Ben Poremba – Restaurateur and Program Host
Ben is the founder, chef , and owner of Bengelina Hospitality Group and a three-time James Beard Award Semi-Finalist. 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, Nixta, AO&Co., Florentin, Deli Divine, and Esca, among others. An extensive world-traveler, Poremba has staged in kitchens in France and Italy. Looking to international chefs as inspiration, Poremba is passionate about his Israeli heritage and is involved in St. Louis’ Jewish and Israeli communities. His charity and community outreach interests are immigration, equitable urban redevelopment, and sustainable agriculture. In his free time, he loves antiquing, modern design and art, and reading, with a library of over 5,000 books at home. Ben is also the co-host of “Jews in the Lou” an Instagram and YouTube social media series where he and his co-host Alex Rich interview notable St. Louis Jewish characters.