First Look: Love at First Bite in St. Ann

Love at First Bite, a new carryout restaurant in St. Ann, opened today, Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 10479 St. Charles Rock Road with executive chef Jason Lamont and co-owner Monica Hodges at the helm.

While small in scale, flavor is big at Love at First Bite, and dishes showcase Lamont’s many years of experience in professional kitchens across the St. Louis area. The Lobster On My Spuds, one of several different loaded fries on the menu, is an elevated and lighter take on the classic crowd pleaser, featuring a Grand Marnier cheese sauce and chunks of lobster poached in butter and white wine. The traditional Caesar salad is available with Cajun shrimp, which are well seasoned and make a nice counterpoint to the salad’s creamy dressing.

Lamont set out to design a menu that could satisfy palates and diets of all kinds. “From the pescatarians to the vegetarians to the vegans to the carnivores, we’ve got something for everybody,” he said. Meat-free options include a vegan St. Paul sandwich, a cauliflower fried rice made with Just Egg egg substitute, and cauliflower bites offered in an array of wing-style sauces, including a lip-smacking buffalo.

In addition to Lamont’s diverse menu, Love at First Bite also has desserts like strawberry, red velvet and chocolate brownies available from 2Geez Catering, as well as vegan cupcakes from Sweet Life Gourmet. The bottled lemonade and sweet tea from Made With Love, a beverage line started by young local entrepreneur Mikelle Brown, are also not to be missed.