Chef Spotlight: JEFF MALLOY of Il Forno in West Windsor, New Jersey

EDITORS NOTE: Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to visit Il Forno for a special chef's tasting in the spring. From appetizers to desserts and everything in between, the food was exceptional thanks to the talent of Chef Malloy.

Jeff Malloy is the co-owner and head chef at Il Forno Café & Trattoria in West Windsor, New Jersey (just outside of Princeton). He is also the co-founder and former head chef of the critically acclaimed Carmen's in Boston's Italian "North End" where he's received numerous awards, including being a six time recipient of "Best of Boston" and consistently listed in Zagat's as one of Boston's top restaurants.

Malloy grew up in New Jersey and graduated from a culinary arts program there, then spent summers in New England fine-tuning his craft. However, the lessons that impacted his cooking style the most, was his travel for work (and play) in some of Italy's most popular regions. He cooked and soaked in the experiences of Sicily, Naples and Tuscany, as well as, the entire Amalfi Coast. Within his travels he spent time learning and cooking truly authentic Italian cuisines while drinking classic Italian wines.

When Malloy returned from Italy he worked in numerous New Jersey mom-and-pop operations refining his talents and learning how these small but tasty family businesses flourished. In 1997, he moved to Boston's "North End" neighborhood where he lived and began to polish his talents. He worked in Harvard Square at Puchanella (a Neapolitan style restaurant) as sous chef and sever for four years. He cooked and served heads of state, politicians, governors, numerous celebrities and his favorite, Julia Child. Ms. Child was a longtime resident of Cambridge Massachusetts and lived directly down the street. After Puchanella he accepted a position (still in the North End) at a restaurant called Pomodoro near his home, owned by local Irish woman. At the time, some of the best chefs in Boston had worked in her kitchen. He left Pomodoro in 2000 and opened Carmen, a small Frienze style wine bar with a friend of his - consulting chef Bill Bradley. He and Bill designed the menu both often cooking. Carmen restaurant has been running successfully and noted as one of Boston's best for over 14 years.

Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Chef Jeff Malloy about his career and Il Forno Café & Trattoria in West Windsor, New Jersey.

What was your earliest interest in cooking?

I was 7 years old and was cooking brunch for my grandparents. I remember vividly setting the dining room table with my grandmother's silver and preparing popovers, French toast, and quiche. Because they would still be sleeping- I was able to cook there instead of home

Who were some of your career mentors?

Career mentors would be my Boston based family, these are the colleagues that inspired me 15 years ago while opening my first restaurant- Carmen Restaurant (Boston MA. Barbara Lynch, Todd English, and Michael Schlow.

What culinary styles have influenced your career?

The culinary style that has influenced my career is the Italian culture. I feel that I am best versed in rustic Tuscan style cooking. I enjoy making dishes with my homemade pastas with signature sauces. I enjoy creating new soups and sauces.

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

The most distinguishing features of being a chef is creating food that adds to the atmosphere and ambiance to the restaurant. I am a stickler for details- anyone who has worked for me will agree that from the front of the house to the back, my eye for detail is astute. I truly believe a wonderful dining experience is seen, smelled, tasted and felt. I try to create that every night. Signature dishes include my traditional Bolognese sauce- this is a recipe that I learned while cooking in Italy. I spent time in Bologna and learned this from a butcher's wife. When people tell me they feel as if they are in Italy eating at one of my restaurant, I feel that I have done my job. I have either taken my customers from Boston or Princeton Jct. to different regions in Italy.

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is Sunday Supper. As much as I love to cook for people, I love being cooked for- I appreciate the time and effort my friends and family put forth when they have me over to eat. My friends always say it is stressful to have me over for dinner, but it may be the kindest act!

Tell me a little about your restaurant for our readers.

Il Forno Cafe & Trattoria is a full service restaurant serving lunch and dinner. We have a great Neapolitan Pizza oven (Il Forno) that we finish some of our signature dishes in along with our traditional Neapolitan pizzas. When people come into the suburban strip mall restaurant they enter a rustic evening in a post and beam barn.

Il Forno Café & Trattoria is located at 358 Princeton Hightstown Road (behind the CVS across Route 571 from McCaffrey's Shopping Center) in West Windsor New Jersey 08550. They have take-out and catering and are available for parties, group functions, and corporate events. Call them at (609) 799-8822 or visit their web site at http://www.ilfornowestwindsor.com/.

Photo: Courtesy of Il Forno Café and Trattoria

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