THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED LOCATIONS Elaia Awards

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED LOCATIONS Elaia Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: St. Louis is fertile ground for rising culinary talent, and Ben Poremba, proprietor of Bengelina Hospitality Group (Elaia, sister wine bar Olio, Nixta, etc.), first tossed his hat into the ring with this ambitious restaurant. Elaia occupies a rehabbed house seating only about 30 patrons, so reservations are suggested.

About the food: Executive chef Ben Grupe carries on the experimental spirit in the kitchen. Keep an eye out for playful interpretations of Mediterranean classics and for vegetables that pop up in unexpected preparations. Guests have the option of ordering à la carte, composing a prix-fixe menu or indulging in the tasting menu. Among the dishes you might encounter are beet and goat cheese mousse with orange, fennel and coffee cardamom crumble; foie gras accompanied by poached pear, concord grape coulis and a five spice crisp; and quail with truffle sausage and gnocchi. Desserts continue the whimsical theme with a cornmeal financier with chocolate mousse, popcorn and candied pumpkin seeds.

About the drinks: Impressively, the wine list holds its own with the unique food. You’ll find offerings from classic winemaking regions as well as Lebanon, Turkey and Slovenia. There are also cocktails and a menu section dedicated to Bourbon.