Champion chef stages opportunity for other cooks
Evan Hennessey talked to The Prep about his approach to networking with, and promoting, other chefs.
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Three-time Chopped champion Evan Hennessey is the owner and chef behind Stages at One Washington, a six-seat chef's counter tasting menu experience, and The Living Room, an intimate cocktail lounge counterpart, both in Dover, N.H.
In 2023, Hennessey launched the Staging at Stages program, allowing up-and-coming chefs to work alongside Hennessey to curate a custom menu, present it to the general public and walk away from the experience with 50% of the proceeds. Hennessey talked to The Prep about his approach to networking with, and promoting, other chefs.
You often shine the spotlight on other chefs—what is your philosophy on camaraderie in this industry?
Cooking and being a chef is not a winner-takes-all game. I believe that giving everyone a chance to be seen helps the entire industry get a chance to thrive. Not one person can drive an industry. It takes a team, and a large one at that, to succeed. Also, it makes me very happy to see others grow and succeed.
What benefits does a "staging" process bring chefs?
Staging allows cooks the opportunity to learn from another chef without having to fully commit to a job. During the process, the cook is able to step away from their daily routine to get a glimpse into what others are doing, therefore opening their eyes to more flavor combinations, techniques and ingredients. It also affords the ability to network, which in the restaurant industry is a huge way that cooks find more opportunities.
What's on the horizon for chefs?
Better and healthier lifestyles. Maybe this is my own personal hope, but it does seem that more chefs are turning away from negative and toxic lifestyles to ones that are more personally fulfilling, which in turn helps their work.
Just for fun: What's your go-to midnight snack?
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich! Also just slices of aged cheddar cheese and dry-cured sausages.
Above: Evan Hennessey at work (Courtesy of Vinny Marino, Ethos & Able Creative)
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