Madrina in Webster Groves, Missouri: Meet the Chef

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Feb 16

Meet the Chef: Madrina in Webster Groves, Missouri

We sat down with Executive Chef Tim Adams of Madrina in Webster Groves, Missouri. Madrina celebrates the spirit of Italian-American family dining with a contemporary menu rooted in time-honored recipes. Plates are crafted for sharing, inviting communal meals around tables built for conversation. An expertly chosen wine list complements the food, while a warm, neighborhood atmosphere completes the experience—bringing the comfort and conviviality of home-style dinners to modern dining.

Madrina in Webster Groves, Missouri: Meet the Chef

Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

First and foremost, I am a dad, and some days start with taking the kids to school, then hitting the gym, and finally heading into work. After a busy day on my feet, I’ll head home and have a small bite to eat and then unwind with a few video games.

Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

My favorite chef is my mentor, Fabrizio Schenardi. I was young, about 22 years old, when I met him on my second day at the Four Seasons. He tasted my risotto, said the inside of my rice was cold, gave me a lot of trouble, and then cooked with me the rest of the night. At the end of the day, he gave me a slap on the back and said, “good job.”

My advice to young chefs comes from my time working with Fabrizio—find a great chef to work under while you are young and maybe have more time and learn as much as possible and work as much and as hard as you can.

What do you typically cook at home?

At home, it’s usually simple comfort food–meatloaf, steak and potatoes, fried chicken tenders–gotta keep those kids happy, too.

What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

The trend of old school traditional cooking is right up my alley. There’s nothing better than a RisottoMilanese done well with its satisfaction coming through in its simplicity. Madrina was founded with that very principle in mind—making guests feel welcome with the freshest ingredients from local farmers, and taste profiles that transport you to a bygone era. We’re not chasing trends

What drink do you enjoy most?

My favorite drinks are my coffee in the morning, helpful for kickstarting the day, and a Budweiser at night.

Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?

My biggest celebrity story involves Oprah. She called down to the kitchen at the Four Seasons 20 minutes after we closed, and said we have 45 minutes to get 250 sliders to her room for some arriving guests. We made it with two minutes to spare.

What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?

My Instagram is @tadams20044.

Why should readers visit Madrina in Webster Groves, Missouri?

I recommend you visit Madrina because of the food, of course! Honestly, we take a lot of pride in what we produce in the kitchen. Just because a dish may seem simple, doesn’t mean the taste will be simple. I’ll always keep Fabrizio’s “KISS” advice at the forefront: keep it simple, don’t put too many items together. In the kitchen at Madrina, we focus on a handful of quality ingredients in a dish, allowing the freshness and simplicity of those components to shine.

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