Carmella's Cafe And Dessert Bar Restaurant In Charleston, South Carolina: Meet The Chef
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5 Reasons to Visit® sat down with Executive Chef and Owner Brian Solari of Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar in Charleston, South Carolina.
Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar in Charleston, South Carolina
Where did you grow up, and where have you traveled to that has helped inspire and shape your cooking philosophy?
I was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey and grew up in that area. My family is from South Philadelphia and we enjoyed a rich history of Italian culture and food. Many of my relatives owned food and dessert establishments in Philadelphia and they were like celebrities not only in our family, but all over town. I also spent some time in Italy, and really loved the detail that they as a culture put into everyday living.
Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar in Charleston, South Carolina
Tell our readers an interesting fact or two about yourself.
I love to make food that I really enjoy, and I find that when I really enjoy something that I make, others really enjoy it also. And I think that comes from making food that is dynamic, in that I want to taste something from the tip of my tongue through swallow. There needs to be a balance of flavors and textures.
Tell us about your absolute favorite food and why readers should try it if they haven’t already.
One of my favorite styles of food is French Vietnamese. It really captures the essence of how I enjoy cooking. In one bite you could have spicy, earthy, sweet, crunchy and buttery. If you can find foods that match well together even though they are different, it broadens the experience.
Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar in Charleston, South Carolina
What are three ingredients that you simply couldn’t live without?
Being a shop owner that is geared toward pastry and cakes, the one ingredient that I have found to be the most useful is Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla. Really high quality vanilla can make almost anything better.
We love the art behind plating. What do you love about designing the perfect dish?
Our plating occurs in the pastry case. We carefully choose where each item goes into the case and how it is showcased to give the pastry case vibrancy and eye appeal and a splash of color throughout
Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar in Charleston, South Carolina
Tell us about one of the most creative dishes you’ve created?
One of my most favorite things I created was our Belgian Liege waffle gelato sandwiches. There's almost nothing better than a fresh hot waffle with gelato and something crunchy in between. We made a variety of options.
What is one of your greatest accomplishments and/or recent awards you've earned?
We've won best desserts and best gelato from multiple publications, but the award I love the most is when patrons tell me that we are their most favorite place to visit when they come to Charleston.
What are some of the latest trends you’re seeing in top restaurants across the globe?
The trend that I've seen and really appreciate in the best restaurants that I've been to is the return to simplicity. Finding really high quality products and preparing them in a way that allows them to show off how great they are naturally is a real art form.
What’s your favorite cocktail or beverage of choice?
I'm always a lover of a white Burgundy, but my most recent go-to cocktail is an Italian style Manhattan. American bourbon blended with an aperitif similar to Aperol or Campari, as well as other bitters. And I'll also drink anything with rum in it.
Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar in Charleston, South Carolina
What do you love about being the Executive Chef and Owner of Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar in Charleston, South Carolina?
My favorite thing about working with food at Carmella's is the ability to create without restraints. My imagination and the imagination of my team are the only limitations that we have. Then it's up to the customer to decide if it's a winner or not.
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
