#49: Hummus and Balela Platter at Nosh Bistro

Bryan Peters

​When Nosh Bistro (1135 South Big Bend Boulevard, Richmond Heights; 314-781-4734) closed a few months ago, we sank into a brief, but profound, funk. We'd grown terribly fond of their hummus and balela salad platter, and we didn't want to know a world without it. So you can imagine our delight when Nosh reopened its doors recently (relocating from Manchester Road in Maplewood to its current location inside Starrs).

Nosh's choice of the word "platter" is indeed appropriate. Sure, it costs 11 bucks, but it's a bargain for what you get. Plus, if you had a table of four, this is an app that could actually satisfy everyone without having to do the not-going-to-take-the-last-bite dance. You could even do just this platter for lunch, too--substantial, varied, fun, easy. The hummus itself is delicious, and the addition of whole black beans and chickpeas, artichokes, yellow and red peppers and onions make it a feast for vegetarians! Feta and kalamatas make it even more satisfying. The toasted lavash is also yummy, and is actually perfect for this platter--just the right amount of crunch, and the sprinkled sumac provides just the right acidic counterpoint to the savory hummus and earthy beans. This is one hummus to rule them all.

Beginning last year, RFT restaurant critic Ian Froeb counted down -- in no particular order -- 100 of his favorite dishes in St. Louis. Now Gut Check has taken up where he left off. Check back frequently as we detail our 100 favorites, and don't hesitate to send us yours, too, either via the comments thread or at tips@riverfronttimes.com.

Previously:

#50: Bread Pudding at Harvest
#51: Root Beer Float at Dr. Jazz
#52: Le Croque Monsieur at LaBonne Bouchée
#53: Biscuits and Wild Mushroom Gravy at Blood and Sand
#54: The Gracey at Fozzie's Sandwich Emporium
#55: The Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza at Katie's Pizzeria
#56: Brioche French Toast at Half & Half
#57: Fish and Chips at Llywelyn's
#58: Chicken Kabob at Al Waha
#59: Seafood Ravioli at Gian-Tony's Ristorante