G is for Glass Olive, photo by smalltowngirl

One thing I’ve learned about St. Louisans is that a clear hierarchy exists between city, county, and small town Missouri. The majority of the St. Louis City residents I’ve met look down on St. Louis County. And the majority of the St. Louis County residents I’ve met have made jokes about Jefferson County residents (the next county south of St. Louis).

I dedicate this South County St. Louis blog to changing the perspective of the snobbish St. Louisan.

There’s at least one decent bar in South County that deserves notice by this small town girl; The Glass Olive martini bar.  The next time you’re South of St. Louis City and looking for a martini, check this place out. Its chocolate martini is Smalltowngirl-approved.

Cheers, photo by smalltowngirl

One of the places on the list that I’ve been most excited to try is Bailey’s Chocolate Bar. @bekahclark and I met there for dinner last week, and we were both impressed by the bar’s atmosphere, its food and its drinks.

Chocolate Raspberry Martini, photo by smalltowngirl

We started the evening off with chocolate martinis. Bekah ordered the Dark Chocolate Martini, and I ordered the Chocolate Raspberry. Both of us were completely satisfied, and the bar didn’t hold back on the vodka.

Cheese Plate, photo by smalltowngirl

Next, we ordered a 3-cheese plate, selecting (from left to right in the photo) the Gjetost (Norweigan), the Port Salut (French) and the Maple Smoked White Cheddar (American). All three cheese were fantastic, with the most unique flavor and texture belonging to the Gjetost.

Note: My Blackberry Storm’s camera does not do this cheese plate justice.

Bekah and I also split the Albion Place Pizetta; a flatbread chicken pizza with spicy peanut sauce in place of tomato sauce and a spicy dipping sauce (not unlike the spicy red sauce at Korean restaurants) on the side.

Chocolate Mocha Pot de Creme, photo by smalltowngirl

Clearly, we couldn’t leave Bailey’s Chocolate Bar without dessert. Bekah ordered a sorbet while I opted for the Chocolate Mocha Pot de Creme. Again, I was not disappointed.

My years abroad and in New York City have given me a more refined palette than I had growing up in cow country, and Bailey’s Chocolate Bar exceeded every expectation I had for its food’s flavor and presentation. This chocolate bar trumphs both of my favorite chocolate bars in Brooklyn.

MO = 1; NYC = 0

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Bailey’s Chocolate Bar is locally owned, has great food and drink, and can be found at 1915 Park Avenue in Lafayette Square, St. Louis. Visit Bailey’s online at http://www.baileyschocolatebar.com/.