Shrimp tempura rolls are a guilty pleasure on sushi menus across West County, because deep-frying is part of the process. The roll can be made with the rice inside or outside and is filled with shrimp and most commonly slices of avocado and cucumber. The frying can come in the form of shrimp tempura inside or deep frying the entire roll. Tempura refers to seafood or vegetables that have been battered and fried. Shrimp tempura rolls have a sweet, savory and creamy taste and texture that is freshened by the cucumber, avocado and the usual accompaniments of pickled ginger and wasabi.Wasabi Sushi…

Pasta may seem like an easy dish to make, but there are a few key things you must do to make it great. Use a large enough pot for cooking the pasta so it does not stick together. Salt the water (about 2 teaspoons for a gallon of water). Salt adds flavor to the pasta itself. If the pasta is bland, then it won't matter how flavorful your sauce is. Cook the pasta al dente, which means to the tooth—basically, don't turn it to mush. I chose different sauces and pastas. It was interesting to see how each restaurant crafted its dish. The Pasta House 14007 Manchester Rd., Manchester My second visit …

There is something addictive about tacos al pastor—the small tortillas filled with crispy marinated pork, pineapple, spicy red salsa, onions, cilantro and lime. Street vendors in Mexico sell hundreds of these every night. Tacos al pastor are made by marinating the pork in a varying amounts of orange, lime and pineapple juice, dried chiles and spices. Cooks have their own variation for the marinade. The pork (sliced in thin steaks) is then cooked on a vertical spit or vertical roaster with a pineapple on top. As the pork and pineapple cook, the juice of the pineapple glazes the pork. The meat …

Eggplant parmigiana or melanzane alla parmigiana, as they say in Italy, is a Southern Italian dish made with a sliced, pan-fried eggplant, layered with tomato sauce and cheese, then baked. The original parmigiana was made with eggplant, and later variations made with meat came about. Other cooking methods have the eggplant dipped in flour, egg and breading before frying.Some attribute the name parmigiana to the use of Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan cheese). Others believe it is from the Parma region of northern Italy (which is what Parmigiana usually means). However, eggplant parmigiana is …

Pad thai, or phat thai, is a full flavored dish of stir-fried rice noodles with cooked and chopped eggs, bean sprouts, fish sauce, tamarind juice and red chili pepper, garnished with crushed peanuts, cilantro, lime and green onions. Protein added to the dish is usually a choice of shrimp, chicken or tofu. Fish sauce is made from fermented fish. Although this doesn't sound pleasant, it imparts a complex, unique and authentic flavor to many Asian dishes—nutty, savory and well rounded—especially the longer it is fermented. The fish sauce flavor is something that cannot be duplicated by another …

Margaritas are one of the most popular cocktails in the United States. It can be straight up, shaken with ice, on the rocks, or frozen—the salt on the rim is optional. Although it is classically served with lime juice, new flavors such as mango, strawberry and others have made appearances. The International Bar Association (not to be confused with the ones with the lawyers) lists the margarita as a cocktail consisting of 50 percent tequila mixed with 29 percent orange-flavored liqueur and 21 percent lime or lemon juice. The standard garnish is salt on the glass rim. Of course, there are many …

Eggs Benedict are the guilty indulgence of many breakfast goers. The rich, buttery, salty flavor is almost irressistible if you love eggs. Eggs Benedict is made with an English muffin, split (toasted and buttered), topped with ham or Canadian bacon, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce. There are variations which replace the ham, such as Florentine (spinach), or vegetable (tomatoes etc.) as well as lox Benedict. Lox is salmon filet that has been salt-and-sugar cured then brined, among other steps. The final product is a delicate, pink piece of fish that is slightly salty (if done correctly) …

The warm, yeasty smell of French bread elicits the same rush of endorphins chocolate does and creates that relaxed feeling of well being. It takes me to a side walk café in Paris where I can dip these morsels of heaven in my freshly brewed coffee. Good French bread is so flavorful that butter and cream cheese are an unncecessary at breakfast. This is not to say that a simple dinner with French bread, red wine and rich, creamy cheeses such as fromage d'affinois, brie or chevre wouldn't satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Whole Foods Market 1160 Town and Country Crossing Dr., Town and Country …

Greek salad has become part of the menu in many American restaurants. Authentic Greek salads are made with wedges of tomato, cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese and Kalamata olives. The dressing or vinaigrette is a mixture of olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice, as well as oregano and parsley. The American version of Greek salad includes lettuce with the same ingredients above, though none that I tasted had the green peppers. There, were however, additions of pepperoncini peppers.   The Global Quesadilla Company 189 Lamp and Lantern Village, Town and Country This simple …

The idea of a cheeseburger makes most carnivores crave the juicy sandwich. However, not all burgers are created equal. The bun, toppings, ground beef, types of cheeses and seasonings can be the difference between a mushy, flavorless bun and thin bland meat patty or a bun with structure, some sesame seeds and a well-seasoned, juicy beef burger. The toppings and cheeses are a matter of personal preference, but freshness, balance and generous servings can improve the burger tenfold. Christy's Hamburgers: 14560 Manchester Rd., BallwinThe bright red walls, florescent lights and almost too eager …

Crab rangoon are deep-fried dumplings stuffed with a combination of cream cheese; flaked, canned or imitation crab meat; and scallions. The filling is wrapped in Chinese wonton wrappers, then deep fried in oil. The key to making great crab rangoon is having the right proportion of filling to wrapper and cooking them to order. This keeps the wrapper crispy and fresh and the filling smooth and creamy.Hot Wok Cafe: 14346 S Outer 40 Rd., ChesterfieldThis busy neighborhood restaurant is a throwback to the '80s, with red décor and lacquered furniture. Our server was somewhat knowledgeable, but not …

Guacamole is a very simple dish with fresh ingredients: avocados, tomatoes, onions, chilies, cilantro and lime seasoned with salt and pepper. It is the quality and balance of ingredients that make a great guacamole. Some people love it and are passionately drawn to the creamy avocado with the tang of lime and heat of chilies. Others have an aversion to the pistachio green color, the exotic avocado or the cilantro. In fact, recent studies indicate certain people may be genetically predisposed to not like cilantro; Harold McGee wrote about it in the New York Times last year. If you don't know …

The spicy tuna roll is a great choice for people just starting to eat sushi. The texture is firm and reminiscent of steak. The flavor is clean and not fishy at all. The spicy tuna roll is delicious and a staple for regular sushi lovers. Blue Sea: 13419 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield Blue Sea is a simple family restaurant with a steady stream of customers, friendly service and a casual atmosphere. Bamboo room dividers and ceramic pottery decorate the small dining room. The flavor of the spicy tuna roll is fresh and clean. The spice is at the right level, and there is a distinction in flavor from …

The turtle sundae is the perfect combination of demure vanilla ice cream, rich and luscious chocolate, and sweet caramel. Topped with whipped cream, pecans and a marachino cherry it is hard to go wrong with this treat, but we have a winner in our midst. Eugene's Custard: 1138 Town & Country Crossing Dr., Town and CountryEugene's has generous portion sizes, and the presentation was impressive, with a little flair and a swirl of whipped cream. The pecans were especially flavorful—toasted, smoky, ever so slightly salted. The ice cream had a rich, custard flavor and the chocolate and caramel …