Raiding the Kitchen - Cafe Ventana

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I think it's safe to say that Cafe Ventana is the only place in St. Louis where you can find medieval chandeliers, French "donuts," three patios, a bagel bar, a fireplace, plasma TVs, fresh seasonal coffee, a cobblestone alley, exotic fruit salad, a clear floor and a a PBR/Jazz combo night all under the same roof.

Billikens from SLU stop by the restaurant for a wrap between classes, regulars lunch over the cafe's signature beignets and chances are, executive chef Christopher Lee can tell a little bit about your personal tenancies just by where you sit when you walk through it's swinging French Quarter-restored doors. (They designed the interior based on 12 different personality types.) The cafe has only been open for five months, but word is traveling fast.

Despite my hesitation about putting a pickle spear in a wrap, Cafe Ventana's Cuban Wrap was a party in my mouth. Seriously. I don't usually associate excellent cuisine and late night entertainment specials with a seemingly coffee house environment, but that's exactly what you get at this cozy new hot spot.

Click the Featured Video tab to see what this self-described "Bohemian bistro with a French Quarter Feel" is all about.

One word of advice: no matter what time of day it is, try their signature dessert. According to Chef Lee, it's not a proper beignet unless you end up with lots of powdered sugar on your nose after the first bite. I can tell you from experience that meeting that requirement won't be a problem.

Cafe Ventana is located at 3919 West Pine Boulevard in downtown St. Louis. Enjoy!

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