Nixta, helmed by acclaimed Chef Ben Poremba, brings a contemporary, chef-driven restaurant with Mexican influence and nods to the “American Mediterranean” to St. Louis this November, joining his other celebrated restaurants Elaia, Olio, La Patisserie Chouquette, and Parigi. Part of Bengelina Hospitality, Nixta combines Poremba’s Mediterranean heritage and cooking style with Executive Chef Tello Carreon’s expertise in Mexican cooking for an elevated multicultural experience. Nixta, named after “nixtamal,” or the process of preparing maize, boasts a menu as colorful as the exotic décor. The casual space with bright patterns, loud textures, and eclectic art also encompasses Bar Limón, a new Mexican-inspired cocktail destination adding vibrancy to St. Louis’ nightlife scene.
Poremba and Carreon worked alongside one another for three years at Elaia and through this collaboration comes a fantastic marriage of backgrounds, creating a new culinary fusion. Inspired by street vendors, regional specialties, colonial influences and Abuelita’s cooking, of course, Nixta shows off Mexican food as one of the most outstanding and colorful cuisines in the world.
Dishes are rooted in the rich traditions of Mexican cooking while paying homage to seasonal ingredients and contemporary techniques. Menu highlights include tuna tostada (lime, white soy, avocado, crispy leeks, spicy mayonnaise), smoked bay scallops (green apple aguachile, jicama, Serrano, horseradish), tartara de cordero (lamb tartare, pasilla pepper harissa, curried cauliflower tortilla, pickled vegetables), tacos de carnitas de pato (pulled duck, pomegranate, kumquat, citrus), blackened sturgeon (esquites, parsnip, cashews), and more.
Poremba not only designed Nixta’s menu, but also the interior and exterior components of the restaurant as well. Combining authentic Mexican aesthetics with contemporary characteristics, Nixta’s design began with inspiration from minimalist Mexican architect Luis Barragán. Loud, bright colors like salmon, aqua, and deep blue hues meld with patterned ponchos and other fabrics decorating the walls, all collected by Poremba – an antique and art aficionado – over the years. The focal point of the space hinges on an oversized, risqué Frida Kahlo photograph, capturing the attention of guests as they enter the space. Nixta and Bar Limón incorporate original pieces of Pani Jurek’s rope lighting throughout, as well as hand-built tables and chairs sourced from local woodworker Martin Goebel.
Bringing Mexican nightlife to St. Louis’ Botanical Heights neighborhood, Bar Limón presents a lively and vivacious environment unlike anywhere in the city. Energizing guests with high-spirited cocktails and a deluxe selection of tequilas and other spirits, Bar Limón welcomes guests to a dynamic new late-night lounge. Making St. Louis’ nightlife scene a bit spicier, Bar Limón is completely unique to the city’s bar scene in both beverage offerings and style. Bar Limón offers live music, late-night menu selections, and industry specials Thursday through Sunday starting at 10:00 p.m. Well-known St. Louis beverage expert Layla Linehan serves as Bar Consultant with up-and-coming Ty Nalewajkó as Head Bartender.
