One month after Loryn and Edo Nalic opened Balkan Treatbox in 2019, I had the privilege of sitting down with Loryn and getting her take on the success of the restaurant. Now Loryn is a culinary superstar being recently crowned the James Beard Best Chef Midwest. She takes us on a delightful journey through her culinary roots and the evolution of her restaurant, Balkan Treatbox. From her childhood memories of cooking with family to the whirlwind of opening a food truck and now a full-fledged restaurant, Loryn shares the ups and downs of her culinary career. She recounts the transformative moments that shaped her passion for food, like her early days busing tables and her leap into pastry chef roles. We get into the intricacies of running a food truck, the challenges of sourcing ingredients, and the creativity that fuels her menu, which is inspired by the rich flavors of the Balkan region.As we celebrate her recent accolades, we also reflect on how community support and a team effort has been vital to her success, emphasizing the collaborative spirit among local chefs in St. Louis. Loryn and Arnold explore the vibrant food scene in St. Louis, highlighting how the city is gaining recognition on a national scale. They discuss the camaraderie among local chefs and how this interconnectedness strengthens the culinary landscape.Loryn’s anecdotes about her experiences, from baking bread in a food truck to managing the demands of a bustling restaurant are engaging and give us a behind the scenes view. Listeners get a taste of the mouthwatering dishes served at Balkan Treatbox, like the beloved wood-fired bread and the unique flavors of cevapi, and how every dish tells a story. This conversation is not just about food; it’s about passion, perseverance, and the joy of bringing people together through delicious meals.[00:00] Meet Loryn Nalic[00:13] Early Food Roots[00:55] Pastry Breakthrough[01:46] From Sysco to Pappy’s[03:21] Launching the Truck[04:49] Food Truck Reality[08:35] From Truck to Restaurant[09:16] Balkan Menu Tour[12:19] Design and Identity[15:12] Opening Challenges[18:47] Lunch Only Growth[23:03] Precision and Pastry[24:10] St Louis Food Community[27:37] How to Visit and Follow[28:47] What is Next and FarewellTakeaways:

• Loryn Nalic’s journey from culinary dreams to James Beard Best Chef accolade is truly inspiring!
• Building a food truck is not just grilling and cash registers, it’s a complex culinary adventure!
• The St. Louis food scene is thriving, with chefs supporting each other like one big happy family!
• Every dish served is crafted with love, using fresh ingredients and traditional Balkan recipes!
• Transitioning from a food truck to a full-fledged restaurant has its challenges, but the rewards are worth it!
• Social media is the lifeblood of food trucks – it’s how they keep their hungry fans in the loop!

• Balkan Treat Box – St. Louis
• Instagram – Balkan Treatbox
• Facebook – Balkan Treatbox

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com#balkantreatbox #jamesbeardaward #stlouisfood #foodtrucks #balkanfood #streetfood #balkancuisine #woodfiredcooking #handmadebread