Filtering by Tag: Chefs

Connecticut Chefs Open Up About Wellness, Bad Habits, Mental Health, Addiction, and the 86 Challenge

Features Interview Homepage Interview Health & Wellness Mental Health Addiction Chefs Beto Ortiz Damon Sawyer Carlos Perez Dante Cistulli

Andrew Dominick

To “86” or to “eighty-six” something is a term commonly used in the hospitality industry. It’s defined, maybe best so, in the Urban Dictionary, where it’s summarized as “getting rid of something, removing it, or refusing service.” If a dish is popular for the evening, and thus, sold out, you might hear a chef say something like, “86 pasta special.” But to “reject, discard, or cancel” or to 86, has a different meaning to Beto Ortiz in the present day. Ortiz, the founder of Humans of the Kitchen (think Humans of New York for the service industry), a chef in his own right, and someone who’s open about his own struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and an overall rebellious nature, started the 86 Challenge, a wellness program for chefs and restaurant professionals.


Connecticut Restaurant Confidential: Strange Stories, Odd Orders, + Twisted Tales in the Industry Vol. 2: Pizzerias

Features Interview Restaurant Homepage Pizza Restaurants Chefs Customers

Andrew Dominick

It was about time this ridiculous, limited (but slowly working on more) series returned to bring you more of the weird, bizarre, and funny tales in the restaurant industry.

And while edition number one was a hodgepodge of stories from chefs that you know in the general area, this version has a focus…

PIZZERIAS!

This one’s got a few longer stories that I promise are worth reading, a Wu Tang sighting, one video of a chef busting his ass, and plenty of weird customer orders.

And if you’re wondering what volume three might look like, we’re hitting up bartenders because we know there’s plenty of tea there.

But for now…PIZZAAAAAAA! 


My Favorite Dish: Rosina’s Raviolo al’ Uovo

Features Interview Restaurant Pasta egg yolk ravioli Greenwich Byram Rosina's Greenwich Rosina's fresh pasta Homepage Chef Chefs Chef Talk

Andrew Dominick

I’ll be the first to admit that since Rosina’s opened, it has become my toxic trait. And I mean that in the best way possible. I’ve eaten there for dinner, I’ve attended several happy hours and one industry night, and I’ve celebrated a birthday there.

Full transparency, Jared Falco, Rosina’s co-owner and executive chef, is a good friend of mine. I’d like to say I go so often to visit him, and that is partially true, but Jared, I’m sorry, it’s for the pasta. Still love you, bro!


Cluck Cluck: 7 Questions with Ben Pote of Wildacre Rotisserie in Greenwich

Interview Restaurant Chefs Chef Talk Local Chef CT Chef Fast Casual Chicken Vegetarian Greenwich Family Friendly

Andrew Dominick

In June 2022, Wilton resident Ben Pote opened Wildacre Rotisserie, a new fast casual concept whose signature is an expertly roasted heirloom chicken and an overall menu that’s all about freshness and quality.

This “Cali-style” chicken joint isn’t only bird-focused, though, as it’s got plenty in terms of vegetarian options—including a whole roasted za’atar seasoned cauliflower.


Connecticut Restaurant Confidential: Strange Stories, Odd Orders, + Twisted Tales in the Industry Vol. 1

Features Interview Restaurant Chefs Restaurants Customers Homepage

Andrew Dominick

How many times have you heard bizarre restaurant requests? How about ridiculous customer orders? What about those tales that are strictly between BOH and FOH staff?

I’m sure you’ve even overheard whispers as a customer or you have firsthand experience in the hospitality industry and you know about all the “crazy” that goes on, but either way, there are some doozies out there!

“Lemme get a bacon cheeseburger, minus the beef and the cheese, with lettuce, tomato, and mayo?”

Uhhh…what?! That’s a fuckin BLT.