Behind the Line
Topic: Off the Clock
At home
What is your signature potluck dish?
- Carrie Nahabedian
- Executive Chef/Owner
- NAHA and Brindille
- Chicago, IL
Chicken Mediterranean: it can become anything I want it to be, but it's roasted chicken that's been marinated in Greek Mountain herbs, lemon and extra virgin olive oil. I make a nice chicken jus an...
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Do you cook at home?
- Carrie Nahabedian
- Executive Chef/Owner
- NAHA and Brindille
- Chicago, IL
I don't cook at home on a regular basis unless it's a special dinner or a holiday.
How does your significant other handle your sked?
- Carey Savona
- Executive Chef
- Heirloom Restaurant | The Study at Yale Hotel
- Fairfield County, Connecticut
My wife is truly the greatest individual, my closest friend and the biggest support system I have. She is also in the business so understands the craziness that is required (especially in hotels) ...
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Open your fridge and what do you find? Perhaps it's a continous stash of cold beer, or a stockpile of broccoli? What's always in your fridge at home?
- Carrie Nahabedian
- Executive Chef/Owner
- NAHA and Brindille
- Chicago, IL
Usually Champagne and vodka (in the freezer) but always in the fridge is skim milk, iced tea, cottage cheese, canned fruit, protein shakes and an exceptional collection of jams and preserves
Do you have any pets? Is it tough to have pets with a restaurant schedule?
- Carrie Nahabedian
- Executive Chef/Owner
- NAHA and Brindille
- Chicago, IL
We have a beautiful blue Lab, Madison, who is four and spends some of his time in our office. He's the happiest restaurant dog there is.
To what extent do you do at home the things you do at work?
- Carey Savona
- Executive Chef
- Heirloom Restaurant | The Study at Yale Hotel
- Fairfield County, Connecticut
We love entertaining and much emphasis is placed on family time and the family table. Sunday suppers are of major importance...cooking with family and friends, drinking wine and amaro and of cours...
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How much does your significant other cook at home?
- Carey Savona
- Executive Chef
- Heirloom Restaurant | The Study at Yale Hotel
- Fairfield County, Connecticut
Very much and a very good cook.
She is a wine professional with an amazing palate.
Do you like to cook at home?
- Elizabeth Mendez
- Wine Director/Owner
- Vera
- Chicago, IL
We love to cook at home, although working in a restaurant doesn't allow for this everyday. When we have the opportunity to cook at home, we tend to go all out.
Even though it's your day off at home, do you ever recreate restaurant dishes in your home kitchen for pure enjoyment?
- Carrie Nahabedian
- Executive Chef/Owner
- NAHA and Brindille
- Chicago, IL
Never. In my mind perhaps, but not physically.
You've got the whole day off, and you're staying in. Will you be cooking? If so, what?
- Carrie Nahabedian
- Executive Chef/Owner
- NAHA and Brindille
- Chicago, IL
Probably not cooking. I sleep, watch movies, listen to music (on vinyl) and read. I read endlessly. I have a massive cookbook collection and recently when we were closed for three days, I read cove...
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If you have pets, do you bring anything home for them from the restaurant?
- Chrissy Camba
- Chef
- Bar Pastoral
- Chicago, IL
LOL, i have two bunnies...maddy and stewart. if i remember, i will save parsley/cilantro stems and beet tops for them.i can't bring home too much b/c i have to limit their greens intake...otherwise...
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At home, do you cook with charcoal, gas or wood (be honest, not hopeful)?
- Carrie Nahabedian
- Executive Chef/Owner
- NAHA and Brindille
- Chicago, IL
I don't have an outdoor space. I use my gas stove.
Wow us with your dinner party stories. What's the most impressive at-home meal you've ever cooked?
- Carrie Nahabedian
- Executive Chef/Owner
- NAHA and Brindille
- Chicago, IL
My dinner parties are usually either excruciatingly simple or extraordinarily elaborate. I'll pick a style or theme from table settings to wines to the whole experience. One year I had a very close...
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Thanksgiving is about more than turkey, football and grand parades. It's the time of year when we gather with family and give thanks for the positives in our lives. What are you most thankful for?
- Carrie Nahabedian
- Executive Chef/Owner
- NAHA and Brindille
- Chicago, IL
I'm thankful for the health of my family, for my career and to be able to do something that I love every day.
Do your friends and family expect you to bake them birthday cakes?
- Matt Danko
- Pastry Chef
- The Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat
- Cleveland, OH
Luckily my family doesn't expect me to cook often. I'm sure they assume for as much as I cook I would prefer not to on the special occasions when we get to see each other.
Any general rules you follow in regards to cooking with wine?
- Elizabeth Mendez
- Wine Director/Owner
- Vera
- Chicago, IL
Always drink wine, while cooking.
After a long night on the floor, what beverage do you unwind with at home?
- Elizabeth Mendez
- Wine Director/Owner
- Vera
- Chicago, IL
Always something refreshing, sparkling wine or a good margarita.
What wines are in your fridge, cellar, cabinet right now?
- Elizabeth Mendez
- Wine Director/Owner
- Vera
- Chicago, IL
Sparkling. Riesling. Pinot Noir. Bordeaux blends.