Forktales Ep 18 / Scott Conant / Cook, Chef, Author of Peace, Love, and Pasta

In my chat with Scott, we dive into the passion behind Italian food and home cooking. We discuss the trajectory and path from cook to James Beard Award-winning chef, developing his personality and approach, and his thoughts on what’s next in the restaurant world. It’s a fantastic discussion that will leave you hungry for great food and for advancing your professional and personal life.

  • Scott’s new book is titled Peace, Love, and Pasta.
  • People always ask “What do you cook at home?”
  • He thought it would be a great idea to put it all on paper!
  • The thing he loves most about it is the simplicity. The recipes are easy to execute. 
  • Book Title – for years, Scott has been on a personal journey of self improvement and the title represents where he is and what he chooses to pursue.
  • Past has been such an important part of his life and career.  It’s an expression of his years of cooking. 
  • Even if the food experience is sub-par at a restaurant, just sitting and enjoying the company of people that he’s with is what’s really important. 
  • Future of fast casuals:
    • There’s a huge market for fast casuals and FSRs
    • There are lots of high end chefs that are starting to do quick service or fast food
  • Why is it hard to do Italian quick serve well?
    • Needs to be served at the moment of order and that’s challenging
    • It’s hard for people to wrap their heads around Italian food as a fast casual component
  • Follow Your Bliss – Joseph Campbell
  • It is not selfish to pursue your bliss
  • One recipe to try in the book
    • Risotto topped w/ short ribs
  • Would You Rather
    • Let Bobby Flay beat you on national television or eat a bowl of red onions?
 

QUOTES

 
  • “You could make these recipes your own as you cook them” -Scott
  • “The key is to shut it off and just try to enjoy yourself” -Scott, in reference to going out to eat as a chef and having an experience less than what he could have prepared at home.
  • “Make sure you’re making the best decisions for your business, for your team and the customers and clients that are coming in” -Scott
  • “I think there’s always going to be a place for fine dining” -Scott
  • “Pastas just really are one of those long standing comfort foods” -Joseph
  • “You’re not going to get anywhere if you’re not hustling” -Scott
  • “All I want to do is realize my potential” -Scott
  • “If anyone is counting their hours, you shouldn’t be doing it” -Scott
  • “Being passionate about something doesn’t always equate to being good at it” -Scott

Discuss this Project

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