Chef Spotlight: CHEF MIKE FRANZETTI of Alices Arbor in Brooklyn

Head Chef Mike Franzetti's authentic, straightforward, European-influenced American cooking honors his Brooklyn roots as well as his experience working with some of New York City's best chefs including Mark Ladner, Jonathan Waxman, Jean Louis Palladin and Paul Di Bari. Having honed his skills in the European tradition, he's now using those skills to pursue his main interest: authentic, seasonal, full-flavored American dishes with an emphasis on farm-to-table fare.

Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Chef Mike Franzetti about his career and Alice's Arbor in Brooklyn, New York.

What was your earliest interest in cooking?

I don't have many memories of cooking as a kid or feeling very passionate about food, so I guess it would be getting a job as a dishwasher as a teen and seeing a large kitchen operate that really sparked my interest.

Who were some of your career mentors?

My career mentors are too many to mention all, but Mark Ladner on how to not overwhelm dishes with extra ingredients, Jean Louis Palladin on attention to detail, adding layers of flavor to dish.

What culinary styles have influenced your career?

Having worked most of my career in Italian restaurants that has influenced my thinking the most. Plus the short time I spent with Jonathan Waxman, learning his style of cooking, have stayed with me through out my career.

What do you consider the most distinguishing features of your work as a chef?

The most distinguishing aspect of my food is having the look of a simple dish but being surprised by the flavor profiles, making it a little different from initial expectations.

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal was Sunday dinner at my grandparents. Grandma always made pasta, then meat, but most of us just ate plates of macaroni and red gravy.

Tell me a little bit about your restaurant for our readers.

Alice's Arbor is a neighborhood restaurant in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn where we focus on seasonal and local products, an extensive whiskey selection and biodynamic wines. We strive to be better than your typical neighborhood place. The cuisine is New American.

Alice's Arbor is located at 549 Classon Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. It is is open weekdays for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekends for brunch and dinner. Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday 9am - 11pm, Friday 9am - 12am, Saturday 10am - 12am and Sunday 10am - 11pm. Call (718) 399-3003 or visit www.alicesarbor.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Alice's Arbor

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