{Classic comfort food at the soon-to-open Bishop’s Post includes menu items like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, short ribs (pictured), and more.}
Next month, the seafood-centric menu at Oceano Bistro in Chesterfield will be replaced with classic American comfort fare. The space at 16125 Chesterfield Parkway West that currently houses Oceano is slated to become Bishop’s Post on May 9.
Last week, an investment group headed by Ben Bishop Jr. finalized the purchase of Amer Abouwardah’s interest in the Oceano Chesterfield location. Abouwardah has purchased that group’s interest in the original Oceano location in Clayton, which will retain its name and concept.
Bishop’s Post will be open daily for lunch and dinner on weekdays and dinner only on weekends. Bishop’s Post GM Christy Rayfield said the menu includes classic comfort dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, smoked meats, classic steakhouse cuts (such as a prime rib and a porterhouse), as well duck, quail and fresh seafood. The concept will be “more casual comfort than upscale comfort,” said Rayfield, whose 15 years in the industry include an eight-year run at the front of the house at Annie Gunn’s and most recently as a wine sales representative for A. Bommarito Wines.
Dave Rook will helm the Bishop’s Post kitchen. Rook’s 30-year culinary career has taken him to places like the now-defunct Aqua Vin and Crazy Fish, as well as Copia. In addition to his executive chef duties at Bishop’s Post, Rook also owns Empire Deli and Pizza downtown, which opened early last year, with brother Mike Rook.
While managing partner Bishop lends his last name to the restaurant, the “Post” part pays homage to Chesterfield pioneer Justus Post, who once owned the land where the restaurant currently sits. Artwork at Bishop’s Post will pay tribute to historic Chesterfield. “We want to embrace the community. We want you to be a part of us as much as we want to be a part of you,” Rayfield said.
Oceano will remain open until Bishop’s Post opens doors. “It will be a seamless transition,” Rayfield said.
This article appears in April 2014.