Local Chef Kitchen in Ballwin to close June 13

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Photo by George Mahe

Local Chef Kitchen is closing June 13. The Ballwin restaurant concept was the brainchild of the late chef Rob Uyemura (WIM-ruh), a gifted chef who came to town via YaYa’s Euro Bistro in Chesterfield before working at the former Eau Bistro inside The Chase Park Plaza. Then, deciding to catch his breath with some catering, including for his kid's Montessori school, he created something different from his previous venues: Local Chef Kitchen, a combination of casual eatery, gourmet take-out, and semi-grocery store.

Photo by George Mahe

As the restaurant's name implied, Uyemura used as many local producers as possible. During one of our visits, for instance, a local farmer arrived, followed by Uyemura and a colleague marching in with a slaughtered hog over their shoulders, a sight you don’t typically see in Ballwin.

The dishes were riffs on classic American cooking, some traditional—for instance, a fabulous fried chicken with chili sauce—and others delightful forays into such things as butternut squash with mac and cheese or etouffée served over stuffing instead of rice. Refrigerated cases held options for carryout or the freezer, and there seemed usually to be produce around for taking home, sometimes after a discussion of possible recipes, and a CSA subscription service. It was all very casual, very reasonably priced and, most of all, very food-centric.

Courtesy Local Chef Kitchen

The late Rob Uyemura flanked by his indispensables, Melvin Thompson and Tony Carson.

Uyemura passed away in February. He's survived by his wife, Mitzi, and two sons. Mitzi and employees Tony Carson and Melvin Thompson have kept the business going during the pandemic, with curbside ordering available. Mitzi reports, however, that the time has come to shut down Local Chef Kitchen. The closing date of June 13 gives regulars some time for one (or more) final visits, and the rest of the community a chance to find out what you’re going to be missing. As far as precautions go, order just inside the door. Tony, Melvin, or Mitzi will bring your food out to the car.

Rob Uyemura was an incredibly gifted chef, and a tremendously nice guy. We’re the poorer for the loss of him and his ideas. So a tip of the credit card to that fabulous fried chicken with chili sauce. But remember – there’s not much time to get one last bite.

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Courtesy Local Chef Kitchen