Baked eggs n’ potatoes: A hearty Midwestern treat

Phil Lempert TODAY Food Editor • Profile • E-mail

This week’s “stolen” recipe came a long way from St. Louis. Companion, an award-winning Missouri bakery, was founded by Josh Allen in 1993. In 2001, Allen opened the first dine-in location, in Clayton, Mo., the county seat of St. Louis County and part of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

Known throughout St. Louis as a popular café and favorite neighborhood hangout, Companion provides impeccable service in a comfortable, informal meeting place for friends and families. There are three cafés, in several of St. Louis’ trendiest neighborhoods: Clayton, Ladue and Central West End.

Each Companion is a bright space, with tall windows and ceilings that allow passersby to watch the daily operations of the bakery, including the elaborate decoration of Companion’s signature cakes and cookies.

About the chef
Starting a bakery may seem a unique choice for a Stanford University graduate, but Josh Allen has been working in the food services industry most of his life. Allen grew up in Clayton, where

Bill Sawalich Chef Josh Allen

his parents served as the third-generation owners of Allen Foods, a food distribution company servicing regional hotels, restaurants, schools and long-term care facilities. At age 8 he began helping with the family business, making deliveries, learning the tricks of the trade and, more importantly, developing a passionate interest in food.

With no formal training in bread making and relying solely on a French bakers’ oven made of stone, Josh Allen started Companion Baking in 1993 at the age of 24. His concept was to create wholesome and delicious European breads with simple ingredients. Starting with six breads in its product line but growing with each new client request, Companion quickly made a name for itself.

But as Companion grows, Allen remains motivated by “the quest for the perfect loaf of bread.”  His passion to “create something new every day” and take the time to perfect each product is what drives him.

Companion
8143 Maryland Ave.
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 352-4770
www.companionstl.com

Companion Baked Eggs n’ Potatoes are priced at $5.95 and served with toast. This recipe yields 1 casserole — approximately 6 restaurant servings.

Want to nominate your favorite restaurant dish for a “Steal This Recipe” feature? Just e-mail with the name of the restaurant, city and state, and the dish you would like to have re-created. Want to know more about Phil and food? Visit his Web site at www.supermarketguru.com.

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