Nixta

An Israeli native, Poremba learned the art of cooking (and eating) from his mother, Rachel, who had a 40-year career as a chef and culinary educator herself. Poremba moved to St. Louis to earn a BA in philosophy from the University of Missouri. Poremba also attended Università degli Studi di Scienze Gastronomich (University of Gastronomic Studies)... in Parma, Italy where he studied Masters of Communications, in Food Culture and Gastronomy. Poremba began his culinary career in the states as a private chef, and then transitioned his experience into launching a catering company while still in college, Taste Fine Catering. Poremba held roles as Executive Chef at The Maryland House at Brennans and Executive Chef of Winslows Home (both in St. Louis). In 2008, he started Bengelina Hospitality Group with his wife, Angela, opening their first venture Salume Beddu. He then went on to open Elaia, Olio, La Patisserie Chouquette, Old Standard and Parigi (now closed), Nixta/Bar Limón, The Benevolent King, AO&Co., and recently expanding beyond food by launching his lifestyle brand, B.Poremba Feinschmeckers. Poremba is moved by how food plays a central role in celebrations, rituals, holidays, and virtually every ceremony humans are engaged in. A fan of spontaneous cooking, without referring to recipes, Poremba strongly believes that food must be prepared with love. For Poremba, food, design, and service should all be measured by how great of an experience you can give to people; not only on a substance level, but through the environment, art, and conversation as well. I aim to create food that takes you somewhere, says Poremba. Either somewhere familiar that invokes memories, or to a place youve never been before. Diners dont need to go to the theater for a full night out; I want my restaurants to be the show itself for guests. I aim to transport diners, whether its to Baja at Nixta, Tel Aviv at Olio, or The Marais at The Benevolent King. His goal is to run a sustainable enterprise by providing an equitable work environment ...Read More