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/.

Or should it?

At Friday night’s #stl #tweet-up, @Tojosan and @MattHomann, determined to convince me that St. Louis isn’t just BBQ and steak, drafted a list for me of the best restaurants and bars in St. Louis. Here’s what they came up with: (note: their original list has been extended to include more recommendations from friends reading this blog and following me on twitter).

33 (wine bar)

Absolulty Goosed

Bailey’s Chocolate Bar

The Bleeding Deacon (for good bar food)

Boogaloo’s (Maplewood)

Farotto’s (great lasagna!)

Franco

Frazier’s Brown Bag

Grazzi’s (The Hill)

Hodak’s (for fried chicken)

Iron Barley

La Vellasana

Niche

Olympia (Greek – try the flaming cheese!)

Pi

Porch (store)

Ravanelli’s (Collinsville, IL)

Red Sea (Ethiopian)

Venice Cafe

Do you think my twitter friends have omitted great St. Louis restaurants? Leave me a comment, and I’ll add your suggestion to my list!