Richard M.
Yelp
The Royal Deluxe - Weston, MO**
From the brilliant culinary minds of Nick and Andrea Martinkovic -- the duo behind the much-missed Noah's Cupboard -- comes **The Royal Deluxe** at The St. George Hotel in Weston, MO. If you've been longing for that same inventive, intimate, and inspired dining experience, here it is... but this time with a soulful, Italian-inspired twist.
This isn't your run-of-the-mill Italian joint. The menu is limited, but that's because everything is crafted around what's **fresh, seasonal, and locally available**. Expect change -- and welcome it. Chef Nick's inspirations show up on the plate, and if you have a request or want a tweak, he's often happy to riff on a dish for you. This is creative cooking with both heart and skill.
**The Feast:**
* **Tagliatelle with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Homegrown Basil** - Fresh, silky pasta coated in a luscious, velvety sauce, studded with sweet cherry tomatoes and crowned with creamy ricotta and fragrant basil.
* **Pizza Extraordinaire** - A charred, thin-yet-chewy crust with rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and basil that tastes like it was just plucked from the garden.
* **Caesar Salad** - Crisp romaine piled high with a snowy drift of finely grated cheese and a dressing that's perfectly balanced -- tangy, savory, and addictive.
* **House-Made Stracciatella with Local Fresh Peaches & Basil** - Summer on a plate. Sweet, juicy peaches with delicate, creamy cheese and bright basil leaves -- the perfect sweet-salty-herbal trifecta.
* **Arancini with Peaches & Cream** - Golden, crispy risotto balls paired with silky cream and tangy pickled peppers for a surprising twist.
* **Toasted Homemade Bread with Compound Butter** - Simple, but utterly perfect. The butter is rich, silky, and kissed with olive oil and herbs.
* **Cheesy Bread with Herbs** - Comfort food elevated, with gooey cheese, fresh herbs, and a satisfying crunch.
* **Italian Green Olives** - Briny, fresh, and bursting with flavor -- a perfect nibble between bites.
* **PEI Mussels in Dunkable Garlic Butter Sauce** - Plump, tender mussels bathed in garlicky, buttery heaven, served with bread to soak up every drop.
And don't miss their **artisanal espresso** -- a rich, velvety shot that proves their attention to detail extends right down to the last sip.
**Bottom line:** The Royal Deluxe is worth the trip to Weston all on its own. It's a place where the food is thoughtful, the flavors are bold yet balanced, and the experience feels like you've stumbled upon a hidden gem -- because you have.