Heading down Jefferson from the Walter Knoll Florist Rose location on LaSalle, I noticed on the East side of the street, just South of Gravois, a cute little store-front restaurant with white tablecloths and open for lunch! WOW!

It was a rainy day, not a lot of people out, but 2 of the 6 tables had diners – I, of course mozied up to the quaint four-seater bar to be greeted by one of the owner’s, Orlando Hidalgo. Orlando and his restaurant just ooze friendliness and it reminded me of several places I haunted during my Chicago tenure.

Orlando suggested several favorites for lunch and I tried the #8 Tostones con Pollo (fried green plantain with shredded chicken). YUMMY! The fried plantains were crisp and tender, the beans in the Gallo Pinto were fresh and creamy, the cole slaw deliciously tart! Did I mention the chicken yet? Five plantain tostones each with a scoop of perfectly seasoned shredded chicken was more than I could eat!

I love a restaurant with theme music and was not disappointed to be treated to the Bachata style Latin tunes.

Soon they will only serve lunch on Friday and Saturday, so give Orlando or Jose a call at 664-7777 before you go, to make sure they are open. All the lunch items were $7.50 and included Gallo Pinto or White Rice & Black Beans; Repollo (coleslaw salad) and a fountain beverage. Dinner menu looks fabulous with prices ranging from $8 to $12 with appetizers (Bocadillos) at $6.50 each. Check their website at fritangastl.com for the full menu. Say hi to Orlando for me!