During the COVID-19 pandemic, Orlando ‘Lando’ Peyton noticed many small businesses in the region started closing due to a lack of sales and exposure–the ambitious food blogger wanted to help those small businesses in any way he could. In particular mom-and-pop restaurants, “I felt compelled to contribute my part,” said Peyton.
He began by first posting his reviews on Yelp but soon decided his reviews could reach a wider audience on a larger platform. Lando introduced the St. Louis region to ‘ItsEpicEats’ on Instagram where he takes his followers– virtually of course on a foodie adventure. Going to various restaurants throughout the city, county, and St. Charles–he tries all kinds of cuisines. And with the weather warming up and more people hanging out, going out to eat, and enjoying St. Louis’ unique food scene–going out to eat is a must-do for Spring and Summer fun for many St. Louis American readers. The St. Louis American had a chance to catch up with the food blogger to get his take on his top 5 most enjoyable Black-owned restaurants.
Valis Brothers Shrimp.Chicken.Fish
Cuisine: American
Neighborhood: The Grove/St. Peters
Top menu choice/why: Wings/They are really good and the sauce they use tastes good.
Top menu drink/why: None
Atmosphere/vibe: Casual
The Hot Honey and Jamaican Jerk top two flavors of mine
Price: $$
Cuisine: Caribbean
Neighborhood: Cherokee
Top menu choice/why: Rasta Pasta/some of the best pasta I had. Spicy, tender chicken and the jerk sauce is amazing
Top menu choice drink/why: None
Atmosphere/vibe: Casual
Price:$$
Cuisine: American
Neighborhood: Ferguson
Top menu choice/why: Chicago Philly Cheesesteak, takes like an authentic Philly
Top menu choice drink/why: None
Atmosphere/vibe: Casual
Price: $$
Cuisine: American/Cocktail Bar
Neighborhood: Academy/Sherman Park neighborhood
Top menu choice/why: Austin’s Grilled Cheese Smash Burger/it’s super cheesy like a grilled cheese but also a burger
Top menu choice drink/why: The Hov/nice flavorful cocktail that tastes really good
Atmosphere/vibe: Casual/Date Night
They also have amazing desserts like giant shakes
Price: $$
Yummy Sweetcakes: STL Cheesecakery
Cuisine: Dessert
Neighborhood: St. Louis(Online Only)
Top menu choice/why: Peach Cobbler Cheesecake/ using real ingredients and you can taste it.
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.
