MEET THE CHEF: Edney Moreira of Q'tal Bar and Grill in Kearny, New Jersey
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5 Reasons to Visit® sat down with Executive Chef Edney Moreira of Q'tal Bar and Grill in Kearny, New Jersey.
Q'tal Bar and Grill in Kearny, New Jersey
Where did you grow up, and where have you traveled to that has helped inspire and shape your cooking philosophy?
I worked alongside award-winning chef, Ivo Faria, for 25 years at Vecchio Sogno, an upscale Italian restaurant in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Chef Ivo Faria is the most awarded chef in the region, and working with him has helped shape my cooking philosophy and to grow as a chef overall.
Q'tal Bar and Grill in Kearny, New Jersey
Tell our readers an interesting fact or two about yourself that reflects your cooking style?
I am a very focused and precise person, and I pay a lot of attention to detail. This is 100% reflected in the dishes I create.
Tell us about your absolute favorite food and why readers should try it if they haven’t already.
An absolute favorite food of mine would have to be roasted chicken with okra. It's quite simple, but the combination of flavors is sImply delicious.
Q'tal Bar and Grill in Kearny, New Jersey
What are three ingredients that you simply couldn’t live without?
Three ingredients that I couldn't live without are onion, garlic and herbs. They add lots of flavor and I rely on these ingredients to create specific flavor profiles in many of my dishes.
We love the art behind plating. What do you love about designing the perfect dish?
Designing the perfect dish is an art. I love finding the perfect combinations of flavors to create long lasting impressions in our customers. I also love the process of designing my dishes, combining each aspect of the dish in creative ways, so that when it is served, the reaction Is “Wow!” Not only do the flavors have to be there, but the presentation has to be there as well.
Q'tal Bar and Grill in Kearny, New Jersey
Tell us about one of the most creative dishes you’ve created?
One of the most creative dishes I've made was a vegan dish that consisted of heart of palm ravioli stuffed with butternut squash and macadamia nuts, served on top of acal sauce. The interesting part about this ravioli is that it was not made out of pasta instead I make the ravioli shells from sheets of hearts of palm.
What is one of your greatest accomplishments and/or recent awards you've earned?
In 2017, I participated as a contestant on the TV show, “Master Chet Brazil.” While I did not win the competition, the fact that I was even able to be a contestant on Master Chef is a personal accomplishment for me, and I am very honored for that experience.
What are some of the latest trends you’re seeing in top restaurants across the globe?
I see a lot of molecular gastronomy techniques being used in the top restaurants. There are many creative possibilities when it comes to molecular gastronomy and it is something I like to incorporate into my dishes as well.
What’s your favorite cocktail or beverage of choice?
I love a good margarita.
Q'tal Bar and Grill in Kearny, New Jersey
What do you love about being the Executive Chef of Q'tal Bar and Grill in Kearny, New Jersey?
I love creating new dishes. I'm always coming up with ideas for our menu, so that we continually have new dishes for our customers to tall in love with. I also love the responsibility have here. For the clients, to always serve them the best and most memorable dishes in the area. And for the staff, to make sure we are always working at our best. Our food cannot be the best if we don't work at our best.
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