Death by Lunch

It is with great pride... and regret... that I share with you my lunch entree.

Recently, I've been on a kick to try new places, branch out, and really get to know St.Louis food. Co-workers took me to a little place on The Hill (Italian section of town) called Anthonino's. I was pretty set on trying a gyro or some fried fish, but my boss took the liberty of making a strong recommendation that I go for The Slinger.

Oh, and it came out slingin'. Nobody at the table could recall eating a Slinger during daylight hours. Nor could anybody recall eating one while sober. I was going into uncharted territory, embarking on my own little "man versus food" episode.

Let me tell you, I've never seen a concoction on a plate like this since I used to wash dishes. I'm just saying things get mixed together back there in the dish room. It was wild.

Upon a hefty portion of french fries, sat two fried eggs, all of which was smothered in a meaty italian red sauce, which was coated generously with provel cheese. It was piled high with pancetta bacon, and dusted with parmesan cheese. It is served with the warning that, "The plate is hot. Be careful." Yeah, like that's going to be my problem while trying to consume this behemoth. How about, "Caution, we combined breakfast, lunch, and dinner on this plate. Good luck."

I'll admit I was a little nervous at first, but it was love at first bite.

I WON! In short order, I gobbled it all up, and I was all set to skip the next 3 meals. St. Louis foodies maintain that the Slinger is the ultimate hangover remedy. While I can't vouch for that, I can say that it did make me want to take a nap.