RESTAURANTS

DIEGO’S CANTINA

After building a loyal following at Frida’s (named for artist Frida Kahlo) in University City, owners Natasha Kwan and Rick Roloff opened this “husband restaurant” (yes, named for Diego Rivera) next door. Fortunately, the restaurant doesn’t charge by the pound for the nachos, which are loaded with toppings and served on a sheet pan. It comes with chips and cheese, tomatoes, olives, radishes, and cilantro-enough to challenge a whole right-field box’s worth at Busch. Try the Costra tacos, served in a grilled cheese shell, as well as queso with chiles that’s set on fire. Espolon tequila drinks don’t hurt either. The atmosphere is bedecked with a vibrant color palette, Mexican masks, and Day of the Dead-themed tile; it’s a splendid place for sipping margaritas or tucking into specialties that bring a whole new take on Mexican cuisine. 630 North and South.

TAI KE SHABU SHABU

Taiwan’s take on hot pot-so good, it’s worth saying twice-shabu shabu calls for unhurried dining enjoyment. Gather around bubbling broth pots, and swish everything from lamb to enoki mushrooms in distinctive sauces. Some items might be unfamiliar (dried tofu, tong hao greens, and fish balls), but it’s fun to experiment. Although there are individual seats at a big bar, it’s more entertaining to share a table and ingredients with family or friends while slowly working your way through the menu. Afterward, grab dessert at Share Sweet next door. 9626 Olive.

ASADOR DEL SUR

Maria Giamportone is from Ecuador; her husband, Daniel Gonzalez, is from Uruguay. The couple met in New Jersey and were living in Miami when St. Louis relatives convinced them that the Midwest city needed a South American grill. Giamportone’s culinary specialty is seafood; Gonzalez’s is charcoal-grilled meat. Her lobster bisque is the best he’s ever had; she says the same about her husband’s skirt steak. After discovering the charms of Maplewood, the couple launched Asador Del Sur last year.