Chef Spotlight: Ioannis Moutsatsos of NISI in the West Village

Nisi Estiatorio is a beautiful restaurant nestled in the West Village that serves authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. Their ingredients are fresh, with their seafood flown in daily from the Mediterranean, and their vegetables and meats locally sourced from responsible farmers.

The dishes are familiar but have been slightly reimaged by Chef Ioannis Moutsatosos. For example, Moussaka, one of the most famous Greek dishes, is a featured item at Nisi. Guests have the option of a Lobster Moussaka with layers of eggplant, potato, zucchini, lobster ragout and béchamel sauce or a Vegetarian version, omitting the lobster ragout. Nisi has adapted to the culinary climate of the West Village by offering a menu that is filled with many health-conscious options as well as an entire plant-based section for vegans and vegetarians.

Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Ioannis Moutsatsos of Nisi about his background and career.

What was your earliest interest in cooking?

My earliest interest in cooking stems back to my early childhood. My parents were in the restaurant industry, and from very early on I had a keen interest in all things culinary. I remember asking my parents to teach me the names of ingredients in English, Greek and Spanish.

Who were some of your career mentors?

Being born into a family of restauranteurs my first mentor was my father. Along the way, however, I had many great mentors. I worked with chef Chris Gesualdi at Montrachet, Michael White at Fiamma, Martin Burge at Vento, David Burke at David Burke Kitchen and Donatella and Alfred Portale at Gotham Bar and Grill. Each chef inspired me and contributed to the chef I have ultimately become.

What culinary styles have influenced your career?

I love working with seafood. Growing up in NYC with such diversity, your exposed to so many different styles and influences that it's hard to choose just one. The city, as a whole, and its vast amount of culinary styles have influenced my career. My favorite quote is from Bruce Lee, he said "Be water, my friend", basically meaning to go with the flow and take shape to what's around you - to be able to easily adapt. Committing to one style, I feel, limits growth, therefore I try not to develop a 'style'.

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

A very distinguishing feature regarding my work as a chef is that I use woman as the source of my inspiration. I feel that woman appreciate food more, being that they are natural nurturers. They pay more attention to the details, the slight nuances of flavor and texture.

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal would have to be sharing an octopus, and drinking ouzo, on a Mediterranean beach. Nothing compares.

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

Nisi is an experience for all your senses. You see beautiful décor inspired by the Greek islands, you hear wonderful music you may hear while on holiday in Mykonos, you smell the delicious medley of Mediterranean food cooking in the kitchen, and once it hits your table you get to taste it too!

Nisi Estiatorio is located at 302 Bleecker St., New York, NY 10014. They are open for dinner and drinks 7 days a week and they also serve weekend brunch. Nisi does catering and hosts private events. Call them at 212.727.7463 and visit their web site at https://www.nisinyc.com/.

Follow Nisi on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @nisinyc.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chef Ioannis Moutsatosos

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