Delicious, Innovative, Recipes | Andrew Carmellini | Talks at Google | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Chef Andrew Carmellini discusses his culinary journey, influences, and thoughts on cooking and the restaurant industry.

Key Insights

• 🍳 Chef Carmellini draws inspiration from traditional cooking techniques and flavors, often reinterpreting them in his own style.
• 🚄 He emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients and letting them shine in the dishes.
• 👀 Chef Carmellini believes in creating a dining experience that is approachable and satisfying for all guests, whether they are looking for a casual meal or a special occasion.
• 🫡 He appreciates the social experience of dining and encourages guests to take pictures and share their restaurant experiences, as long as they respect the ambiance and the other guests.

Transcript

Female Interviewer: Thanks everyone for coming. It is such a pleasure to have Chef Andrew Carmellini here at Google New York. Welcome. >> Andrew: Good to be here. Thanks for having me. >> Female Interviewer: I'm having this very James Lipton moment right now. "So, tell me about your 12-year-old performance in Annie." So Chef Carmellini has train... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Chef Carmellini get into cooking?

Chef Carmellini started cooking with his mother and grandmother in the 70s, and his love for good food and ingredients grew from there. He was also influenced by the health food movement of that era and the emphasis on fresh, unprocessed foods.

Q: What inspired Chef Carmellini's new book?

Chef Carmellini's new book, "American Flavor," is not a typical restaurant cookbook. It tells the story of his culinary journey and the influences that have shaped his cooking style. The book aims to share recipes and inspire readers to explore different flavors and cuisines.

Q: What is Chef Carmellini's favorite recipe in the book?

Chef Carmellini believes that every recipe in the book has its own appeal, but if he had to choose, he would recommend the barbecued meatloaf stuffed with macaroni and cheese. It is a fun and indulgent dish that showcases his love for comfort food with a twist.

Q: How does Chef Carmellini balance running multiple successful restaurants?

Chef Carmellini has two operating partners who help manage the day-to-day operations of the restaurants. He focuses on what he is good at, which is creating and cooking, while his partners handle the business aspects. Consistency and delivering a great dining experience are key to running successful establishments.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Chef Andrew Carmellini started cooking with his mother and grandmother in the 70s, which sparked his love for food.

• He trained in various renowned restaurants in Italy and New York before opening his own highly-acclaimed establishments.

• His cooking philosophy revolves around using high-quality ingredients and creating dishes that are approachable and satisfying.