We sat down with Executive Chef Dwayne of Pazzo Ristorante in the heart of downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. Inspired by a love affair with Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh handmade pasta and wines that flow as freely as laughter around a family dinner table. Experience a beautiful bi-level space in a century-old Barrington Street building with a cozy bar and gorgeous dining room.

Pazzo Ristorante Halifax, Nova Scotia reviews — Image: Pazzo Ristorante in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Picture a space reminiscent of an Italian villa, complete with imported Calacatta marble, high ceilings, slender columns, large wooden beams, and sumptuous décor. Pazzo is a passionate-about-pasta restaurant with its own dry ager, extensive wine program, and the only customized Hestan kitchen in Eastern Canada. Picture your family and friends celebrating the good life with you at Pazzo. Prego!

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

My morning routine is read emails and make something to eat before I go mountain biking, at the local trails.

At the end of the day, I tend to head home and relax, make something simple to eat, and read and research before I go to bed.

2. Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

My awards are:

2008 PEI Potato Chowder Winner

2013 PEI Potato Chowder Winner

2013 Great Canadian Grilled Cheese

2017 McCain Battle Appetizers Winner

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

My favorite chef is Rene Redzepi and Thomas Keller. Advice for aspiring chefs is to keep thinking of how to look at an ingredient in the simplest way but how to make it your own. Food is meant to be fun and enjoyed.

4. What do you typically cook at home?

I tend to eat with the season and flavors. Right now I’m into summer seasonal vegetables on the BBQ. Can’t go wrong with adding some local beef with it.

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

I’m into the sustainable movement and zero waste from ingredients. Getting the most out of what you buy is important. My belief in food is we have to give back to the world for the future.

6. What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?

The strangest food combination I ate was bacon and chocolate ice cream. Probably one of the best combinations of ice cream I ever had — with a side of fries. Can’t beat it.

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

Yes, I’ve cooked for a celebrity, lots. They’re just like the rest of us, we all like to eat what we like. Some are just are able to eat whatever they want, whenever they want it, and cost means less…. lol.

8. What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?

You can check out @dwaynemacleod and @pazzokitchen.

9. What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?

My cocktail of choice is an old fashioned — followed by a glass of Brunello.

10. Tell our readers why they should visit Pazzo Ristorante in Halifax?

You should visit Pazzo Ristorante to experience the hospitality we offer right from the greeting at the door to the authentic Italian food right here in downtown Halifax. We’re not reinventing the wheel. Classic Italian food is classic for a reason, and showcasing it in a beautiful setting in a refurbished 100-year old building brings life to the experience. I think we’ve done and admiral job of bringing back the feeling of true Italian dining, one that’s been slightly lost in the current restaurant environment. Food doesn’t only mean sustenance, it can be so much more!

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