Carmelo’s in Covington, Kentucky: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Mitch Arens of Carmelo’s in Covington, Kentucky. Carmelo Caserta, a first-generation Sicilian immigrant and great-grandfather of owner Billy Grise, opened a neighborhood tavern and grocery where everyone was treated like family and never left hungry. Carmelo’s honors his memory by living his values—generosity, warmth, honesty, and good humor—present in every dish and their welcoming atmosphere.
Carmelo’s in Covington, Kentucky: Meet the Chef
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
Coffee and craziness! Haha. Mornings around the Aren’s house are chaotic with 4 kids getting ready for the day. Once they're all on the bus I try to hit the gym on my way into the restaurant before getting the workday started. The evenings usually end with my wife, Shelby, and I watching one of our shows or playing some cards.
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
I've worked in a lot of great places in my career with many awards and accolades. I would have to say that my biggest achievement has been starting our own business and being able to create an environment where people enjoy their jobs, share our success and can be proud of where they work. We have an amazing team and hope to continue creating opportunities for them to grow and achieve their own goals.
Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
My favorite chef(s) (and restaurateurs) are Donald Link, Paul Kahan, and Ford Fry. It's incredibly inspiring to see the hospitality empires they have created while still focusing on putting their teams first and being integral parts of the local communities. The thing I always tell young chefs is to keep their head down, put in the time learning from different chefs and cuisines.
Carmelo’s in Covington, Kentucky: Meet the Chef
Travel and eating different foods is so important to finding your own style and identity as a chef. To many people become focused on titles and recognition. It's important to stay humble, don't ever stop learning and searching for inspiration.
What do you typically cook at home?
My favorite thing to cook at home is our big weekend breakfasts. My kids love to help cook. Whether it's cracking and scrambling the eggs, making biscuits and gravy or homemade donuts or pancakes, they are there helping, tasting and building plates for everyone while Shelby gets a break to enjoy her hot coffee.
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
The food trend I love seeing right now is definitely the elevated comfort foods. I love the nostalgia you get from taking older, "classic" dishes that people grew up on and are familiar with by making them unique and your own. Finding that perfect local ingredient or new spin that sets it apart and takes it to the next level.
Carmelo’s in Covington, Kentucky: Meet the Chef
What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
Two things come to mind immediately! First is the frozen white kimchi ice at Momofuko's Saam Bar in NYC. The other would be the Tabasco ice cream you can get at the Avery Island tour. They make a vanilla ice cream with their jalapeno hot sauce, and it was surprisingly refreshing and delicious. I love the contrast of sweet and savory in both dishes.
What drink do you enjoy most?
Coffee. It's definitely coffee! I'll drink anything from a cold brew, fresh drip, or shot of espresso in the morning, midday, in a cocktail, or with dessert.
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
Over the 20 years in this industry, there have been hundreds of athletes, celebrities, politicians, and other famous people. A few that stick out are Mark Zuckerberg, Janet Jackson, and Peter Frampton. One of my favorite memories though, was when we got to cook for the set of NCIS New Orleans and they featured our team on an episode. It was so much fun to see behind the scenes, share a meal and watch things come together.
What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?
You can follow me at @ChefMitchArens.
Carmelo’s in Covington, Kentucky: Meet the Chef
Why should readers visit Carmelo’s in Covington, Kentucky?
You have to come check out Carmelo's! Who doesn't love American-Italian cuisine? Our team does such a great job of serving these delicious, yet approachable dishes with an elevated level of service. The atmosphere is unmatched with the character of 170-year-old exposed brick paired with updated finishes, sexy lighting, and upbeat Italian disco music playing in the background.