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Chef PJ Calapa on His Expansive Career as an Executive Chef
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#80. In this episode of the meez Podcast, Josh Sharkey sits down with PJ Calapa, Executive Chef of Marea in NY and Beverly Hills. Chef PJ Calapa’s exposure to a broad range of cuisines and flavors began at an early age, having grown up in the Mexican border town of Brownsville, Texas. As a child, he joined his grandmother in the kitchen and later worked for his grandfather’s wholesale fish business. Calapa continued to nurture his culinary passion during undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University, when he worked on the hot line at Christopher’s World Grille. Calapa then moved to New York and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. As a CIA graduate, Calapa worked with Josh at Bouley in Tribeca, Eleven Madison Park, and Nobu 57, where he started as a line cook and quickly rose through the ranks to become executive sous chef.
In 2010, Calapa joined the Altamarea Group to launch Ai Fiori, which earned three
stars from The New York Times, a Michelin star, and a 2013 Star Chefs Rising Star Chef Award. Calapa then opened as executive chef at Campagna at the Bedford Post Inn. In the summer of 2016, Calapa left the Altamarea Group to open two new projects of his own. In 2017, Calapa debuted his interpretation of an iconic New York tavern in Manhattan’s West Village, The Spaniard. Calapa then brought a taste of southern Italy to Manhattan’s Flatiron district with Scampi in the fall of 2020. His thoughtful menu showcased the culinary bounty of land and sea with dishes that highlighted the uninhibited vibrance of the region – delicately composed crudos, hand-made pastas, seasonal vegetables procured from the greenmarket and masterfully prepared items on the grill.
Rejoining Altamarea Group, Calapa continues his culinary journey as the Executive Chef of highly acclaimed Marea, helming the kitchen and menu development.
In this episode, Josh and PJ reminisce about memories from working at Bouley together as well as experience and lessons PJ gained throughout his career path. We also discuss PJ's health journey, his experience with fatherhood, and his current accomplishments at Marea.
Where to find Chef PJ Calapa:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(03:18): Bouley memories
(06:10): PJ's Texas Roots
(12:35): What makes great pasta
(14:47): Bouley's career path
(34:16): The effects of COVID on PJ
(39:22): The story of The Spaniard
(44:25): PJ's health journey
(50:35): Marea
(1:02:15): What is next for PJ
(1:04:19): Message to young chefs
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