Episode 286: Balkan Treat Box

Meet St. Louis

This month marks six years of the Meet St Louis Podcast. With more than 280 episodes, it has been the biggest joy to share the stories of our city’s local businesses. To mark six years – we thought we’d chat with one of St Louis’ best – Loryn Nalic – the chef and owner of Balkan Treat Box and the recently opened Telva at the Ridge. We first sat down with Loryn back in 2018 – our first year of the podcast as she prepared to open their first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Webster Groves. Fast forward, and the growth and success has been incredible. Balkan Treat Box has landed on numerous best-of lists both locally and nationally, and Loryn has been named a James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef Midwest multiple times – basically the Oscars of the food world. I sat down with Loryn at their new café Telva for a revisited conversation about bringing Balkan food to the forefront of the restaurant world, plans for expansion and the biggest risks and rewards over the years as a restaurant owner. You can try these dishes and experience the Balkan food for yourself Wednesday - Sunday at Telva and Tuesday - Saturday at Balkan Treat Box. You heard Loryn mentioned plans for dinner, stay tuned to their social media for the official launch date of weekend dinner service.