517: The Four Horsemen Is Brooklyn Restaurant Canon with Nick Curtola
Dec 27, 2024
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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.
The Four Horsemen has significantly impacted Brooklyn’s dining scene by marrying quality cuisine with an approachable natural wine program over the past decade.
Nick Curtola reflects on the emotional challenges of honoring his late partner, Justin Chernow, whose legacy continues to influence the restaurant and culinary community.
The upcoming E Cavallini restaurant represents an expansion of The Four Horsemen's culinary philosophy, focusing on high-quality Italian cuisine and accommodating larger gatherings.
Deep dives
Highlighting Sustainable Produce in Southern California
The conversation emphasizes the journey through Southern California to discover hidden gems in food and drink, particularly focusing on how the state grows its produce sustainably. This exploration aims to highlight the diverse culinary landscape while appreciating the importance of sustainability in food sourcing. By engaging listeners for recommendations of local spots, the hosts seek to create a community dialogue centered around discovering unique culinary experiences. This initiative demonstrates a focus on not just the products, but also the processes involved in sustainable agriculture in California.
The Impact of The Four Horsemen's Legacy
The Four Horsemen, a restaurant in Brooklyn, has made a significant impact over the past decade, emphasizing the influence of natural wine and a unique dining experience. The establishment's philosophy combines quality cuisine with an approachable wine program, making it a sought-after destination in New York City. Celebrating a decade of operation, The Four Horsemen also released a new cookbook, which reflects the essence of the restaurant's journey and culinary philosophy. The cookbook serves as a testament to the restaurant's commitment to exceptional dining and its cultural imprint on the culinary scene.
Navigating Grief and Legacy in the Restaurant Industry
The chef reflects on the passing of his partner, Justin Chernow, and the lasting impact he had on both the restaurant and the broader wine community. This segment discusses the emotional challenges faced daily while honoring Justin's legacy, emphasizing the sense of loss permeating the restaurant environment. The memorial service for Justin saw influential figures from the culinary world pay their respects, highlighting the far-reaching impact he had on both colleagues and the next generation of chefs. This poignant discussion underscores the deep connections formed within the culinary industry and the lasting influence of those who have passed.
The Evolution and Philosophy of The Four Horsemen
Nick Kertola discusses the initial challenges and creative freedoms presented by opening The Four Horsemen, revealing how the lack of traditional restaurant experience among the founders allowed for rule-breaking innovation. The team recognized the established norms of dining and sought to redefine them, focusing on creating thoughtful culinary experiences rather than conforming to traditional structures. This flexible mindset facilitated the introduction of seasonal menus and dining styles that appeal to a variety of patrons. The ethos behind the restaurant reflects a commitment to creativity and authenticity, resonating with guests seeking unique dining experiences.
Future Aspirations with an Italian Culinary Focus
Excitement surrounds the announcement of a second restaurant, E Cavallini, which will delve into regional Italian cuisine, indicating a commitment to evolving culinary offerings. This new establishment aims to provide a space that is more accommodating for events and larger gatherings, building upon the Four Horsemen's reputation. The chef plans to focus on high-quality ingredients, incorporating fresh pastas and seasonal produce inspired by Italian culinary traditions. As opening approaches in the spring, there is palpable anticipation about how this venture will contribute to the culinary landscape of Brooklyn and further showcase the chef's culinary vision.
The Four Horsemen is a restaurant in Brooklyn. Have you been there? Have you drank some wine there? Had some of the restaurant’s bread and cultured butter? It’s an amazing place up on Grand Street in Williamsburg, and it has marked ten years in the game with an incredible new cookbook. In this episode, we speak with the restaurant’s longtime chef, Nick Curtola. Nick is one of New York’s most consistent and skilled chefs and a real culinary force. We talk about the restaurant’s legacy and how its humble beginnings have led to greatness, and we dig into his own personal journey in the restaurant business.
Also on the show, Aliza and Matt pay tribute to the iconic Williamsburg wine bar and share some favorite memories from dining there over the years.
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