#93 - Nathan Outlaw: A Shift in the Restaurant Industry
Posted by Emma on 14th Apr 2021 Reading Time:
In Episode 93 of The Ceres Podcast, Stelios Theocharous sits down with Nathan Outlaw, the renowned chef and owner of Outlaws Fish Kitchen and Outlaws New Road. This episode delves into Nathan's restaurant transformation, discussing the challenges and rewards of shaking up the fine dining experience and how the pandemic provided the perfect opportunity to refocus.
Nathan shares candidly about the changes that led to the rebranding of his fine dining establishment to Outlaws New Road. After years of success, Nathan felt the pressure to maintain perfection stifled his creativity. By embracing a more laid-back, fun, and accessible approach to dining, he reignited his passion for cooking.
One of the most significant themes in the episode is Nathan's drive to remain creative in the kitchen. He reveals his love for sourcing quality ingredients and letting them shine through simple, well-prepared dishes. The conversation touches on his journey from fine dining to a more approachable experience, including the evolution of his menu and the impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry.
'I still enjoy cooking. It's the only thing that really gets me out of bed in the morning. It's not about awards but about delivering something people enjoy.'
'When I changed the restaurant, it wasn't just a name change. It was about liberating the team and me and making us more creative and adventurous in the kitchen. That's when the restaurant became fun again.'
Nathan Outlaw is often described as a 'chef's chef,' in this episode, he shares valuable insights into how a chef's mindset influences restaurant culture, both in the kitchen and front-of-house. This episode is essential for anyone in the hospitality industry, whether you're a seasoned restaurant owner or just starting out, as Nathan's candid approach to innovation and overcoming obstacles is an inspiration.
If you want to learn more about how a celebrated chef has transformed his business to embrace creativity and accessibility, this episode is for you. Tune into The Ceres Podcast, Episode 93, to hear the entire conversation, and be sure to subscribe for more expert insights from the world of hospitality.