MEET THE CHEF
JIMMY REALE
Have you always wanted to ask your favorite chef what they love to eat when they’re at home? Or perhaps what they think the next big food or dining trend will be? Look no further than this exclusive series of chef interviews by JustLuxe. So read on, as we bring you these answers and more — direct from the culinary masters themselves. Some of the most famous names in the industry, including legendary Michelin-starred chefs, have divulged exciting insider information and personal stories of their journey to the top just for our readers.
Restaurant: Carolina Cross Roads
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Type of Cuisine: Contemporary American
Accolades: Carolina Crossroads Restaurant holds a AAA Four Diamond Award, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and Forbes Four-Star Service Award
JustLuxe: At what point in your life did you decide to become a chef? What influenced you to do so?
Jimmy: I grew up working in the family wine business which for me was wonderful. So when I was 19 years old and out on my own, I needed to find a job. I was ready to try something different and I always enjoyed cooking so figured why not try it. My first job was making Pizzas and Stromboli at Sbarro’s Pizza. I absolutely fell in love with it. That was almost 20 years ago and I’ve been cooking ever since.
Without a doubt I was influenced by my mom, Marie Reale. She is still to this day one of the best cooks I know. I grew up in a large Italian-Lebanese family who gathered frequently for Sunday afternoon meals. Needless to say, I ate some really great food growing up.
JustLuxe: If you could give a word of advice to an aspiring chef, what would you say?
Jimmy: Stick with it and give it your all!!!! There’s no doubt this is a tough profession with long hours but it’s all worth it if you love what you do for a living.
JustLuxe: Where do you get inspiration for the design of your dishes and plating?
Jimmy: For the most part I like to recreate the Italian and Lebanese dishes I grew up eating. I try to then incorporate some Southern charm into it. For instance I have had this dish on the menu in the past: “Marie’s Meatballs Braised in Red Sauce over Fried Green Tomatoes and Local Goat Cheese”.
JustLuxe: What do you predict as the next big trend in cooking and/or the restaurant industry?
Jimmy: “Comfort Food with a Twist.” I believe people really enjoy some of the classics they grew up on. For instance I recently served a “Grilled All Natural Pork Porterhouse, Pimento Mac n Cheese, Green Beans, Pickled Green Tomatoes with Peach Brandy Jus.”
JustLuxe: Which season do you look forward to the most for its ingredients?
Jimmy: Summer is by far my favorite season with the abundance of fresh local products. I pretty much count down the days until heirloom tomatoes are here. I also frequent the Carrboro Farmers Market in search of cucumbers, green beans, peppers, okra, corn, watermelon and much more.
JustLuxe: What places or cities in the world have influenced your cooking the most?
Jimmy: My mom did not cook a lot of Southern food when I was growing up so the South has been a big influence on my cooking style. I went to school at Johnson & Wales in Charleston, SC, and had my first real experience with shrimp & grits, I was hooked!!!
JustLuxe: In your opinion, what innovation has recently influenced the restaurant industry in a significant way?
Jimmy: Although it is still relatively new to the market, I believe the POS (Point of Sales) systems with the use of the I-pad and I-touch are incredible. It gives the customer a new outlook on dining. The wait staff can show actual pictures of the dishes to the guest. They also never have to leave the dining room to ring in orders. Orders are sent automatically from the I-Phone to the kitchen.
JustLuxe: What would you say is the current climate of business in the restaurant industry?
Jimmy: I believe everyone is on some sort of budget right now and looking for good cheap eats. My small plates menu at Carolina Crossroads Bar has gone over extremely well. I try to serve interesting food in smaller portions at a really good price. Recently I served “Fried NC Chicken Thighs over Waffles with Smoked Bacon, Toasted Pecans and Pink Peppercorn Maple Syrup”.
JustLuxe: Besides gastronomy, what other passions do you have?
Jimmy: I absolutely love hanging out with my family when I am not at work. My beautiful wife Leigh and two children Conner and Caroline are incredible. Being with them is my rest and relaxation on my days off.
For more information visit CarolinaInn.com
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