Drift Seafood in New Jersey: Meet the Chef
We sat down with Enea Duri of Drift Seafood in New Jersey. Dining at Drift Seafood in New Jersey offers an exceptional blend of fresh, locally sourced seafood and creative culinary techniques. The menu features a variety of expertly crafted dishes, from perfectly seared scallops to flavorful lobster rolls, all served in a relaxed yet upscale setting. With an emphasis on sustainability and innovative flavors, Drift Seafood provides a memorable dining experience for seafood lovers seeking quality and freshness.
Drift Seafood in New Jersey: Meet the Chef
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
My morning routine can vary so much, my life sort of mirrors the restaurant industry, no two days are ever alike. I am very close with my family, so the best way to start and end my day is usually speaking with them, which helps me find my metaphorical center of balance. Breakfast can be a rarity for me as I’m always sort of on the go or moving on to the next task. The way I like to end my day is lying in my own bed, watching a podcast and doom scrolling on my phone.
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
During my tenure as General Manager at Kuro in the Hard Rock Casino, we won USA Today’s Best Hotel Restaurant two years in a row. But my biggest achievement I’ve earned was being able to put all of my experience and knowledge into building a wonderful establishment like Drift Seafood.
Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
I have many favorite chefs. I’ve been so lucky in my life to work with and learn from some of the absolute best chefs not only in the area, but I dare say, in the world. Chef Kris Neff is currently a private chef but was previously the executive chef at Buddakan in Atlantic City.
Drift Seafood in New Jersey: Meet the Chef
Chef Leslie Daniel at Kuro in the Hard Rock Atlantic City and Chef Paul Drew, the previous executive chef at Phillips Seafood as well as Renault Winery. These people have all had a profound impact on me on my journey.
What do you typically cook at home?
Cooking at home for me can be rare. Unfortunately, in this industry the hours are long and certainly not easy, so the little time oP I get, I enjoy eating out and trying other restaurants in the area. If I do cook at home, it’s generally something super quick and easy. When you’ve been cooking for other people all day, you want someone to cook for you when you are oP!
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
I feel like Japanese food and Asian fusion has really taken off in the past couple decades in this country. Coming from a strong Japanese style cuisine background, I am very appreciative of this.
What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
With a strong background in Japanese cuisine, I’ve gotten to try a lot of very interesting combinations. I think the thing that surprised me the most was Soy-Honey Brussel Sprouts. I’ve always hated veggies growing up, and Brussels always gave a certain smell that I found repulsive. Once I got to try Brussel sprouts with a soy-honey glaze, I was hooked.
What drink do you enjoy most?
Probably going Whiskey Neat with a water on the side 90% of the time.
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
Although I’ve met many celebrities who have dined in my restaurants as a general manager, I’ve never had the opportunity to cook for a celebrity yet as a chef.
What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?
It’s @DriftSeafood.
Drift Seafood in New Jersey: Meet the Chef
Why should readers visit Drift Seafood in New Jersey?
Drift Seafood is a BYOB steak and seafood restaurant that offers a menu and flavors at a price point that really is unmatched in the area. Fine dining quality food and flavors in an upscale atmosphere with top notch service at an aPordable price point. Drift is the Culmination of my two decades of managing and running some of the best restaurants in the area. We strive to provide our guests with an amazing experience from start to finish and maintain a small town, personalized style of service.