In a brief visit to St Louis, I learned that St. Louisians are rabid Cardinals fans. I also learned they are proud of their hometown cuisine.

Our hosts recommended we ordered Toasted Ravioli at dinner, touted as a St. Louis invention. We also discussed Gooey Butter Cake at length at the dinner table that night.

The next night, we ordered Gooey Butter Cake from the dessert menu at Eleven Eleven Mississippi. The out-of-town opinion was split. Some thought the cake too rich. I thought it was too rich too, but when has that ever been a problem? It had the sugary consistency of cookie dough batter.

The lesson? Don’t go to St. Louis for the health food, go for the deep-fried fun.