Matt Kelly of MK Hospitality in Durham, North Carolina

Chef Matt Kelly talks about his journey into the culinary arts, discusses what has influenced his cooking style, and how he managed to build a successful career out of it. His experiences range from early life in the kitchen to his stint at the Inn at Little Washington, where he honed his takes on food quality and sourcing. The Chef goes in-depth about his mission to create dishes that speak to their roots and tell a story, especially in his own restaurants in Durham, North Carolina. Apart from sharing insights into running multiple restaurant businesses and keeping up with the ever-changing food trends, he also emphasizes the importance of nurturing future chefs and make sure they understand the importance of foundational cooking. The conversation wraps up on a high note, with appreciative closing remarks and a display of gratitude for the shared interaction.

The Meat of the Conversation:

• Discussing the North Carolina Food Scene

• The Influence of Sports on Local Culture

• Chef Matt Kelly's Background and Early Life 

• Impact of Regional Cuisine in NC

• Influence of Family and Early Cooking Experiences

• Importance of Local Food Systems

• The Role of Mentorship in Culinary Careers

• The Impact on Matt of Working at the Inn at Little Washington

• Exploring Spanish Cuisine and Opening Mateo Bar & Tapas

• Incorporating Southern Traditions into Food

• The Importance of Foundational Cooking

• Defining Southern Food

• The Story of Grano Arso and its Influence on Cuisine

• The Evolution of Oyster Culture in North Carolina

• Reviving a Classic: The Story of Nana's

• The Importance of Relationships with Purveyors

• The Role of Grandmothers in Culinary Traditions

• The Importance of Mentoring in the Culinary World

A huge shout out to our sponsor Singer Equipment for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their website for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful.

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Email Eli with any comments, concerns, criticisms, guest requests or any other ideas or thoughts you might have about the show. eli@chefradiopodcast.com