

517: The Four Horsemen Is Brooklyn Restaurant Canon with Nick Curtola
23 snips Dec 27, 2024
In this engaging conversation, Nick Curtola, the longtime chef of The Four Horsemen in Brooklyn, reflects on the restaurant's decade-long journey from humble beginnings to culinary acclaim. He shares personal anecdotes about the emotional challenges faced by the team and the legacy of a key partner they recently lost. They delve into the evolution of wine bars into legitimate dining experiences, the intricacies of crafting remarkable salads, and the restaurant's focus on natural wine and artisanal bread, all while celebrating food memories that have shaped their culinary identities.
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Chernow's Legacy and Cookbook
- Nick Curtola shared his sadness about Justin Chernow's passing and the impact on the Four Horsemen team.
- He also mentioned a bittersweet moment of showing Chernow the cookbook two days before his passing.
Inexperience as an Advantage
- The Four Horsemen's founders lacked restaurant experience, which allowed them to challenge conventions.
- This outsider perspective led to innovative approaches, despite initial frustrations.
Wine Bar Branding Challenge
- The Four Horsemen initially branded themselves as a wine bar to minimize pressure.
- This created a challenge later when they aimed to be recognized as a serious restaurant.