Best Local Chef

Gerard Craft

Venue

Niche

1831 Sidney St.

St. Louis, MO

314-773-7755

http://www.nichestlouis.com

Be Social

  • rss
Gerard Craft isn't St. Louis' best chef because he might serve you bacon ice cream. That just makes him a badass. No, Craft is St. Louis' best because he's likely to pair that bacon ice cream with that hippest of hip meat cuts, pork belly, to a create a dish that isn't simply a clever joke or a lovely presentation — though of course it's both those things — but almost indescribably awesome, sweet and savory and smoky and unlike anything you've eaten in this town. If the pork belly with bacon ice cream isn't available, close your eyes and point at the menu. Whatever you choose will blow your mind. Craft and his kitchen staff approach each dish, whether classic braised short ribs or a trendy cider "air" atop scallops, with the ideal balance of rigor and playfulness and — what's that? You're still hung up on that bacon ice cream? What does it taste like? Well, a woman of our very close acquaintance says it's like the smell of burning leaves in autumn. She got engaged later on the night she ate it, but she still talks about her meal there.

Best Of Search

Click here for Best Of Map

Best Of Issues - Previous Years

Latest Best Of User Comments

  • Best $1.19 Sandwich (2)
    2008-08-14 02:35:23
    Yeah, their hot dogs are pretty good, too, if you get 'em at the right time.
  • Best Steak House (2)
    2008-08-01 14:23:38
    Mike Shannons is not even close to the best steakhouse in Saint Louis......that is a terrble...
  • Best Neighborhood Bar (North) (1)
    2008-07-31 10:01:39
    Back in the early 1960s, Mimi's Subway Bar was Elmer's Subway Bar. While some of us were a bit...
  • Best Sports Broadcast Personality (1)
    2008-07-20 13:00:08
    Al Hrabosky is the best color commentator in baseball. Almost as colorful as he was as a relief...
  • Best Bowling Lanes (1)
    2008-07-16 12:47:45
    I LOVE Tropicana Lanes. It not only is a great way to spend a fun evening without spending much...

Best of St. Louis 2007 Award Graphics

Riverfront Times Insiders

  • Local food, music and news blasts
  • Free Stuff
Backpage.com