IN THE NEWS

Riverbend Growth Association Names Bakers & Hale as Small Business of the Month

The RiverBend Growth Association has named Bakers & Hale as its Small Business of the Month for February 2021.

Established in 2018 by co-owner and executive chef, Kelsi Baker Walden, and consulting chef Rex Hale, the farm-to-table restaurant is a place where you can enjoy American cuisine with comfort food flair and stick around for a drink afterwards.

Field of Food Dreams

This farm-to-table restaurant in northwestern Madison County that opened in 2018 sits off the beaten path with an unassuming presence, but don’t let that downplay its awesomeness.

Getting your mitts on a menu will reveal the upscale fare. It’s obvious they take pride in culinary creativity and quality. There are lunch, dinner and brunch menus, along with specials. We ordered from the lunch menu.

The Wobble Gobble

Bakers & Hale

Bakers & Hale, a unique farm to table restaurant, located in Godfrey, IL, is a wonderful destination for delicious, farm fresh food and fun seasonal cocktails!

Kelsi Baker Walden, Executive Chef, was highly influenced by her mid western grandparents, who were both farmers. When she’s not in the kitchen preparing your meal you can probably find her digging around in the garden gathering fresh picks for her next creation. The garden sits just outside of the patio bar.

Bakers & Hale Plants a Talented Chef Duo in Godfrey

Kelsi Baker Walden and her family hails from the area around Godfrey and wanted to open a restaurant in the building that previously housed the restaurant and bar the Rotten Apple. She reached out to Hale to join in the endeavor.

Chef Rex Hale, an avid supporter of local produce, would be able to grow his own on site. More importantly, he would be able to mentor the younger Baker Walden on her first starring role. While he is the “head chef” and the name St. Louis diners are likely to know, she is running the kitchen.

Kelsi Walden Baker Has Returned to Her Roots at Bakers & Hale

When thinking back on where she got her love of food, Kelsi Walden Baker, the co-owner of the new Metro East restaurant Bakers & Hale does not hesitate. It was Grandma Baker.

Bakers & Hale Serves Rustic, Farm-to-Table Fare in Godfrey, Illinois

Chef-owner Rex Hale – who previously ran four restaurants including Boundary and 360 St. Louis under Lodging Hospitality Management – debuted Bakers & Hale on Aug. 6, a fresh, farm-to-table concept with longtime employee, friend and Illinois resident Kelsi Baker Walden.

“I think the most exciting thing is that we can cook with the seasons,” Hale says. “We can actually grow things on the property, serve things out of the garden and have an opportunity to share our love for food with people in this area.”