Nestled in the charming Benton Park neighborhood, Sidney Street Cafe offers a warm and inviting dining experience, much like finding comfort in a familiar embrace. This upscale eatery has been a cornerstone of the community since 2003, seamlessly blending into the historic streetscape of St. Louis. Occupying a century-old storefront, Sidney Street Cafe has become synonymous with exceptional cuisine and impeccable service.
When you plan a visit to Sidney Street Cafe, or its acclaimed sister restaurant Peacemaker Lobster & Crab, anticipation for a memorable meal is naturally high. Award-winning Chef Kevin Nashan and his dedicated team consistently strive to not just meet, but exceed these expectations, crafting a dining journey that delights and impresses.
Stepping into Sidney Street Cafe: Ambiance and First Impressions
The moment you step inside Sidney Street Cafe, you’re greeted by an atmosphere of understated elegance. Exposed brick walls, beautifully polished hardwood floors, and soft, warm lighting create an immediately welcoming environment. The antique bar, prominently positioned near the entrance, stands as a testament to the cafe’s timeless charm and attention to detail. Indeed, Sidney Street Cafe establishes a positive and refined impression even before you are seated. The carefully curated decor and attentive service quickly signal that you are in for a special dining experience.
Award-Winning Dining: Chef Kevin Nashan’s Culinary Excellence
Our group of Dining Women recently chose Sidney Street Cafe for an evening out, having made reservations for five. From the moment we arrived, the experience was seamless. A courteous valet directed us to convenient parking just steps from the entrance – a thoughtful touch that immediately set a positive tone for the evening. This smooth start was just a prelude to the exceptional dining experience that awaited us, crafted under the guidance of James Beard Award-winning Chef Kevin Nashan. Nashan’s culinary prowess has earned him significant recognition, making Sidney Street Cafe a destination for those seeking top-tier American cuisine.
Beignets without the Powder: A Unique Start
In the dining room, a thoughtfully arranged table was prepared for our party. Drinks were promptly served, accompanied by a bread basket filled with unique “unpowdered beignets.” This New Orleans-inspired touch, courtesy of Chef Kevin and his kitchen, was a delightful twist. The absence of the traditional powdered sugar topping made these beignets, in my opinion, even more flavorful and less overly sweet than their classic counterparts. It was a subtle yet significant detail that showcased the cafe’s commitment to refining familiar favorites.
Appetizer Adventures: Must-Try Starters
Our server attentively explained the appetizer selections showcased on a chalkboard easel at our table. Faced with numerous enticing options, deciding what to order proved challenging. However, our server offered a solution: a customized plate featuring two different appetizers for each of us, a special arrangement not explicitly listed on the menu. We readily accepted this generous suggestion.
I opted for the Veal Dumpling and the Lobster Turnover. The Veal Dumplings were truly exceptional – so much so that I could have happily made a meal of them alone! Unfortunately, my photographs don’t fully capture their deliciousness due to the restaurant’s ambient lighting, designed for a relaxed atmosphere rather than photography.
Upon inquiring about Kevin’s presence in the kitchen, I learned he was visiting family in New Mexico. Chef Nashan’s culinary journey began in Santa Fe, where his parents owned a restaurant for 27 years. He further honed his skills in Spain and New York City before returning to St. Louis with his wife, Mina, and brother, Chris, to take the helm at Sidney Street Cafe.
Entrees and Culinary Delights
Each entree at Sidney Street Cafe is accompanied by a choice of soup or salad, providing a complete and satisfying dining experience. The menu features a range of expertly prepared dishes, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative flavor combinations.
The Roasted Beets, served with creamy barley, king trumpet mushrooms, caramelized goat’s milk, and a rich root vegetable demi-glaze, exemplify the cafe’s commitment to sophisticated yet comforting cuisine. This dish showcases a thoughtful balance of textures and tastes, making it a standout vegetarian option.
My entree selection, the snapper, was equally impressive. It was served with a delicate sweet potato puree, pickled enoki mushrooms, and a flavorful chorizo nage – a rich stock used for poaching seafood. The combination of flavors and the perfectly cooked snapper demonstrated the kitchen’s skill and attention to detail.
Deconstructed Desserts: A Sweet Finale
Sidney Street Cafe’s dessert menu features several “deconstructed” cakes, a playful trend favored by chefs seeking to add a touch of whimsy to the final course. This approach involves disassembling the traditional components of a dessert and presenting them artistically, as separate elements on the plate.
The Deconstructed Carrot Cake, a prime example, features broken pieces of carrot cake alongside passion fruit gel, cheesecake puree, and a refreshing carrot-passion fruit sorbet. Sampling the other deconstructed cakes at our table revealed them to be equally delicious and inventive. While these desserts are undeniably tasty, my personal preference leans towards traditionally constructed sweets. I appreciate the artistry, but sometimes crave the familiar comfort of a classic presentation. Nevertheless, the playful deconstruction adds a unique and memorable element to the dining experience at Sidney Street Cafe.
Experience Sidney Street Cafe: More Than Just a Meal
Sidney Street Cafe embodies everything a fine dining experience should be: relaxed, comforting, and utterly delicious. Whether you are dining with family, friends, or entertaining out-of-town guests, a visit to Sidney Street Cafe promises a memorable evening of exceptional food and warm hospitality. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience to be savored.
Sidney Street Cafe. 2000 Sidney Street in Benton Park neighborhood. Open: Tue-Thu 5p, seating till 9p; Sat 5p, seating till 10p; closed Sun-Mon. Chef: Kevin Nashan.
