You’ve seen him as an iron chef, you may have seen him as a judge on “The Next Food Network Star,” but now Bobby Flay has a new role: mentor and investor on NBC’s “America’s Next Great Restaurant.” Ten ordinary people will compete with their pitches for the next great fast-casual (a.k.a. “classy” fast food) American restaurant.

If these wintery days have you in a somber mood, Océano Bistro is sure to put a smile on your face. With a largely seafood inspired menu, each dish is an ode to a coastal city filled with warm sunrays.

Located in a midtown parking lot tucked away off Olive St., Pappy’s is known for its almost absurdly delicious Memphis-style ribs. “Pappy’s is the single best meal you can get in St. Louis. By far the best barbeque I have ever had. It’s all about the ribs,” said senior Adam Savaglio, a frequent diner.

Imagine biting into a lightly fried enchilada with layers of golden brown dough and a juicy pulled chicken filling. If you’re already hungry, then you can feed your imagination at Fritanga, a cozy one-room restaurant that provides authentic Nicaraguan food for decent prices.

You may think a “Wash. U. Roll” will satiate your sushi cravings, but you shouldn’t settle for it. Just a few minutes’ drive away in Clayton are three decidedly different takes on raw fish.

Bobo Noodle House is the perfect solution for the hungry Washington University student who is in the mood for a special meal but not willing to brave the cold for too long.

Just as a painter possesses the intuition to create the perfect brush stroke, so too does a chef use his talent to make braised pig’s head with the same level of refinement. St. Louis’s own Gerard Craft is such an artist, whose work can be seen at his restaurants Niche and Taste by Niche in Benton Park.

Every day from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., House of India holds a lunch buffet. Classic Indian dishes are offered in addition to a few unique ones you may not have tried before.

Jean Ponzi, program manager at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Earthways Center, says,“It’s always nice to be a first.” Sassafras, the Garden’s restaurant is the first GRA-certified restaurant in the state of Missouri.