I love that The Shangri-La Diner is in the antique district on Cherokee street! The atmosphere is so hip and I really like that the owner, Patrice, comes out to greet you on a regular basis. It makes me feel like she really cares about what you think about her meals. I RARELY experience that at a small restaurant.
Patrice has been around St. Louis for MANY years - opening one of the first coffeehouses in the Delmar Loop when you had to special order espresso machines. I actually remember when she had her coffee shop and am glad that she expanded out to having a full-fledged restaurant.
I'm vegan, so I'm used to having to explain numerous time what I can and cannot have. I told Patrice only the first few times I visited... and I didn't have to explain. And I've been going to her restaurant for years now. Even if a menu item is not labeled as vegan (which she has A LOT to choose from), I can ask for a vegan version and have it taste awesome. And I get in the habit of asking for specials that are off the regular menu... because there's usually always something new that she'd love for a customer to try.
Patrice has been studying pescatarian, vegetarian/vegan, and microbiotic diets (along with a list of others that I just cannot remember) since, at least, the 70s. This knowledge shows in her food, her preparation, and her conversations with people. She also knows how to treat every customer that I've seen walk in over the years... even the super-mean-you-can't-please-me ones that I was almost sure would just yell, scream, and walk out.
I don't know how she does it week after week, but I can say that I am glad to have The Shangri-La Diner around. I look forward to the patio area being open some day, so that I can enjoy my vegan goodies in the sun! Also, she's gaining more and more popularity, so Sunday brunches are getting packed and I'm sure she can use the extra seating!
Pros: Within a residential area
Cons: Needs more seating
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