners like me, if you end up in town with a semi-truck, live a little. I know, money is tight in this market, but experiences like these, they don't always come by. Despite not having any company, I figured out a way to just embrace every second of this night out solo. So hopefully my brokers screw me again in another great town, so I can muster up the spirit and find myself in the middle of another happenstance. Good night.