A Tale of Three Restaurants with the Dining Divas

By Lisa Kampeter

It was a busy summer for the Dining Divas, but regardless of our active schedules, we had impressive turnouts. The food, the settings, and even the interactions were all different, but what has not changed is that our Dining Divas outings continue to be nights out to which to look forward.

Traditionally, we choose a Mexican restaurant in May, but because of a baby shower we threw for the Pregnant Diva, we skipped it this year. Therefore, in June, we decided to try out a new Mexican place in Des Peres called Casa de Tres Reyes. This restaurant comes from the same owners as Three Kings Public House. Casa de Tres Reyes has delicious cocktails, an a la carte taco menu (in case you stuffed yourself with too many chips and the tasty, smoky salsa) and a good outside patio, even though they are in a strip mall. However, their menu is different from many Mexican restaurants, so you will want to know that upfront before you go. It’s not “traditional” Mexican like we’re used to around here.
Not sure why it happened this way, but half of the group thought our server provided excellent service, and the other half thought she basically ignored them. I wondered if it had anything to do with “flies…honey?” Not sure, but I can tell you when I heard one Diva say, “I never complain, but…” I almost spit out my drink. This definitely wasn’t the first time. Casa de Tres Reyes draws a crowd, offers unique selections, and makes for an enjoyable dinner out…if you have patience with your fellow diners.

Onto The Main House in St. Charles, formerly known as Tompkins Riverside and the Mother-In-Law House. How did we get so lucky to enjoy dinner outside on a lovely patio in July? I was surprised to hear that one Diva had attended a wedding in the lower level a few years ago. Who knew the space was available? Another Diva talked about the renovations done to the place, maintaining the historic look but with a modern take on it. It’s the kind of place where you can sip affordable wine but enjoy a higher-end one too as well as throw back some bourbon or have a beer. Casual and classy seemed welcomed here.
Wedge Salads are popular among the Divas and several enjoyed one here as well as Roasted Brussels. Sandwiches are $15 or more and most of the main dishes were over $20, but that’s the norm at many restaurants these days, and we all enjoyed our food. Plus, there were leftovers for another day. Service was amazing as it felt like there was one staff member to every three people in the restaurant. The hostess, our waitress, the person delivering the food, the person refilling waters, the person taking the plates, the person asking how we were doing all took good care of us. Although the setting and the food were great, the stories told by the Experienced Diva made the evening. She told us how she went from working in the fitness industry into the donut business. We were all cracking up and enjoyed getting to know her better.
Back by popular demand, I should have known that when I said we were going to Hendel’s for another Divas outing, I’d have few “no” RSVPs. At the Italian Diva’s request for a restaurant close-to-home, we picked Hendel’s with the hope that she’d be able to make dinner while recovering from a knee surgery days earlier. Unfortunately, she couldn’t make it. Not having taken a shower in a few days probably was the main reason, and we thank her for declining the offer.

“I’m here about once a week,” said the Busy Diva.
“It’s been awhile,” said the Mama Diva.
“I love the salmon,” said another.

The Fish Tacos, Pasta Fleurissant, Burnt Ends Mac and Cheese, Parmesan Encrusted Chicken, and more were all enjoyed this evening. We only hope that the diners around us were able to enjoy their meals. With a large group, it’s hard to hear each other, so of course, we were louder than normal. Plus, we had a bonus 15-month old Diva who wasn’t thrilled to be surrounded by a bunch of strange women. Thankfully, the extremely kind manager tied some balloons to his highchair, and his tears were averted! By the end of the evening, he was blowing kisses to all the girls.  As I originally mentioned, it was a busy summer. We have a new Baby Diva, which we are happily referring to as the Ginger Diva. Surgeries and a few illness have interrupted a couple Diva’s summers. And traveling has been a highlight, including a long road trip to Glacier National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Yellowstone.

Schedules may be busy, but we always know we have the Dining Divas to count on the first Thursday of the month. Whether we go with a favorite, like Hendel’s, a historic classic, like The Main House, or a new twist, like Casa de Tres Reyes, it’s a monthly get together not to be missed.

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