First photo from Post-Dispatch files; add’l photos sponsored by restaurant
Kounter Kulture
Among the lessons learned over the past decade: Chefs no longer need a traditional restaurant to reach an audience, and diners don’t always want a restaurant experience to accompany the restaurant food they are craving. Christine Meyer and Mike Miller’s Kounter Kulture, a carryout-only restaurant that is in turn an extension of the duo’s Tower Grove Farmers Market stall, strikes me as a smart way to navigate this new reality. While convenient (especially if you call ahead with your order), Meyer and Miller never sacrifice the quality of their ingredients or attention to how their dishes look, even inside the takeout containers. Most importantly, the food — khao soi, bibimbap and gyudon are among the usual highlights — showcases excellent cooking and respect for the cuisines from which the dishes are drawn.
Hours: 4:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday-Monday)
Last year's ranking: Rest of the Best
Opened: 2012 (as Kitchen Kulture)