Salt & Vine In Olney, Maryland: Meet The Chef
We sat down with Executive Chef Kara Lovalvo of Salt & Vine in Olney, Maryland. Salt & Vine offers a delightful fusion of modern elegance and rustic charm, making it a must-visit dining destination in the Olney area. With a menu that highlights fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and an exceptional selection of wines, every meal feels like a celebration of flavors.
Image: Salt & Vine in Olney, Maryland
The cozy, yet chic atmosphere is perfect for intimate dinners or gatherings with friends. From savoring their artisanal cheese boards or indulging in perfectly crafted entrees, Salt & Vine promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
My morning starts with a cup of coffee, relaxing for about 20-30 minutes on the couch before heading out for work. Work starts with a look into our daily sales projection, current food cost and reservations for the day. Then I roll into the day’s prep and assist any of our cooks that need help or guidance.
Image: Salt & Vine in Olney, Maryland
My day ends with making sure our staff is in a good comfortable position for me to leave for the day, writing manager log book notes and talking to my fiance about how each of our days went. We eat dinner and I promptly fall asleep right after (my fiance makes fun of me, because I fall asleep so quickly after eating dinner every night).
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
In 2022, I was awarded a Secretary’s Citation for recognition of dedicated and hard working hospitality employees in Howard County, Maryland.
Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
I don’t have a favorite well-known chef that I follow on social media, I use the inspiration of the Culinary Director of our Restaurant Group (GreenRidge Hospitality), and the owner/chef of our group.
Image: Salt & Vine in Olney, Maryland
I love bouncing ideas off both of these Chefs, my sous chefs, and my fiance (who recently took a break from the hospitality industry).
What do you typically cook at home for yourself or your family?
Typically during the week I try to find meals that cook quickly to optimize the time I get to spend with my fiance at the end of the day and to get to bed at an appropriate time for when I need to be at work tomorrow. During my weekends my fiance and I will have a bit more fun with cooking, recently we made ribs and the Tuna Noodle Casserole I grew up eating at home (Comfort food as the weather starts cooling).
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
Using local ingredients and letting the natural flavors of the ingredients shine!
What’s that strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
The strangest food combination I’ve ever had one really late one night in the family home I grew up in when my mother had stayed up after sleep meds kicking in - she made my fiance and I crackers with chive cream cheese and pickled ginger - it was not good at all!!
What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?
I do not drink alcoholic beverages often, but when I do I prefer Riesling and Hard Cider the most. Our Limoncello Mule at Salt& Vine is to die for; very refreshing.
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
I have not cooked for a celebrity.
Image: Salt & Vine in Olney, Maryland
What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?
I don’t have one, nor do I want one.
Why should readers visit Salt & Vine in Olney, Maryland?
We have high quality ingredients, everything is all made in house, and a wide variety of choices on our menus. We strive to be the best we can be, serve amazing food and drinks and give enjoyable experiences to our guests.
