For decades, savvy diners in St. Louis have known that the best hot salami sandwiches in the city are at Gioia's Deli, the 99-year-old grocery-turned-lunch spot in the Hill.
Now the whole world will know about it, too — the James Beard Foundation just awarded Gioia's the highest honor it gives to historic restaurants, naming it "an American Classic."
The award honors "restaurants that have timeless appeal and are cherished for quality food that reflects the character of their community."
Even so, Alex Donley, who co-owns the restaurant with his mother Cathy, says he was shocked to get a call from the James Beard folk.…