Monarch Closed for Renovations

By Ian Froeb Tue., Jun. 1 2010 at 11:30 AM

Categories: Restaurant News & Reviews

Robin Wheeler

Josh Galliano, executive chef at Monarch

Saturday, May 30, was the final service for several weeks at Monarch (7401 Manchester Road; 314-644-3995). The restaurant is now closed for renovations. Unlike many restaurants that close "for renovations" but are never heard from again, Monarch is serious.

The most significant changes will occur in the bar area, which will feature a new look (including a space for live music) and a new menu.

This new bar menu will draw from the New Orleans roots of executive chef Josh Galliano, a semifinalist for "Best Chef - Midwest" in this year's James Beard Foundation Awards and Riverfront Times' reigning Best Local Chef.

Robin Wheeler described those roots in her Chef's Choice profile of Galliano:

Galliano grew up eating a variety of good food. He spent time in Mississippi at his maternal grandparents' fish camp, where it was all about fish fries and huge country breakfasts complemented with fig preserves and scuppernog jelly, made from fruit picked by the kids. His dad's Sicilian and New Orleans heritage brought a mix of local favorites like tasso along with Aunt Mary's stuffed artichokes. He learned the perks of local food early and continues that education.

Galliano also worked at two of New Orleans' most famous restaurants, John Besh's Restaurant August and Commander's Palace.

Fans of Galliano's upscale fare needn't worry, the dining room menu will return when Monarch does. The restaurant projects a late July or early August reopening.