Although his restaurant, Dante, doesn’t officially open until this Saturday (9/29), chef/owner Dante Boccuzzi is already getting a lot of attention – and those that have been to Lockkeepers before it closed say the hype is true.
After exchanging several e-mails and getting to know Dante a bit better, one thing is clear about this Cleveland native – music is just as important to him as food. He sums it up on his Web site by saying, “In everything I do, I can always relate back to something musical. All through my culinary career there has always been a musical memory.”
1. The top 5 spices that are a must in every kitchen? coriander, nutmeg, cayenne, cumin, sumac
2. What is your favorite and least favorite thing to make? Favorite is sushi; least favorite would be coconut anything
3. If you could cook for one person, real or dead, who would it be? Sunday night pasta for Pearl Jam (I would love a seat at that table!)
4. You’re having a dinner party, what are the top 5 songs on your play list? Rocky Mountain Way (Joe Walsh), Still of the Night (Whitesnake), Look what the Cat Dragged In (Poison), Seventeen (Winger), Achilles Last Stand (Led zeppelin)
5. Favorite restaurant in Cleveland? Lolita
6. What restaurant do you miss? Casa Mono NYC (One of Mario Batali’s restaurants)
7. What is your favorite thing about Cleveland and what drives you nuts? Favorite thing would be WMMS. I hate when customers put their napkins on their plate when they are finished eating.
8. Most famous person you have cooked for? Robert DiNiro, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, George Clooney, Neil Young, Michael Douglas, Paul Newman, Howard Stern, Giorgio Armani, Dolce and Gabana, Eddie Vedder and Pierce Brosnon. They are all equally famous to me.
9. Most unusual food you have ever tried? Rooster balls (and it’s bad luck to not eat them in pairs).
10. If you weren’t a chef, what would you be doing? Musician singing in a band.
11. What hidden café/restaurant have Clevelanders yet to discover? Not sure, haven’t found it.
12. What’s your elevator speech for the new restaurant? Use the stairs – it costs me a dollar each time the thing moves up or down.
13. You have worked/lived in some amazing cities. Why did you come back? From a culinary point of view, can Cleveland be compared to some of those cities? I came back because it’s less stressful, and there is better chance of opening a successful restaurant here than in New York. I think there are some great restaurants in Cleveland but it is tough to compete with New York, the culinary capital of the world.
14. Opening and main act of your dream concert? Tough question. Led Zeppelin with original Van Halen opening.
15. What’s your opinion of the Rock Hall? It was missing a lot of key information. For examples, there is NO heavy metal. Led Zeppelin should have their own room and what about Neil Young, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Van Halen? There was not one thing about Eric Clapton – that is very sad. Not even one Clapton guitar. Too much Beatles. I know the items rotate but there are some staples that need to be there – always.
Thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughts. Unfortunately, not every meal is going to be perfect - I've definitely had my share. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth and often stops you from going back and giving a place a second chance. But in this case, I hope you will give Dante another shot because it really is wonderful. While I agree with you about the music (look at my post from Feast and you'll see why) and sorta see your point about the decor (it's nice, and I like some of the elements, but it does have a more sophisticated/corporate feel and I personally prefer cozy contemporary) the food usually is amazing and rather impressive. Don't give up just yet - maybe go back when they launch the sushi and blues nights. I mean, he did work for Nubu so you know the sushi is going to be unbelievable.
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