Podcasts / Arch Eats / St. Louis chef Alex Henry’s journey from Yucatán roots to James Beard nominee

St. Louis chef Alex Henry’s journey from Yucatán roots to James Beard nominee

From his abuelita’s kitchen to the James Beard stage, chef Alex Henry (El Molino del Sureste, Taqueria del Sureste) shares his inspiring story, insights on Yucatecan cuisine, and what’s next.

by SLM Staff April 7, 2026 at 5:00 AM April 6, 2026

George Mahe, Alex Henry (chef/owner of El Molino del Sureste), Cheryl Baehr

Mexican cuisine is having a moment in St. Louis right now, and chef Alex Henry is a major part of that movement. Since opening his City Foundry food stall, Sureste, in 2021 and following up with his outstanding sit-down restaurant, El Molino del Sureste, two years later, Henry has been setting the bar for regional Mexican cuisine. A native of the Yucatán city Mérida, Henry celebrates the region’s cuisine at El Molino del Sureste with thrilling results—and earned himself a James Beard Awards semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: Midwest in the process. He shares his passion for Yucatecan cuisine with George and Cheryl, as well as his take on why St. Louis diners are so eager to experience traditional Mexican dishes. Watch Arch Eats on YouTube and listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are available.

“You could say I’m stubborn. I was gonna stick to my guns, you know. Do it my way, or fail.” —AH

Alex and Jeff Henry, owners of Taqueria del Sureste and El Molino del Sureste

Dulce Tradicional Con Queso Locales – spread of traditional fruit candies and cheeses

This episode is sponsored by 4 Hands Brewing Co. and supported by Cardinals Nation. 4 Hands is celebrating the 10th anniversary of City Wide APA with collabs with ten local businesses. Visit their Instagram or website to learn more.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Dumplings & Tea, 137 Chesterfield Towne Center, Chesterfield, 636-778-9090
Niche Food Group
YaYa’s Euro Bistro, 15601 Olive, Chesterfield, 636-537-9991
Brasserie by Niche, 4580 Laclede, CWE, 314-454-0600
Vicia, 4260 Forest Park, CWE, 314-553-9239
Cleveland-Heath, 106 N Main, Edwardsville, 618-307-4830
Nixta, 5232 Delmar, Delmar Maker District, no listed phone
City Foundry STL, 3730 Foundry Way, Midtown, no listed phone
Taqueria del Sureste, 3730 Foundry Way, Midtown, no listed phone
El Molino del Sureste, 5005–5007 S. Kingshighway, Southampton, 314-925-8431
Menya Rui, 3453 Hampton, Southampton, no listed phone
Little Fox, 2800 Shenandoah, Fox Park, 314-553-9456

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About The Hosts

George Mahe

George Mahe has spent most of his life immersed in the restaurant industry, owning and operating establishments before delving into food journalism. He began reviewing restaurants for St. Louis Magazine 35 years ago under the pseudonym “Arnie Boye” (a tribute to his dog) and became the magazine’s first dining editor in 1992. His fair and balanced approach spawned a local restaurant consulting company, and further ventures in ownership. In 2006, he returned to SLM. George spearheads the magazine’s dining coverage, curates the weekly Dining Out newsletter, and co-hosts the Arch Eats podcast. George lives in University City with his wife, Suzi. Send your dining questions to [email protected].

Cheryl Baehr

Cheryl Baehr has been telling the story of the St. Louis dining scene since 2013, drawing upon her decades-plus experience in the industry and her passion for food and the people who make our city so delicious. A graduate of the University of Missouri St. Louis and the University of Denver, Cheryl left a career in government in Washington, DC to return to her hometown to write about food, first as longtime dining critic for the Riverfront Times and now as a staff writer, co-host of the Arch Eats podcast, and editor of the Dining In newsletter at St. Louis Magazine. When she’s not celebrating the St. Louis food scene, you can find this proud Florissantonian and recent University City expat sipping on coffee at her home in Wildwood with her daughter, Coretta, her partner, Nick, her step-dog, Van, and her beloved Great Pyrenees, Chloe.