Photo by George Mahe
After much anticipation, Zoë Robinson's former Billie-Jean space in Clayton has a new tenant with a familiar name.
Acclaimed restaurateur Ben Poremba of Bengelina Hospitality Group plans to open Bar Moro (7610 Wydown) in late summer or early fall. The restaurant will feature Mediterranean cuisine, with Spain and Portugal at the forefront.
"I wasn't going to miss this opportunity," Poremba said in a press release. "Zoë has been a friend and a mentor, and taking over what I believe is Zoë's most personal place is a great honor."
The Atmosphere
Photography by Suzy Gorman
The interior of the former Billie-Jean
Named for Robinson's parents, Billie-Jean had an atmosphere unlike any other in St. Louis, with varying shades of black throughout the space—floor, ceiling, walls, banquette, kitchen equipment—accented only by the art, greenery, and dishes. The stunning interior that Robinson created will largely remain intact at Bar Moro.
"I don't want to disrupt her legacy but continue it," says Poremba. "Zoë has the most sophisticated eye for detail and design, and I want to respect and preserve some of Zoë in the space. It's already so beautiful. Why change it? Of course, I will add my touches, and make it mine. I think our guests would expect that, especially given the concept and name change."
The restaurant's name stands for "moor" and pays homage to the traditions of Moorish Spain, the Moorish Mediterranean, and Poremba's Moroccan heritage. (Coincidentally, the restaurant is also located in the Clayton community known as the Moorlands.)
The Menu
Expect tapas and traditional Spanish mainstays, such as jamón, as well as new takes on classic dishes, such as paella. The restaurant will also offer fine Spanish charcuterie and cheeses, as well as tinned fish and seafood Iberian delicacies, known as conservas.
"These aren't your $2 chicken of the sea tasteless tuna," Poremba explains. "These are some of the world's most praised delicacies, and I can't wait to share them."
Many of the menu items were developed at Bengelina flagship Elaia, Poremba notes, "so the culinary standard is pretty high." Among the forthcoming options: croquettes; octopus salad with potato emulsion and smoked paprika; lamb neck skewers with Moroccan spices; and remojón, a salt-cured fish with citrus and oil-cured olives.
The drink menu will include Spanish and Portuguese wines, with a spotlight on sherry offerings. (Bengelina wine director Luciano Racca plans to travel to Jerez, Spain, soon to learn more about the fortified wine.) The bar will also feature some of Poremba's favorite spirits and cocktails while entertaining at home, including vermouths, aperitifs, spritzers, gin and tonics, and other botanical libations.
Photography by Greg Rannells
Ben Poremba
The Concept
Poremba had been considering a Spanish concept for some time. The announcement of Bar Moro comes on the heels of other restaurants from Poremba and his wife, Angela, including Olio, Elaia, and Nixta in Botanical Heights; The Benevolent King in Maplewood; and the forthcoming Deli Divine, a Jewish deli in the Delmar DivINe.
That's not to mention other ventures, including Salume Beddu, AO& CO, Punch 5 Libations and Kombae Kombucha (with Kevin Lemp), La Patisserie Chouquette (with Simone Faure), and Nomis Chocolate (with Shimon Otsuka), as well as children's store Honeycomb (with Zoe Kaemmerer) and lifestyle brand B.Poremba Feinschmeckers.
As with his other ventures, Poremba hopes that Bar Moro will leave guests with a lasting impression.
"Our guests should expect a celebration of Iberian and Mediterranean food culture,” Poremba says. “Our aim is to create a dining experience that is both sophisticated and relaxed. That's always been the charm and magic of Zoë's places. That is her true legacy and imprint on our dining scene. And that is what I wish to carry on.”
