Best Italian Restaurants, Thoughts on Tipping, and What We Can't Stop Thinking About

In the inaugural episode of Arch Eats, dining editor George Mahe and restaurant critic Cheryl Baehr engage in a lively conversation that delves into the nuances of dried and fresh pasta. They also share insights on the Italian restaurant scene, on The Hill and far beyond. (Could St. Charles become The Hill 2.0? Liliana's is flourishing in Cottleville, Napoli Sea opened at Streets of St. Charles, and there's O'Fallon's forthcoming Osteria Forto.)

Learn where to grab the under-the-radar masterpiece described as "one giant pillow of... I don't even know what you'd call it" and "the best mashed potatoes of your life crossed with lasagna."

And amid their gastronomic revelations, Mahe and Baehr share thoughts about tipping on a tablet while being watched.

Thank you to Westport Plaza for sponsoring this episode of Arch Eats.

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at lleppert@stlmag.com.

Other mentions:

Sasha’s Wine Bar: 706 DeMun, Clayton, 314-863-7274.

Angad Rainbow Terrace Bar (ART Bar): 3550 Samuel Shepard, Grand Center, 314-561-0033.

Frisco Barroom: 8110 Big Bend, Webster Groves, 314-455-1090.

Maryland House: 44 Maryland Plz., CWE, 314-497-4449.

Silky’s Frozen Custard – 3 area locations

Cape Napoli: Three area locations, plus Napoli Sea

Osteria Forto: 2509 Highway K, O’Fallon, Mo. 636-294-1435.

Noto Italian Restaurant: 5105 Westwood, St. Peters, Mo. 636-317-1143.

Liliana’s Italian Kitchen: 3891 Mid Rivers Mall, Cottleville, Mo., 636-477-5550.

Vicini Pastaria: 1916 Park, Lafayette Square, 314-827-6150.

Pastaria: 7734 Forsyth, Clayton, 314-862-6603.

Paul Manno’s Café: 75 Forum Shop Ctr., Creve Coeur, 314-878-1274.

Louie: 706 DeMun, Clayton, 314-300-8188

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.