It was a celebratory dinner at Dominic’s Trattoria in Clayton on a weekend evening. Things were busy, a fair amount of table-hopping, and the sound of people enjoying themselves, although the sound level was pretty reasonable. It’s not a place that usually attracts the drink-and-shriek (or bellow) crowd, which always helps on that.
The zuppa di pesce totally seduced me. High-quality fish and seafood and a superb liquid made for a great combination. Shrimp, clams, mussels, a few lacy calamari tentacles, and pieces of mild white fish lolled alluringly in a creamy seafood broth with a little tomato, slightly thickened and seasoned with a knowing hand. Plenty of garlic, perhaps just a little hint of saffron – it was divine. Yes, grilled bread to absorb more of the liquid, a touch that to me is pretty much mandatory. It was all I could do not to bend over and lick the bowl.
And even after that, I enjoyed the lovely and surprisingly light Jackie’s cake.
Not a spot to be forgotten about, even though they’ve been there for a while
Dominic’s Trattoria
200 S. Brentwood Blvd., Clayton
314-863-4567
Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner Mon-Sat.
Credit cards: Yes
Wheelchair access: Good
Smoking: No
Entrees: $13 – $32