REATIVE
Elements
ELLEN RITSCHER SACKETT
A Main Street Calvert business combines a Southern-style menu and African-inspired art
Three generations of Oregon transplants have carved out their own corner of Calvert that combines original artwork and fine fare . While Cast Iron Bistro Chef Carrie Maiorano whips up Southern-inspired dishes in her restaurant ’ s kitchen , her mother , artist Lorrie Quimby , displays her paintings and sculptures at the front of the building in her art gallery , Gallery on Main . Chef Carrie ’ s daughter , Hanna Maiorano , also helps with the family business , filling in as needed . “ We all definitely have our own strengths ,” Chef Carrie says . “ My husband , Erik , helps as well with customers and running the front of house . It ’ s a family business .”
36 July 2021
By CODY LANE BAIRD
Chef Carrie loves the piquancy that a well-seasoned , screaming hot cast iron pan lends to her dishes , searing flavor into the surface , which seals inside a steak or chicken filet . Chef Carrie puts her own spin on simple classics ; for example , she adds tangy Oregon cheddar cheese to her grits and serves her hamburger with a creamy house sauce and chopped bacon on a ciabatta bun . “ It ’ s just taking things that people are comfortable with , elevating them , and twisting them a little ,” she says .
Chef Carrie makes each dish from scratch , from the hand-rolled mac and cheese balls to the dressings . The chicken strips are hand-breaded and seasoned inhouse . She says that particular dish is a customer favorite because it ’ s not prefrozen and reheated like at many other restaurants , and diners say they can taste the difference . “ You ’ ve got to treat the food right ,” she says .
Cast Iron Bistro is open Wednesday through Sunday and offers a different special each day — except for Friday , when customers can count on fish and chips . On other days , diners may be surprised with dishes such as beef tips , beer-braised pulled pork , or a Cajunspiced surf and turf . Chef Carrie says