First tip: DO NOT EAT BBQ, ANYWHERE, HERE! Do not go to K.C. Masterpiece (chain) or Bandana's (chain) and expect good, Kansas City-quality BBQ . . . it's not. I've tried it, and real BBQ just does not exist here! The most authentic we have found is hole-in-the-wall Phil's, in Eureka and south city, and (second) Super Smoker's, in Eureka, St. Peters, south city, and Illinois (not "second" for long, I imagine, since I've seen kiosks at supermarkets and even, yikes, Busch Stadium! Commercialization being the downfall of many a good thing, ya know).

St. Louis DOES have some EXCELLENT FOOD, however! Is it known for a particular type of cuisine? Probably not.

The "Hill" is known for its wonderful Italian restaurants (Rigazzi's--home of the "fishbowl" beer, for instance, is terrific and reminiscent of NYC Italian). Any place south of I-44, off Kingshighway, is a good bet.

Imo's (St. Louis Style = super-thin crust) pizza is everywhere and huge (excellent deluxe salad with cheese, olives, and pepperoncinis).

Krispy Kreme (melt-in-your-mouth) doughnuts are everywhere and huge (friend of mine in Columbia--2 hours west--just drove in the other day for a couple dozen "originals"; speaks volumes, eh?)!

Ted Drewes (frozen custard)--original location on Chippewa/south city--is huge! Prides itself on the "upside-down concrete" (holds its spoon, holds it, holds IT, HOLDS IT . . .) AND has named many a concoction for the famous and the local not-so-famous!

St. Louis Bread Company (Pantera's chain) is everywhere and . . . ! Soups, lattes (favorite = house latte, with nutmeg!), sandwiches, specialty breads (but of course). This could be the PERFECT cafe. If they add a wine list, we may never go home!

Top of the line: 1. Tony's (coat and tie)--4th and Market/Downtown. 2. Seventh Inn ("old world" service)--Ballwin/West County. 3. Mike Shannon's--7th Street/Downtown. 4. Dierdorf and Hart's (best steak I ever had!)--Westport.

In general, for "utility eating," St. Louis favors the chain: Chevy's, Outback Steakhouse, Macaroni Grill, O'Charlie's, Pasta House, Uno, Olive Garden, and the like.

An institution for years, try White Castle for the fast-food fix. Remember the Susan Sarandon movie White Palace? It was set in STL and based on the local White Castle hamburger joint. Ideal for the vegetarian since I can't imagine that these "belly bombers" are made of anything even resembling meat!