Enthusiastic diners around the world are always looking for the next great place to add to their collection of exceptional dining experiences. Bon Appétit’s annual “America’s Best New Restaurants” issue is one of the most widely read guides to must-eat spots across the nation. This year, two St. Louis eateries, Savage in Fox Park and Balkan Treat Box in Webster Groves, are among the top 50 nominees.
“It’s a nice pat on the back for my staff, who work really hard,” says Savage chef-owner Logan Ely. He recalls being a cook at restaurants that received such honors and the pride of recognition for a job well done. “It’s not the goal [of the restaurant], but it feels good. It reassures you that you’re on the right path. We’ll keep pushing ourselves with our dinner service and getting better.”
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Local diners can experience Ely’s innovative chef-driven cuisine in six- or 12-course tasting menus, or ala carte during lunch service and on the patio during the evening. For a more casual experience, Savage will soon be offering Wine Down Wednesday discounts on select wines and a menu of $5 snacks.
And what was the reaction of Balkan Treat Box co-owner Loryn Nalic? “Whoa.” Then she said it a few more times. “[Co-owner] Edo [Nalic] and I were both dumbfounded when we read the news this morning. We both started laughing, then hugging, then crying.”
Nalic is glad to see such publications widening the feature’s scope to include fast-casual establishments that are taking time to do things by hand and respecting the traditions of their particular culinary cultures.
“I never in a million years thought we’d receive this [level of recognition],” says Nalic. “I’m not a classically trained chef. To go from being a single mom to marrying a great man and opening a restaurant that shines a light on his [culinary heritage] in this great city…it’s been incredible to see it embraced. People like it, and they’re coming back. Our city is so supportive of the restaurant scene, and we’re so grateful for it.”
Balkan Treat Box is open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday. Expect to see creative collaborations with other local restaurants coming soon as well.
On September 17, the top 50 nominees will be narrowed down to the Hot 10 list, which appears in the October issue, on stands the same day. In 2017, both Vicia and Nixta were nominated, with Nixta eventually claiming the No. 9 spot.
