IN Keystone Oaks Summer 2016 | Page 12

INGOOD TASTE Candid conversations with the dining scene’s most engaging chefs Palazzo 1837 Ristorante 1445 Washington Road, Washington; 724.223.1837, palazzo1837.com On the Menu: Northern and Southern Italian dishes including pasta, chicken, steak, seafood and veal. In addition to old-fashioned traditional fare, patrons can visit the Rustic Tavern 1837 featuring specialty cocktails, wine and German and Belgian draught selections. Why did you become a chef? After high school, I was unsure of what to choose for a career. I looked into a lot of four-year universities, but culinary school was always in the back of my mind…mainly because I come from a long line of cooks—home cooks! Working with my hands was more of a creative outlet for me. It just felt right! QA What led you to work at Palazzo 1837 Ristorante? I actually went to pastry school and worked at Bartrams Bakery in McMurray for four years after I graduated from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute. When I left there, I was looking to learn more about the industry. I applied to Palazzo 1837 because I knew [it was] a scratch k