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Rarely do I come right out and say “you have to go,” but now, I’m saying it. You have to go to Araka in Clayton, a new restaurant in Carondelet Plaza. It’s fabulous.

The Dining Divas have been dining together the first Thursday of the month for many years, and this July Divas could possibly have been at our favorite restaurant so far. So many things about Araka make it our favorite. Along with its sleekness, we loved its exposed kitchen, flat screen artwork, wine bottle wall, five dollar happy hour wine selection, first class wait staff, and of course, our handsome bartender. We were quite distracted by his greenish-grayish eyes amongst other favorable features.

Brandon, our waiter, immediately impressed us as he quickly caught onto the quirks of the Deep Thoughts Diva. He voiced that she was probably the reason why we were given a table separate from other customers. As usual, she tried to convince him that she wouldn’t be paying her portion of the bill. Like us, he ignored her. Kudos to Brandon for offering to split our checks for us (this rarely happens) and for making sure the valet had our cars out front when we were getting ready to leave.

Araka got high-fives across the board on the customer comment card. Not only did we enjoy the entertaining staff and the curvy décor, but the food was great. Joining us once again was the Safety is No Accident Diva. She chose the Oysters on a Half Shell appetizer along with lemon, parmesan, and cocktail dipping sauces. Loving them all, she preferred the oysters with the parmesan dip.

After a couple weeks of fabulous Italian specialties on her vacation in Italy, Grandma Diva said the Gnocchi with Pancetta she had at Araka was just as good as what she had in Italy. She also said she was in “scallop heaven” with her Diver Scallop dish with prosciutto and a lemon sauce that melted in her mouth.

The Ricotta Ravioli did not disappoint. Light and lemony, they were surrounded by morels and English peas and topped with main lobster. Brandon convinced this Diva to go for the Amish Chicken (even with a bone), and it’s understood why this is a customer favorite. The chicken with morels sat atop real whipped potatoes and fresh asparagus. It was so good I forgot about my obsession with meat on bones.

For a more economical option, the flatbread pizzas are perfect. The homemade sausage and pepperoni flatbread was very cheesy and very delicious.

Dining Divas is usually about the people, not about the food. This time it was about the people AND the food. The laughs and stories were still abound. Grandma Diva shared the importance knowing how to say three important phrases in foreign countries. Can I have two beers? Can I have milk in my coffee? Where’s the bathroom? That’s really all of a foreign language that you need to know.

Deep Thoughts Diva shared with us adventures of her three jobs in the past six months, especially the one that involved a drug dealer, car repossessions, and a Billy club. (Note: she has not been involved in anything illegal, except for maybe suggesting not wearing a bra to work!)

And the Safety Diva shared her excitement in enjoying a hot, uninterrupted meal that was served to her sans a trip to the restroom (an atypical dining experience for her with her four year old). However, I would suggest a trip to the restroom at this place. The sinks are first class!

Araka’s exciting Southern European menu and unique interior make a remarkable combination. The pickiest of Divas loved the restaurant. Although stormy weather kept us from enjoying the fabulous outdoor patio facing the Ritz Carlton fountain, we were grateful to enjoy our incredible dinner inside. And we look forward to checking it out again…and the distracting bartender!
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