When I decided to start writing about my experiences at local restaurants, one of the first places I thought of was Layla. Layla is a Middle Eastern inspired Restaurant, focusing on burgers, shakes and hookah, located in Tower Grove. A friend of mine, Zach, has been working at Layla’s from day one, and so I reached out to him, to see if I could set up a time to meet the chef and have dinner.
Joe and I had a wonderful time, eating hearty, flavorful food, and truly enjoyed interacting with Tony (bartender), Steve ( executive chef), and Jason (owner).
Layla’s buys all of their meat from a local butcher, in Illinois where Steve grew up, Wenneman’ Meat Co! I don’t know about you, but this is a huge hit with me. I appreciate knowing where the meat is coming from, and that Layla is supporting other local businesses. They proudly display this on a chalk board, that is creatively drawn up which also includes drink and dinner specials.
Tony, has been mixing and concocting drinks for over 10 years and has created all of the libations on Layla’s menu. My first drink was the Wrath of Pecan, which tasted like a spiked pecan pie. Just before it is served, rosemary is lit on fire and the aroma was heavenly. Tony picked the Al Carpone, which had camus vs cognac, alvear cream sherry, housemade date syrup, lemon juice and a bacon wrapped date as the garnish. The bacon was thick and flavorful. Everything about this drink was scrumptious. Joe ordered a beer because the can looked cool, and you can’t argue with him! nahnananan nahanana…PACMAN!! They also have Four Hands on tap.
We started with the falafel fries, a cup of vegan chili, and the fire roasted tomato soup. It was all savory, but I loved loved loved the chili. It had so much substance, and it tasted how a chili with meat in would. I loved it it so much, I ordered a second cup to go, so I could have it for lunch the next day. I have never had falafel fries before. I learned something new :). Falafel fries are crispy fried chic peas that are ground up really tiny and made to look like french fries. It came with homemade tzatziki sauce, that Joe wanted to bathe in. It was absolutely delicious.
As we were trying the chili and fries, Steve came out of the kitchen and sat with us for a few minutes. It was a real treat to get to know Steve on a more personal level. He is only 22 years old and has been whipping up one of a kind meals since he was 15. He was the sous chef at the Scottish Arms, and also trained with the head chef at Kemoll’s. Joe and I had our wedding reception at Kemoll’s! I thought this was neat.
For dinner, we took Steve’s advice and each had a burger. I had the foul play, which was a chicken burger made with breast and thigh meat, peach chutney and smoked gouda on a ciabatta bun. I had never tasted a burger like this before. I enjoy multiple flavors at one time, and it was a celebration in my mouth with every bite. The bun stayed firm with everybite, it did not crumble, or break off as some burger buns do. Joe had the harvest moon, which had feta, a sunny side up egg, fried spinach, and spicy date sauce. Joe said it was one of the best burgers he has ever had. We both got a side of french fries with homemade ketchup. The french fries at Layla’s were ranked as the most underrated french fries in the RFT this year. I personally love skinny fries, but these were amazing. They were in between skinny fries and steak fries, and were perfectly cooked and well-seasoned.
Half way through our burgers the owner, Jason, came out to ask us how we were enjoying our meal. He was very friendly, and the passion he has for food is refreshing. He helped come up with Jane Says, vegetarian burger,on the menu. He said it was important to him that the veggie burger had substance and flavor like a hamburger would. Too often veggie burgers are boring, and basic with not a lot of flavor. as well as rare interpretations for other burgers. Eventually, Jason wants to have a burger with with every type of meat, from bison, duck, veggie, to the chicken or turkey. I made a comment about how the bread stayed in one piece through my entire burger, and Jason told me, he chose the ciabbata for that reason. It was a pet peeve of his to eat a burger and the bun either get soggy or fall apart.
Even though I was full, I had to try the desserts. I could not make up my mind on the three choices of baklava: candied, gooey butter, and chai spiced creme caramel. The chef was sweet enough to make me a mini of all three. I thought the gooey butter baklava was the best one. It was rich, creamy, and flaky.
Layla’s has something to do almost every night of the week.
Coming soon to Monday’s – Open Mic Night
Tuesdays-Tenacious Trivia
Drink like an old man Wednesday with Bourbon specials
Thursday’s- Space balls and party, with djs and beer specials
Friday/Saturday- live music
If you are looking for a low key evening, or one full of adventures, go to Layla’s and tell Steve or Tony I sent you!
Until my next Journey of Food and Drink Entertainment,
Annie
xxoo
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