This is in the old Gregory's on Pine between 9th and 10th. Normally restaurant build-outs take forever, so when I heard that this had already opened, I was concerned that the transformation of Gregory's was less than complete. If you had ever BEEN in the old Gregory's, you know what I mean.

But the fears are unfounded. You would not recognize the interior as it's completely new. It takes up just the one side where Gregory's was. It's a Thai buffet and is $6.95. The food it still getting settled as far as flavoring, consistency, and so on, but it's good to see they are adjusting as they go. There is a mix of Pad Thai, curries, spring rolls (Thai spring rolls, i.e. fried), mini chicken wings (not sure of the authenticity of these but they're good!), dumplings, and a few others. They have had a big dish of peaches for a "dessert" but maybe they can come up with something a bit more authentic once everything else is settled.

The place has been mobbed each time I've been there. There has been one lady working the entire room, including seating, busing tables, doing checkout, and taking menu orders. There is a full menu besides the buffet. The only reason I mention this is because it can take a little while to check out and you may be stuck for a few minutes if you're in a hurry to leave. Hopefully it stays popular and they can get someone else in there to take the burden off.

They say they are open until 8pm, so those of you who complain that not enough restaurants are serving downtown residents -- go patronize them before they follow the lead of most every other restaurant that's tried later hours.

Ooh. Looks like Sen Thai has some competition. hUh?

I guess off topic but... Why so many Asian restaurants? Where are the darn Mexican restraunts(aka authentic mexican places downtown)

Not sure, but what do you consider "authentic"? There was Cantina, and La Sala, (both closed) and there is still ZuZu. For Asian, there are lots of different regions represented: Thai, Japanese, Chinese....and I'll get on my soapbox and grumble: no Vietnamese yet

Everest Cafe is opening on Olive. Arent they Vietnamese?

Downtown2007 wrote:Everest Cafe is opening on Olive. Arent they Vietnamese?

More like Nepalese, Korean and Indian...

innov8ion wrote:

Downtown2007 wrote:Everest Cafe is opening on Olive. Arent they Vietnamese?

More like Nepalese, Korean and Indian...

I absolutely love that combination. I find it so unexpected. Glad someone else was so quick to note that.

zink wrote:I guess off topic but... Why so many Asian restaurants? Where are the darn Mexican restraunts(aka authentic mexican places downtown)

I agree. Why aren't there more, doesn't need to be on Washington, just somewhere within walking distance. Mexican restaurant definition - more than just enchilda sauce, they know how to make a tamale(this may be hard in the midwest though) and there are hispanics working behind the counter and serving you - ie. family owned.

I guess I wouldn't even care if it were a small dive with tacos, burritos, and excellent beans and rice. Chips and spicy salsa would be a need be too. And cheap too! But, all hispanics working behind the counter and serving once again.

There is supposed to be a Mexican joint opening on Washington.

^ Rosalita's Cantina to open next to Jive and Wail

http://urbanstl.com/viewtopic.php?f=11& ... =group+360

I forgot about Beso which closed as well.

bprop wrote:Not sure, but what do you consider "authentic"? There was Cantina, and La Sala, (both closed) and there is still ZuZu. For Asian, there are lots of different regions represented: Thai, Japanese, Chinese....and I'll get on my soapbox and grumble: no Vietnamese yet

there was a restaurant downtown where Olive ends. bamboo something or another. they have viet stuff on the menu from what i recall, but it left a lot to be desired IMHO.

Yea, Bamboo Bistro is basically a Chinese buffet. I believe it's owned by the same family as Jade. Sen also serves some Vietnamese dishes but nothing will fill that gap until Pho Grand II or Banh Mi So #2 opens up!

Downtown2007 wrote:Everest Cafe is opening on Olive. Arent they Vietnamese?

She is Korean. He is Nepalese. The food is both plus Indian as mentioned above.

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:

bprop wrote:I forgot about Beso which closed as well.

That was more a coke dealership than a Mexican restaurant.

Nice to have you back, CS!

^And in top form, too.

I don't want to get my hopes up, but there are a few recently-opened places like this one, and several more restaurants planning to open in downtown in 2010. I know the economy is still sputtering and some old favorites like 10th Street Italian are gone, but could the new crop of restaurants be seen as a sign that we're turning the corner?

I don't know, but let's hope that's the case!

From some of the places that I know are barely hanging on as it is, I doubt it.

Had lunch here today. This is owned by the same really nice folks who run Basil Spice, if the name wasn't a tipoff. They've got the same menu as the place on Grand, which I think is probably the best Thai place in town.

Being a block away from the metrolink is even better than their location on Grand, because I can take a workday lunch here without having to deal with my car.

Forgot to post this -
Sweet Basil is closed as of a couple weeks ago.
There was a flier circulating that says the following (copied verbatim)

Hungry, well come on in *

SWEET BASIL

903 Pine Street, downtown St. Louis

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
&

New serving all kinds of foodyou like (dine-in/to go)

A variety of entrees:
Chicken wings (traditional fried, buffalo style)
Catfish nuggets, Meatloaf
Parmesan Crusted chicken breat

A variety of sides:
Mac 'n' cheese, cabbage, French fries (seasoned or crinkle)
Green beans, mashed potatoes, AND MORE!!!!

***Father's day Special! 50% off Dad's Meal *** WOW!!!

*Sandwiches, salads, and soups coming soon during the wek*

Hours of operation:
Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Churches or groups with 10 or more receive 10% off your meal!

*Venue and catering available for your next private party/event

(314) 732-5146

But I have seen some evidence that it may not have been open during the weekend yet.

Closed? Really? That's a bummer. Was kind of worried about them, though. Not the greatest location for foot traffic. I was in there for lunch a few weeks back and there were just a couple of other people. Only menu option was a rather uninspired buffet line. And they didn't take credit cards. Seemed pretty shoestring.

I just hope this doesn't negatively impact their (very nice) South Grand location.

So this is a strange development. After the flier (that I mentioned above) came out, this place didn't appear to open at all. Then, earlier this week, there was a new sign out front, something like "Starfire" or something. The hanging Sweet Basil sign had been removed. The new place had a grand opening special, "2 for 4.95". 2 of what, I don't know. Then it closed again. Today, the Sweet Basil sign is back up and Sweet Basil Thai is open again.

Bizarre.

If they are running the place like the now closed Thai place on Olive then it is easy to keep changing your mind. All they did was bring 8 or 10 pans of food from the U City locale down and keep them over a warmer. 1, maybe 2, employees.

I do know that Sweet Basil made their food on location.

What's odd is, not only has the restaurant changed, but each change brought a new crop of employees. The original staff is back after a one-day hiatus.