Robbie Nicolaisen remembers farm-to-table dining before the revolution of fresh produce and protein swept the country.
He grew up in rural areas of North Carolina and remembers his grandfather farming and grandmother canning. Nicolaisen said they lived off the land and having a chef for a father helped teach him the next steps — turning the farm into table.
As The Hound's new head chef, Nicolaisen said he brings that rural upbringing to the table, but with a twist.
“I like to take originals and make 2.0 versions of them,” Nicolaisen said.
Nicolaisen leaves Moore's Mill Club for The Hound after four fantastic years, he said. Nicolainsen said the owners gave him free-reign to experiment with rare, decadent ingredients.
“The owners are awesome people and I can’t say enough good about them,” Nicolaisen said.
Nicolaisen said the reason for the move was his intentions to eventually have a restaurant of his own and the owners at The Hound are just the fit he needed.
He brings the tradition Southern style cooking to The Hound and is excited to surprise guests with new techniques and showcase some of those rare ingredients he used at the Club.
Nicolaisen said The Hound menu hasn't changed yet, but will this October with a fall menu.
"I'm taking advantage of the summer to get acclimated and adjusted to the way thinds are done," Nicolaisen said. "I'm learning the methods and philosophies so I know how things are done."
Nicolaisen said he wouldn't dare remove the dishes Hound goers have come to love over the years, but that being said, he hopes to insert his personal techniques. He said he wants to open minds to new techniques.
“I’m big into Southern style cuisine, but that doesn’t necessarily constitute just mac and cheese and collard greens,” Nicolaisen said. “I like to use products that are indeginious to the South and there is a lot out there. Being able to try new flavor profiles and new tricks will ultimately surprise people.”
Nicolaisen said he wants to surprise people without scaring them away. He's the type that continues to push himself and The Hound will continue to strive to be better, he said.
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