IN AND AROUND THE GROVE
Layla
We knew we’d feel right at home the moment we stepped inside Layla.
Steeped in ‘80s music, old movie posters and a menu that winks at pop
culture know-how, this burger-shawarma-cocktail-shake establishment
delivers the goods on each of those modifiers. Take, for instance, the
burgers: How can you go wrong with a burger called Fat Mike (two beef
patties with cheddar, hickory-smoked bacon and house-made pickles)?
There’s also the Clarice (seasoned lamb burger) and Buffalo Bill (bison
burger) - if you’re catching the drift, no, there’s no Hannibal burger.
As for the shawarma selection, there are so many combinations to be
had, but we sampled the spicy falafel, and fell in love. For starters, we
recommend the Hummus Trio, a fresh, colorful dish that really primes
your palate for what’s to come. Post-meal, if you’re in the mood for
some Bad Company, try the Feel Like Bacon Love (get it?) shake, or,
“Roll with the Changes” with the Oreo Speedwagon shake … OK, we’ll
stop. laylastl.com
GROVE FEST
2 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6
The annual event puts the “festive” in festival, with
a Food Village, Family Area and Merchant Village,
as well as street performers, DJs and live music on
a main stage. Admission is free, but a suggested $5
donation funds the production of Grove Fest.
thegrovestl.com
Everest Café & Bar
We’ve become big fans of Everest Café’s lunch buffet - a plethora of
Nepalese, Indian and Korean dishes that are thoughtfully prepared
every day of the week. The spread can include dishes like the sweet and
spicy Chicken