Inside the Chef’s Kitchen: Chef Josh Berry
Chef Josh Berry is a world-renowned, Maine-born chef and consultant celebrated for his authentic, seasonal cooking style and dedication to working with local farmers and fishermen. Named Maine’s Chef of the Year in 2017 and a featured chef at the prestigious James Beard House, he currently contributes to leading culinary publications and is a key member of the B Frame restaurant consulting group.
Having incorporated COSTA NOVA pieces into your plating practice, what initially drew you to them? How have these objects influenced or challenged your creative process in the kitchen?
When I first started using COSTA NOVA pieces to plate, I was drawn to their expression of the seasons. Some plates are definitely summer plates, some lean more towards autumn, spring or winter. I love being able to go through my collection and choose the plates that match the season. The best part is going back through the year and finding my favorites again. COSTA NOVA plates are timeless, their designs never go out of style.
In the evolving language of hospitality, how do you see tableware functioning beyond mere service?
The tableware and serveware is like another ingredient to consider when creating a dish. I take great care when choosing which plates to use. Choosing the right dish can elevate the cuisine beyond just the flavor. The designs and shapes help explain the story of the dish in a way that the ingredients can’t do by themselves.
For a Chef guided by values like sustainability, local sourcing, and seasonality, how essential is it that the objects presented alongside the food reflect those same principles? Can design become an extension of culinary ethics?
Food service sustainability best practices are going to evolve to an even greater importance in the future. The long line from soil to mouth is getting scrutinized at every step to become quicker, faster, cheaper, better. Speaking for myself, choosing partners that have like minded values towards the future of the planet is the only way to go. Just like a Chef choosing sustainably sourced seafood, why would the serveware be any different?
As a consultant, how do you see the COSTA NOVA assortment supporting a variety of food styles?
The COSTA NOVA catalogue is rich with variety and there are so many different designs. COSTA NOVA serveware is not just beautiful, versatile, durable, and sustainably created, it will enhance any style of restaurant space like garnishing a dish. COSTA NOVA is my go to for any of my clients looking for serveware.
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