The Former NOMA Chefs’ Wild New Restaurant | On The Line | Bon Appétit

Bon Appétit21 minutes read

The chef at the restaurant creates new dishes daily from ingredients sourced at the Union Square Farmers Market to meet owner Chef Mad Westling's high standards. Various techniques, such as fermentation and sourcing unique produce, are central to the chef's role in maintaining and developing the menu.

Insights

  • The chef in the restaurant's research and development department must constantly innovate to introduce new dishes and update the menu regularly, balancing creativity with maintaining existing offerings.
  • Sourcing high-quality ingredients from vendors like Halal Pastures and Norwich Farms, incorporating unique flavors and techniques such as fermentation and preservation, is crucial for creating innovative and distinctive dishes that meet the owner's high expectations for perfection and service.

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Recent questions

  • How does a chef in a restaurant create new dishes?

    By constantly experimenting with ingredients and flavors.

  • What is the role of a talented cook in a restaurant?

    To manage daily operations and establish dishes.

  • What techniques are essential for a chef's role in a restaurant?

    Various fermentations and preservation methods.

  • How does a chef prepare for service in a restaurant?

    By handling fresh seafood and planning menu changes.

  • What is the key advice for a chef to maintain creativity?

    Keeping an open mind and avoiding overthinking.

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Summary

00:00

"Innovative Chef Creates Diverse Menu Dishes"

  • The chef of research and development in a restaurant needs to constantly create new dishes to change the menu frequently.
  • A typical day starts with buying produce from the farmers market and creating a dish by 5:00 p.m.
  • Chef Mad Westling, the owner, expects perfect dishes and service.
  • The Union Square Farmers Market is crucial for sourcing ingredients and inspiring flavors.
  • Halal Pastures provides unique vegetables with higher sulfur content and spiciness.
  • Willie, a talented cook, manages daily operations and established dishes at the restaurant.
  • The chef focuses on creating new dishes while also maintaining existing ones.
  • Norwich Farms offers scientific seed production and new flavors for experimentation.
  • Various fermentations and preservation techniques are essential for the chef's role.
  • The chef's role involves creating miso, vinegars, and other fermented products for flavor development.

12:40

"Chef's Creativity with Bison and Seafood"

  • The chef emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind and avoiding overthinking to maintain creativity and flow.
  • Preparation for service involves handling fresh seafood flown in from Maine, similar to what is found in Hokkaido, for snacks presented on carts to customers.
  • Menu changes are discussed, with the exclusion of bass gos due to noise concerns, and plans for a busy event on Sunday.
  • Detailed description of dishes includes bison tartar made with crickets and dried currant leaves, served with radishes and preserved blueberries.
  • The chef experiments with a dish involving raw bison heart, smoked and shaved over the meat, adjusting flavors and portion sizes for perfection.
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