<![CDATA[Fenton Area Chamber of Commerce - BLOG: B\'s LOCAL DISH]]>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:39:39 -0500EditMySite<![CDATA[B's LOCAL DISH:  THE MALT SHOP]]>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:08:14 GMThttps://www.fentonmochamber.com/bslocaldish/themaltshopHey friends — This week, I took advantage of the lingering summer weather and enjoyed lunch on the patio at The Malt Shop. The classic walk-up vibe and nostalgic menu brought back all the good memories. Among many great menu options — pork fritter sandwich, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, french fries, fried pickles, and all the favorites — I went with a hamburger, fries, and a cherry Coke. It was perfect, and instantly took me back to childhood Saturdays, sitting at a lunch counter with my Dad.

Of course, The Malt Shop is famous for its ice cream, with endless combinations of shakes, sundaes, and concretes to choose from. But since it’s officially fall, for me that means funnel cake season! Yes, you read that correctly... Perfectly crispy and dusted with powdered sugar, our group shared the classic version — though you can also get it "deluxe" and topped with ice cream or whipped cream. YUM!!!
(Funnel cakes are only available Fridays, 4pm - close, and Saturday - Sunday, all day)

Owner Bart Castelli does more than serve ice cream and great burgers. He’s an active supporter of youth programs in our community, even providing complimentary treats to Rockwood Summit teams after their away games. Most importantly, The Malt Shop offers a safe, flexible workplace for many local high school and college students — giving young people opportunities to learn life skills and build independence.

FUN FACT: The Malt Shop will cater your next event by delivering a free-standing cooler of single-serve ice cream in your choice of flavors! What an awesome addition to your next event (weddings, birthdays, corporate events, fundraisers) - your guests will thank you!

I love supporting locally owned businesses… and I hope you’ll join me!

📍 1751 Smizer Station Road | Fenton, MO 63026
📱 Facebook & Instagram: @maltshopfenton
🍴 Mon-Thur: 11am-9pm // Fri & Sat: 11am-9:30pm // Sun: 11am-9pm   🍴 Menus   🍴 Catering

Let’s keep showing love to our local businesses — one bite at a time!
Follow me for more local dish… see you next week for another review.
​--  B

FROM OFF THE MENU

the location
]]><![CDATA[B'S LOCAL DISH:  RICOS TACOS]]>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:08:19 GMThttps://www.fentonmochamber.com/bslocaldish/ricostacosHey friends - I stopped by Ricos Tacos in Fenton for lunch earlier this week, and wow…it was delicious! This was a chilly, rainy day, but just walking through their door - the smells, the vibes, everything - warmed me right up.

Open since early August, Ricos Tacos serves up a variety of fresh Mexican favorites — tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, tortas, quesadillas, house-made salsas, and even some authentic dishes that you've never seen before! I’ve visited several times now, and while I’m slowly making my way through the menu, I keep coming back to their hearty burrito bowl — it’s that good!

You’ll also find authentic Mexican soft drinks and locally-made baked desserts and frozen treats that perfectly round out your meal. Whether I’m enjoying lunch on their sunny sidewalk seating area or grabbing dinner to-go, Ricos always hits the spot with fresh, bold flavors, classic dishes, and generous portions.

Conveniently located in Brookwood Center off of Bowles Avenue near Route 141, Ricos Tacos is right in the heart of Fenton — and it’s a must-try for lunch or dinner! As they proudly state: "Ricos Tacos, where authentic flavor meets a whole lot of passion! Our mission is simple—bring you the best tacos in town with fresh ingredients, bold seasonings, and a touch of Mexican tradition in every bite."

I love supporting locally owned businesses… and I hope you’ll join me!

📍 958 Brookwood Center | Fenton, MO 63026
📱 Facebook & Instagram: @ricostacos026
🍴 Mon-Thur: 11am-7pm // Fri & Sat: 11am-8pm   🍴 Menus   🍴 Online Ordering

Let’s keep showing love to our local businesses — one bite at a time!
Follow me for more local dish… see you next week for another review.
​--  B

FROM OFF THE MENU

THE LOCATION
]]><![CDATA[B's local dish:  duck in market]]>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 01:52:45 GMThttps://www.fentonmochamber.com/bslocaldish/duckinmarketHey friends — I visited Duck In Market in Valley Park today. Monday is my favorite day to shop at Duck In because I can grab my lunch AND stock up on meals for the week.

Chefs Scott and Chris Drake, along with pastry Chef Stuart Drake, prepare Cajun specialties of all kinds, as well as traditional lunch favorites. I can’t resist the super-sized chicken tenders (with the perfect amount of spice in its light breading), and the house fries. I always check out the counter in the back first, to see what new and creative specials are available. Some of my personal favorites are: hand pies, Boudin balls, lollipop chicken drumsticks (oh my!), the huge stuffed green peppers—they turn into two meals for me—and my all-time favorite, their house-made meatloaf with potatoes and green beans. Also, if you love catfish and Cajun food, this is your go-to place. Check out our Fenton Area Food and Drink group page or follow Duck In Market on Facebook & Instagram (@duckinmarket) to view their weekly and daily specials, especially what delicious sweet treat Stuart has come up with!

I have a sweet tooth, and Stuart’s daily cookies, muffins, and breads always find their way home with me. Fun fact: Duck In Market can take specialty catering orders for those bakery items as well as other crowd-pleasers for office meetings or for parties at your home. Highly recommend!
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There is plenty of room to enjoy your lunch in their southern-inspired dining room, or you can get your lunch to go in just a few minutes. Duck In Market also has a great variety of soft drinks, ice cream, and other convenience store items that make running out at lunch time more than worth your while.

📍 324 St. Louis Avenue | Valley Park, MO 63088
📱 Facebook & Instagram @duckinmarket
🍴 Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm  //  Lunch: 11:30am-2:45pm   🍴 Menus   🍴 Website

Let’s keep showing love to our local businesses — one bite at a time!
Follow me for more local dish… see you next week for another review.
​--  B

FROM OFF THE MENU

the location
]]><![CDATA[b's LOCAL DISH :  TIDY JON'S DELI & GRILL]]>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.fentonmochamber.com/bslocaldish/tidyjonsHey friends -- Again, welcome to my foodie adventure blog for the Fenton area... B's Local Dish!
I stopped by Tidy Jon’s Deli & Grill in Olde Town Fenton last week, and wow… what a treat! I was there with the Fenton Chamber H.Y.P.E. group, and we had such a fantastic experience.

Owners Ken and Jill Adkisson are running a great neighborhood spot, serving up comfort classics starting bright and early with breakfast. It’s the perfect place to pop in for something to go, enjoy some quiet on the spacious patio, or meet up with friends for some casual dining — so good!

My most recent visit was a sunny day on that patio. While our group enjoyed such menu items as the fried chicken sandwich, smash burger, grilled ham and cheese, and turkey club, I went with my usual: the house special — the “Tidy Jon” with fries. Oh my goodness… imagine a deconstructed burger with a meaty, oniony sauce, plus pickles, piled between a toasted bun. I’ve tried other menu items, but I keep coming back to this delicious, unique family recipe. It’s quickly become my favorite sandwich!

There’s plenty of room to sit inside and enjoy the cozy atmosphere, but on a gorgeous day, you’ll definitely want to grab a seat outside and soak up the sunshine on that spacious, private patio. Located just steps from the Meramec River — it’s even an easy walk if you’re grabbing a meal to go or making a stop while navigating the Meramec Greenway.

I love seeing local gems like this thrive. Tidy Jon’s Deli & Grill is locally owned, community-loved, and absolutely worth a visit!
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📍 12 Ferry Street | Fenton, MO 63026
📱 Facebook & Instagram @tidyjonsdeliandgrill
🍴 Online Ordering   🍴 Menu   🍴 Website

Let’s keep showing love to our local businesses — one bite at a time!
Follow me for more local dish… see you next week for another review.
​--  B

FROM OFF THE MENU

THE LOCATION

]]><![CDATA[WELCOME TO THE BLOG:  B'S LOCAL DISH]]>Fri, 10 Oct 2025 22:41:20 GMThttps://www.fentonmochamber.com/bslocaldish/welcome-to-the-blogPicture
Welcome to B’s Local Dish — a fun, local foodie adventure blog from yours truly, B!

I’m "B", Bridget Nations, Executive Director of the Fenton Area Chamber of Commerce — and a firm believer that great communities are built around great local businesses (and great food). 

Through the "B’s Local Dish" blog, I will be sharing my favorite eats, treats, and even some hidden gems from right here in our area. Every post is a celebration of the restaurants, cafés, and small businesses that keep Fenton and our neighboring communities buzzing. You won't want to miss!!!

No formal reviews or fancy foodie jargon here — just my honest take on the bites and the vibes, some local love, and a whole lot of appreciation for the hard work of the people behind my favorite dishes. So, I welcome you to join me, and my Fenton Chamber friends, as we eat local, support local, and discover what’s cooking around town!

Stay tuned for my first review >>> Tidy Jon's Deli & Grill
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