Come on in and Taste the Art!

Joseph Wrede did not set out to become a chef. His parents were artists and that was the path he initially intended to follow. But food was also a passion, and they loved to entertain, so food and art were major influences, growing up. That led to a toss-up between art school and culinary school, and food finally won.

As it turned out, it was the combination of those two things that inspired him to become a chef. “Not only did everything come naturally to me as soon as I started working in restaurants,” he recalls, “but I felt inspired by the potential of food as a means of creative expression. All the elements were there for making culinary art – the colors, textures, eye appeal, esthetics... in addition to the palette of flavors, and I knew I had found my calling.”

Dishes have to look good, as well as taste good – flavor, texture and color are all equally important. So is presentation, and chef Joseph has always taken seriously something that is frequently overlooked - the plate on which the food is served. He regards this as so important that his plates are designed in collaboration with an expert ceramicist, Logan Wannamaker, based in Arroyo Seco, NM. Combining food as culinary art, with ceramics as functional art, adds an extra dimension to the dining experience. As Joseph points out, “These are hand-made works of art that set a tone, and for me they are as important for the final dish, as serving wine in the right wine glass.”

Designs have gradually evolved over the years, and a new collection was recently created, to accompany a James Beard Foundation dinner. More plates were commissioned for the event than were needed for Joseph’s Culinary Pub, so there is now a rare opportunity to purchase these unique plates to enjoy at home. Anyone interested can check out the website, loganwannamaker.com to enquire further.

The attention to artistry is clearly evident as soon as one enters the restaurant. Many artists have contributed to the surroundings as well, like interior designer Cookie Venn, and painter Kristin Bortles, who created the delicate, make-believe curtains covering the windows, together with the sheer, make-believe tablecloths. Adding to the feeling of warmth and coziness is the collection of lovingly preserved, antique copper pans hanging from the ceiling, mostly consisting of chef Joseph’s family heirlooms. ‘Some are at least 100 years old,” he points out, “and signed by the artisan who made or repaired them. Cooking pots were actually repaired back then.”

As for some internal warmth, the restaurant has a special treat in store for those cold winter nights. It’s a simple, Italian dessert called Affogato, but with Joseph’s original twist. It consists of a shot of hot espresso poured over a scoop of his signature duck fat vanilla ice cream. Designed to be consumed immediately, as the coffee slowly melts the ice cream, it’s an experience to be savored and not to be missed.

Bon appétit, stay warm, and happy holidays to all!