About Saint Louis' Benton Park

Chef Gerard Craft and the staff at Niche in the historic Benton Park neighborhood continue to garner a series of awards such as:

• Chef of the Year (Sauce Awards 2008)
• Favorite Overall Restaurant (Sauce Awards 2008)
• Best New Chefs (Food & Wine 2008)
• Best Local Chef (Riverfront Times 2007)

Chef Craft's success has garnered three articles in Food & Wine in 2008. Although the ambiance is spectacular, the reason why I love Niche is simply the deceptively simple, pork-oriented dishes served. On recent visits, I tried three exceptional items:

• Slow roasted pig's head with a green apple and lemon jus and a side of swiss chard with house viniagrette.
• Veal sweatbreads with butternut squash, popcorn foam, and a pomegranate and salted carmel glaze.
• Pork duo with maple braised pork shank and crispy pan seared pork belly with sweet potatoes and swiss chard.

The food presentation was excellent. The tastes were spectacular. I don't want to know exactly what I ate or how it was prepared. I am blissfully ignorant and happy to have enjoyed innovative cuisine in one of St. Louis' best restaurants located in one of St. Louis' great historic neighborhoods.

Niche, 1831 Sidney (Benton Park), 314-773-7755, NicheStLouis.com.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in Benton Park, Lafayette Square or the other great historic City neighborhoods, please contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or by e-mail to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

FEATURED BUSINESS - JANUARY, 2009

BLUES CITY DELI

When Two Cents Plain closed in Downtown St. Louis, I bemoaned the loss of one of the last old time delis. However, there is a new sheriff in town and his name is Vince Valenza. On most days, you will find him at the counter of his Blues City Deli (2438 McNair) in the Benton Park neighborhood. If you visit more than once, this hands-on owner will likely welcome you by name.

While the quality of his fare reminds me of the great East coast delis, he has taken the deli to a new level by combining two of his passions - great food and blues music - to create a unique establishment that pays homage to the blues greats who have visited or called St. Louis home over the years. With blues memorablia adorning the walls and blues music filtering throughout the deli, it is a must see for those who enjoy the blues and are looking for a change of pace. When you visit, you will be reminded of the great blues heritage that St. Louis shares with other towns like Memphis, Chicago or New Orleans. This storefront deli also serves as a venue for live music on Thursday nights and Saturday afternoons.

Admittedly, I have not experienced the live music at Blues City Deli. I go there for three reasons - 20 great sandwiches, eclectic decor paying homage to the blues greats, and friendly service that only comes from an on-site owner. Often, we judge our neighborhoods by the character of their restaurants - particularly delis and coffee shops - where people live. By all respects, Benton Park has arrived as one of the great City neighborhoods to live and work.

When it comes to delis, Blues City Deli ranks at the top of my list. For more information on Blues City Deli, their menu or their live music schedule, visit their website at www.bluescitydeli.com.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in Benton Park or the other historic neighborhoods of the City of Saint Louis, PREA Signature Realty and its local City neighborhood specialists are ready to assist you. For more information, please contact Ryan S. Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or by e-mail to ryan@preasignaturerealty.com or visit our webiste at www.preasignaturerealty.com.