[culinary kudos]
At last! After earning six James Beard Foundation nominations in seven years, Gerard Craft has been named Best Chef in the Midwest. Craft, who began his St. Louis culinary presence with Niche, plans to grow his successes by opening a fifth restaurant, Porano Pasta & Gelato on Washington Avenue, later this year.
Dave Bailey, whose successful eateries include Rooster, Small Batch, The Fifth Wheel and Bailey’s Chocolate Bar, has made the cut to become a finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Central Midwest. The award recognizes excellence and extraordinary success and innovation.
[smokin’]
Smoke will soon rise in Valley Park when Pappy’s Smokehouse owner Mike Emerson and Bogart’s Skip Steele join forces to fire up the pits of Dalie’s Smokehouse, expected to open in June. The joint venture promises to make Valley Park another destination for the BBQ faithful.
Joe Dixon will continue his family’s BBQ tradition at Dixon’s Smoke Co. on Forest Park Avenue in Midtown. Dixon, whose family owned the late Charlie’s Barbecue in Berkeley, promises ‘cue the way his mother made it: with 100 percent wood fire.
[ shuttering ]
Chesterfield is mourning the loss of Villa Farotto, which closed its 11-year run on Mother’s Day. Unlike other restaurant closures there is a bright side: the original Farotto’s on Manchester Road is alive and well.
[shakespeare al fresco]
Attention, foodie fans of The Bard: Bixby’s will again provide four courses of gourmet plates on May 28 and 29 and June 11 and 12 during the STL production of Antony and Cleopatra. Reflecting the festival’s community atmosphere, dinner will be served al fresco at communal tables overlooking Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park.
