The Flavors of India come to Florissant
Shannon Howard | Feb 23, 2010 | Comments 4
The sunny personality of Prasad "Pete" Devi is just one of many reasons to visit Pete's Cafe, an Indian-American deli that opened two weeks ago in Florissant.
Every so often I find myself in a food rut, bored with pretty much everything in my fridge. I was feeling that way lately, when quite serendipitously I happened to see the sign for Pete’s Cafe. This Indian-American deli, which owner Prasad “Pete” Devi says is the first of its kind in the Midwest, features a simple storefront in an otherwise unremarkable strip mall. But oh, what complex and wonderful flavors this restaurant creates!
Devi is an experienced chef who trained in both New York and London, and he comes from a long line of restaurateurs. Not only is his father a chef but his extended family runs a chain of successful restaurants in the southern Indian state of Kerala, a popular tourist destination.
The tasty Volcano Wrap from Pete's Cafe
Southern Indian food, of course, is known for its robust spices, particularly curry, and Devi has built on this rich tradition while still adding his own twist. “What I make is a fusion of Indian and American food,” he says. “A lot of people think that curry dishes are messy, so I came up with the idea to present them in ways that are more approachable.”
Making all of his own sauces and spice blends, Devi prepares Indian classics like Chicken Tikka and Keema Beef but serves them in a more Americanized sandwich form – what he calls “Indian on a Bun.” I got one of his Volcano Wraps to go (a delicious sweet and spicy blend of rice, chicken, beef and fresh herbs, all wrapped in a soft pita) and I swear my car has never smelled so good! Next time, I plan to try the Chicken Vindaloo, an Indian staple, and the Kofta Korma meatballs, made with spices from the northern mountains of India.
With menu prices ranging from $3.65 to $10, Pete’s also offers breakfast sandwiches, omelets, curry and rice dishes, a unique house potato salad and NoCo’s own TJ’s Pizza – a concession to kids and others whose palettes aren’t quite so adventurous. Vegetarian dishes are also in the works down the line.
A warm, cheerful decor greets customers at Pete's Cafe.
In choosing his Florissant location, Devi, who moved from India to New York at age nine and has lived in St. Louis for five years, was attracted to the affordability and friendly, family atmosphere of the North County area. “My goal is to be a nice, neighborhood store where I know my customers and they know me. That’s why I want to serve good food at reasonable prices,” he says. “I’m here to be a part of this community.”
Pete’s Cafe is located at 503 Paul Ave, 63031 – half way between Lindbergh and Howdershell on Charbonier. Hours: M-F 8am-9:30pm and Sat 10am-10pm. Dine in, carry out and catering. (314) 921-PETE
Filed Under: Food & Drink
Great cuisine. Fabulous work on the space. Wonderful owner.
I saw the owner speak at City Council when he applied for a license. Saw with pleasure 02/15/10 that the place was open. Stopped in for a visit, and stayed to dinner.
Good luck, Pete.
Shannon, thanks for the tip! I stopped here tonight and picked up some chicken tikka masala – delicious. Pete was very friendly and is proud of his offerings. Definitely worth the visit and I’ll be back to try more.
That sounds great, Jen! Can’t wait to go back to Pete’s myself!
Pete’s cafe, you need to do some major advertising, every restaurant in that location has failed. Start by placing flyers at various North County (Primarily Florissant and Hazelwood) apartment complexes, that is where you will find your more diversed population and therefore market. Offer 2 for 1′s, that is how Pueblo Nuevo became so popular (located on Hwy. 67 at Utz.) Indian food is so good and most of it is good for you, especially the spices. Get the Post-Dispatch to do a review and invite other food critics; CitySearch, UrbanSpoon etc… Just some thoughts! Good Luck!