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Mid Rivers Newsmagazine is St. Charles County's
exclusive direct-mailed community newspaper. |
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Mid Rivers Newsmagazine Restaurant Spotlight Archive |
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Vista Grande Remains A Step Ahead With Great FoodBy Mary Ann O'Toole Holley
 Jeremy
Kunstel, manager of Vista Grande Mexican restaurant in St. Peters says the
recent influx of Mexican restaurants in the area hasn't hurt his business
in the least.
"Competition is good," Kunstel says. "It's like taking the Pepsi Challenge." Kunstel says customers most always choose Vista Grande over competitors. The margaritas are magnificent; the quesadillas are delightful and the sopapillas are super. New items are always being added to their already extensive menu. Most recently, the chicken fajita wrap with chipotle ranch sauce is especially popular ($8.95). The baby back ribs are big (half a slab $10.50), and if that's not enough, the nearly six-page menu cures the craving of the most discerning diner. One of the most popular entrees is the Grande Combination featuring a beef enchilada, bean burrito, taco and rice at $9.95 and the beef and chicken chimis at $8.95. "Why?" he asks. "Because they're good." Vista Grande grew out of a midlife crisis by two accountant brothers who decided it was time to add a little fiesta to their lifestyles. The first of the family-owned restaurants opened in Jackson Hole, Wyoming by John Schell. Then, the business moved to Lake of the Ozarks, and now, Jim Schell has operated Vista Grande in St. Peters for the past eight years. "It's a laid back, family-owned business," Kunstel said. "The owners still like to get out there and meet the guests. We're friendly and want folks to feel comfortable when they come. There are plenty of tables and lots of space for private gatherings." Vista Grande is decorated from floor to ceiling with gaily-painted scenes and more than enough Mexican art objects. Giant black rhinestone-studded sombreros hang from the walls, and there are several "rooms" separated from one another for privacy. Opt for a booth or a table and Vista Grande can accommodate a friendly meal for six or a private dinner for two. Kunstel urges diners to come in and stay a while, feel comfortable and enjoy your meal. There's plenty to choose from on their extensive menu. Monday through Wednesday Vista Grande features a Kansas City strip steak special at $9.95. The 11- to 12-ounce steak is awesome, Kunstel said. "Weekends are always different," Kunstel said. "And if you've ever priced steaks in the grocery store, at $9.95 for the KC strip, it can't be beat." Vista Grande features a great "Lite Bite" menu for those who are watching their waistline or their wallet. The California grilled chicken salad ($8.75) features fajita-grilled chicken breast on a mound of lettuce, tomatoes, celery, green peppers and Monterrey Jack cheese. The pollo lago is a specially seasoned fajita chicken charbroiled and served on a bed of Mexican rice with a salad ($8.75). Kunstel said many make a night (or day) of it at Vista Grande where the view of two big screen television sets is great from the circular bar. Margaritas and plenty of brews including Mexican beers like Carla Blanca, Corona and Dos Equis Green flow from the bar. Order an appetizer or two and watch the fun while munching on tortilla chips and dips like chili con queso ($5.25) or jalapeno frijoles dip ($4.25). Nachos supreme are superb ($6.25) - and enough to make a meal. Specialties including Acapulco chicken, a specially seasoned fajita chicken charbroiled and served on a bed of rice, smothered with spinach, jalapenos and queso sauce is served with steamed veggies and a salad ($10.95). "We have a good supply of steaks and American varieties as well," Kunstel said. "And we have lots of goodies for picky kids who don't like Mexican foods."
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