Nicola’s Ristorante Cooking Class

Q&A with chef Nicola Gilardi

417 Magazine: What’s your favorite thing to eat on your menu?
Nicola Gilardi: I love the seafood pasta, chicken curry and always the fish special or the salmon.

417: What do you think is the most important kitchen tool?
N.G.: My wife! And years of knowledge.

417: What’s your favorite ingredient?
N.G.: Olive oil.

417: What’s your favorite drink?
N.G.: Lately Scotch! But I change frequently! A good glass of red wine always makes me happy!

417: What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
N.G.: Be with my family and closest friends for fun times and good memories.

417: What did you have for dinner last night?
N.G.: Grilled salmon with arugula salad and a side of tortellini at Nicola’s.

417: What is your go-to quick snack at home?
N.G.: Anything sweet!

417: Do you have any nicknames?
N.G.: At work they call me Chef. Some of my friends call me Popi.

417: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
N.G.: That I never cook at home.

417: What would you be if you weren’t a chef?
N.G.: An actor.