52nd City

Blake Brokaw: My Grillin' Hero

You can't plan two entries in two days by two writers, both dealing with the modest potato. Unlike my friend Stefene's run-in with stellar soup, I just had the best steamed potato I've ever had, on the parking lot of the City Museum. And these praises must be sung.

Literally hanging out a shingle, Blake Brokaw's invested in a small kitchen in MonstroCity, surrounded by metal sculptures and the crane that's long been a centerpiece of the City Museum's exterior. In this little nook of the eye-popping space, dubbed "Number Nine," Brokaw's got a modest set-up, with an industrial refrigerator, a counter and a couple of barrel grills. Featuring a lineup of barbecue items and a couple vegetarian items - the aforementioned potato of legend and a simple, delicious portabello sandwich - the space neatly complements the Cabin Inn, just a few feet away.

Even though the weather's chilled, Brokaw's new endeavor is worth visiting. Just bring a light wrap and an appetite. And maybe a few expectations, since it is Brokaw on the grill. My Potato Hero.

(The little birdy say: look for more on Blake in an upcoming P-D Everyday feature. And, just maybe, some run in Playback STL, too.)