First Look: Billie Jean in Clayton

Billie Jean, the latest concept from restaurateur Zoe Robinson, opens tomorrow, Dec. 21 at 7610 Wydown Blvd. in Clayton, just a block or so east from Robinson’s other eateries, I Fratellini and Bar Les Fréres. Named after Robinson’s parents, the new eatery brings together New York City style and Midwestern hospitality.

The bill of fare at Billie Jean presents contemporary American cuisine from Robinson’s longtime collaborator and chef, Ny Vongsaly. The menu contains nods to international culinary traditions from Europe to Asia with dishes ranging from whole-roasted snapper to wild mushroom pizza to mahogany-glazed spare ribs.

The elegant, almost austere exterior and an entry way shielded by black canvas that only sports the name of the restaurant and the address offers the barest hint of what the space holds in store for diners.

The interior of Billie Jean is a study in subtlety. Carved walnut chairs, walnut barstools and a welcoming bar area warm contrasting black walls and white tablecloths. Paintings by Robert Motherwell and photographs from Harry Benson add tension and drama to the mix. The overall feel is more Manhattan than Clayton. With 34 seats and shotgun floor plan, it’s intimate but not cramped.

Billie Jean is open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Here’s a first look at what to expect when Billie Jean opens doors.

Matt Sorrell is staff writer at Sauce Magazine.