Brass Tack Restaurant At The Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel In Chicago, Illinois: Meet The Chef
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5 Reasons to Visit® sat down with Executive Chef Nicholas Marino of Brass Tack at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.
Executive Chef Nicholas Marino of Brass Tack at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago in Chicago, Illinois
Where did you grow up, and where have you traveled to that has helped inspire and shape your cooking philosophy?
I grew up in northern New Jersey where I spent a lot of time with my grandparents who emigrated to the United States from central Italy. My cooking philosophy was shaped by their heritage and the traditions of Italian cooking. I prefer to work with only the best ingredients and use the proper technique in their preparation to elevate and balance the flavors.
Brass Tack at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago in Chicago, Illinois
Tell our readers an interesting fact or two about yourself.
Several of the dishes that I serve on my menus are inspired by meals made by my parents and grandparents when I was a child. Throughout my life and career, I have worked and re-worked many of these recipes to fit into different concepts. These are the dishes that first drew me into the culinary world, and I like to pay them respect by continuing to serve and elevate them every chance I get.
Tell us about your absolute favorite food and why readers should try it if they haven’t already.
I could not choose just one “favorite food.” I love so many things, but most of them are simple dishes that call back particular memories and emotions, such as pizza Napolitana, breaded and fried chicken cutlets, and tacos al pastor.
Brass Tack at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago in Chicago, Illinois
What are three ingredients that you simply couldn’t live without?
The most important ingredient to me is love. Love is what brings all of the other ingredients in a dish to life. Without it, all other ingredients simply fall flat.
We love the art behind plating. What do you love about designing the perfect dish?
When it comes to plating, I like to keep it simple. If ingredients are meant to be together, they will come together naturally on the plate.
Brass Tack at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago in Chicago, Illinois
Brass Tack at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago in Chicago, Illinois
What are some of the latest trends you’re seeing in top restaurants across the globe?
I feel that food and the practice of cooking are becoming more honest. During the pandemic, many of us were stuck at home, which gave us the opportunity to go back to the basics of scratch-cooking and master the most fundamental skills, with nothing flashy to hide behind.
What’s your favorite cocktail or beverage of choice?
I prefer very traditional and classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan or Boulevardier.
Brass Tack at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago in Chicago, Illinois
