Updated May 7 with James Beard awards results – Vicia Restaurant chef Michael Gallina did not take Best Chef: Midwest last night at James Beard Foundation Awards. Chef Ann Kim of Young Joni won the honor this year.
Original story from May 6:
On Monday’s St. Louis on the Air, Sauce Magazine managing editor Catherine Klene and staff writer Matt Sorrell talked up some of the latest additions to the St. Louis region’s food-and-beverage community. There are three restaurants on this month’s Sauce Hit List, and Monday evening is also a big night for a local chef honored by the James Beard Foundation.
Vicia chef and co-owner Michael Gallina – one of the James Beard Foundation finalists for the Best Chef: Midwest award – joined the conversation by phone just ahead of the Chicago gala announcing the chef and restaurant award winners.
Follow Sauce on Twitter @saucemag for the real-time updates during the awards ceremony.
New Restaurant Recommendations:
Bulrush (3307 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103) Highlights include:
- specialization in Ozarks cuisine circa the mid-1800s
- a $100 seven-course tasting menu for four seatings a night.
- dishes with foraged local ingredients by James Beard-nominated chef Rob Connoley and sous chef Justin Bell.
The Dubliner (2733 Sutton Blvd, Maplewood, MO 63143) Highlights include:
- fish and chips.
- shepherd’s pie.
- bangers and mash.
Bagel Champ (3422 S Jefferson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63118) Highlights include:
- Byrd & Barrel houses the bagel pop-up Saturday and Sunday for brunch.
- sausage, egg and cheese and the fried chicken bagel.
- frequent feature collaborations with eateries like Gioia’s Deli, Pie Guy Pizza, Citizen Kane’s and Guerrilla Street Food.
Also discussed during Monday’s program was the temporary closing of North City stalwart Goody Goody Diner due to an accidental electrical fire in the kitchen. Neighbor Breakaway Café owner Matt Quinlisk opened his restaurant for breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m. to offer Goody Goody kitchen and waitstaff employment while the diner is closed for repairs.
Listen to the full discussion:
“St. Louis on the Air” brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. “St. Louis on the Air” producers Alex Heuer, Evie Hemphill, Lara Hamdan and Jon Lewis give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.
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