By Dr. Brittney Clinton | Friday, July 12, 2024 | 2:30 PM ET
Located in the center of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and the Triad Area, a place where the delightful fragrance of freshly prepared dishes combines with the alluring perfume of spices, there is a culinary haven led by a visionary named Brian DePaulis. Brian DePaulis, the Executive Chef of Elevated Catering Company, skillfully orchestrates a harmonious blend of tastes that tantalize the taste buds and leave a lasting impression with each dish presented.
In addition to Beyond Elevated Catering Company’s busy kitchen, Brian DePaulis serves as an inspiration to aspiring executive chefs. This dedication not only molds his cooking methodology but also impacts the broader gourmet scene of Winston Salem and the Triad Area.
Brian DePaulis is a source of inspiration in the field of culinary arts, where the combination of accuracy and creativity is paramount. Brian DePaulis, with his unrelenting commitment to his craft and tireless pursuit of perfection, is constantly reshaping the culinary experience at Elevated Catering Company. He invites customers to go on a voyage of flavor and exploration with each meticulously prepared meal.
Enjoy the interview....
Dr. Brittney Clinton: Could you tell me about your path to be becoming an executive chef and company owner? Why did you decide to follow this path?
Brian DePaulis, Executive Chef: I began with earning a degree in hotel restaurant management and working in a Wilmington, NC restaurant kitchen. I then enrolled in a culinary arts program where I developed a passion for cooking. Under outstanding chefs, I worked my way up in kitchens in hotels, restaurants, and fine dining. I aimed for leadership as well. Eventually I realized that my own enthusiasm expertise and tenacity would be the foundation for my own business. Later in my Chef career, I began working in catering. I really appreciate the hours as they provide a better work-life balance and are a bit healthier than restaurant hours. Being part of people's special occasions and having creative freedom as an owner allows me to establish culture around my business and enjoy advocating a good working environment.
Dr. Brittney Clinton: What would you say about your cooking philosophy and technique? What specific influences have shaped the way you approach cooking?
Brian DePaulis, Executive Chef: Although my style is based on classically French trained and culinary style and I am a French educated chef, I adore fusion cooking—that is, combining many areas and seasonal food together to achieve the maximum taste from my meals. The chefs that worked with others, on a goal to change the world with Food, were champions of local farmers, chasing after the best quality products, and they really attracted my attention. And I believe that if you're looking for something greater than yourself, you end up investing more in yourself with knowledge, trade tools, and inventiveness to achieve something fresh and unique.
Dr. Brittney Clinton: When it comes to the eating experience you provide for patrons, what do you think makes your restaurant unique?
Brian DePaulis, Executive Chef: Being a catering business and a private chef gives us attention to detail that distinguishes us, in my opinion. There is no way to knock it out of the park better than a tailored menu directly targeted towards the customer who is going to eat it, love it, and feel it. We work with them side-by-side and genuinely hear the client to implement their vision.
Dr. Brittney Clinton: Which culinary trends are you enthusiastic about or keeping an eye on right now?
Brian DePaulis, Executive Chef: For me, being a sober person who abstains from alcohol and spirit less options seem to appeal. Trends in locally grown, locally sourced goods really appeal to us. We take great satisfaction in avoiding, if as all feasible, utilizing highly processed foods and seed oils A trend we are also really digging right now is bold and savory desserts.
Dr. Brittney Clinton: In what ways does your restaurant interact with the neighborhood? Are there any collaborations or community efforts that have special significance for you?
Brian DePaulis, Executive Chef: Our Elevated supper club fine dining experience is a
chance to visit a farm to table passionately selected high quality dining experience that also connects with nearby event venues. Through individuals who regularly attend the dinner clubs, it provides all of us involved with a chance to discuss who we are as small companies, including the farmer, and assist promote each other in the community and foster a feeling of family. We want to highlight and work with our local community to really provide these meals with a very family-like atmosphere and expose people’s eyes to lovely surroundings.
Dr. Brittney Clinton: What advice would you provide prospective cooks who want to work as executive chefs or create their own restaurants, based on your experience?
Brian DePaulis, Executive Chef: Whenever they can, I would tell them working at restaurants for other gifted chefs; even if it would be free and studying what they do, how they do it. Especially with enthusiasm and pride, learning a new skill set from every new possibility is a fantastic method to advance. When it is not about money, it is about developing your skill set and love the trade. Being the last one to see any benefit personally and the last one to be taken care of as an owner helps to create a love affair much beyond financial means.
When you're nurturing a passion that always guarantees success instead of a mentality focused just on earning money. That will make you unique in any culinary environment.
Connect with Executive Chef Brian DePaulis
Elevated Catering Company is a full service catering company focusing on corporate events, weddings, private events, and supper clubs. For more information visit www.elevatedcateringcompany.com 919-500-2547
About Dr. Brittney Clinton
Dr. Brittney Clinton is a content educational practitioner currently serving as an Associate Professor at Westcliff University, Dissertation Committee Member, independent published author, and compassionate leader that attract other professionals, scholars, and individuals in the community with a devoted purpose to empower, educate, and support others. Previously, Dr. Clinton served various leadership roles in Winston-Salem, NC with the following organizations: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc and The Order of the Eastern Star PHA 30th District. Dr. Clinton currently serves as a board member for the city of Winston-Salem, NC Appearance and Commission Board. Dr. Clinton graduated from the following prestigious institutions: Winston-Salem State University, B.A. Sociology/Elementary Education 2009, Strayer University, MA Education Leadership and Management 2012, and Capella University, Ed. D Education Leadership and Management 2015. Dr. Clinton founded the motto “Continue to be a beacon of light”; which is implemented daily while effectively illuminating a successful path for others.
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