Ben Poremba Ben Poremba is the Chef/Owner of Bengelina Hospitality Group, the St. Louis-based, award-winning operator of Nixta and Bar Limón, Elaia, Olio, Parigi, and La Patisserie Chouquette. Poremba is a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist in the category of Best Chef-Midwest, and he continues taking the St. Louis dining scene by storm. 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 began his culinary career in the states as a private chef, and then transitioned his experience into launching a catering company, Taste Fine Catering, while still in college. Poremba held roles as Executive Chef at The Maryland House at Brennan’s and Executive Chef of Winslow’s Home (both in St. Louis), and also attended Università degli Studi di Scienze Gastronomich (University of Gastronomic Studies) in Parma, Italy where he studied Food Culture and Gastronomy. In 2008, he started Bengelina Hospitality Group with his wife, Angela, opening their first venture Salume Beddu. He then went on to open Elaia and Olio, La Patisserie Chouquette, Old Standard (now closed), Parigi, Nixta, and Bar Limón.