CULINARY MANIFESTO:
Cooking and creating are two of my deepest passions, with my cuisine best characterized by the simple idea of allowing ingredients to taste like themselves. My culinary imagination has brought a keen excitement to those who have experienced my artistic approach to fine dining.
I strongly believe in using foodstuffs at their flavorful peak, and simply being a conduit between Earth and the guest. The abundance of land, sky and waters are viewed as cherished gifts.
The simple philosophy of deeply believing there is no right or wrong approach to culinary creativity is what frees myself of stereotypical criticism. While you wouldn’t prepare something well-done and serve it as rare, creating great cuisine must be considered a personal, almost spiritual act. The romance and beauty of something giving its life for you to apply your imagination and skill to prepare and serve, is one of the most profound experiences a Chef can have. There is great humility to the entire cycle that ends with the cuisine on the plate and the impression it has on my guests.
When cooking, one must seek out his own voice in the often times jumbled world of cuisine. To seek one’s path, to be your own harshest critic; therein lies the pursuit of culinary art in its truest form. Passion, courage and respect play an integral part in the kitchen. The Chef must never take for granted the fact that someone is putting their trust in you.
When cooking in the kitchen becomes a comfortable dance, the Chef must force himself to change the music. He does so by following the old adage, “if it isn’t broke, break it!” To strive to do something unique is an almost fundamental element for the artist to follow. Unlearning what was taught, I am forced to reconsider the culinary universe and to interpret it in his own way.
Viewing the kitchen as more of a sanctuary or laboratory, rather than a place where you simply work, I seek out new ingredients and techniques with an almost frightening zeal. Constantly looking for a way to surpass every guest’s expectations, I work towards the greater good, letting ego fall to the wayside. Cooking with love, and creating with an open mind, only then can the Chef discover his true voice.
Music
Phil Collins, Sufjan Stevens, at the drive in, OWEN, Gary Puckett and The Union Gap, Jawbreaker, The Promise Ring, Maritime, The Get Up Kids, Smoking Popes, Christie Front Drive, Texas is the Reason, Mark Mallman, Coheed and Cambria, American Football, the smiths, Morrissey, Devics, Matt Pond PA
Movies
The Big Lebowski, Boogie Nights, Citizen Kane, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Say Anything, American Psycho
Books
The Fountainhead, A Confederacy of Dunces, Paris 1919, Catcher in the Rye, Illusions, Chesapeake
Heroes
Ronald Reagan
graham elliot's Details
Status:
In a Relationship
Orientation:
Straight
Hometown:
Chicago
Body type:
6' 2"
Ethnicity:
White / Caucasian
Religion:
Catholic
Zodiac Sign:
Capricorn
Smoke / Drink:
No / No
Children:
Proud parent
Education:
College graduate
Occupation:
Chef
graham elliot's Schools
Johnson & Wales University
Charlotte, NC
Graduated: N/A
Student status: Alumni
Degree: Associate's Degree
Major: Culinary Arts
thank you very much for the autograph last saturday! it was the second time i ate at your restaurant, and i almost freaked out when i was handed a menu with your autograph on it!!!! thanks again,
How is your new restaurant going??? I look up to you and see you as a huge inspiration...let me know when you what to see the sun again....if ever...lol
HEY YOU WUZZU THANX FOR THE ADD I SAW U ON TV METROMIX :) AND I LIKE WHAT U DO.. I ADMIRE YOU.. WELL BUDDY TAKKE CARE AND KEEP IN TOUCH KEEP UR GOOD WORK! MR GREEN
Chef the website looks great and the breaking down of the individual components in the pics are really unique. Do you have an opening night set in stone yet? Goodluck and Congratulations.
i think you are a tease! i clicked on reservations, but they are not available yet. just kidding. soon???? the site looks fantastic and the copper popcorn pot is adorable!
