Costa del Louisiana: Chef Kathryn Searcy delivers local takes on Spanish classics at Costera
Interview: Kathryn Searcy, Chef de Cuisine, Costera
talking to Paul Oswell
Up in the Garden District, Costera is one of our favorite restaurants. Whether it's tapas, classic Spanish dishes or some great European wines, it's one of the city's most evocative dining experiences. We wanted to meet the people behind the menu, and caught up with Chef Kathryn Searcy.
Out All Day: Hi! Could you quickly introduce yourself? Where do you work/what's your position or title and how long have you been there?
Kathryn Searcy: Kathryn Searcy, and I'm the Chef de Cuisine at Costera. I've been there just over 5 years.
What kind of cuisine do you serve? Would you say there's a philosophy or concept behind the restaurant?
It's traditional Spanish cuisine with Gulf influence. We like to take advantage of our access to Gulf seafood and local produce to create Spanish cuisine with a Southern feel.
Where did you learn your trade? Who were your early inspirations or mentors?
I got my first opportunity to work in a professional kitchen in Saint Louis, Missouri with Chef Kevin Nashan at Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. I was able to move up, station to station, while working with a number of talented cooks and chefs. It helped me build a great foundation of skills and philosophies that I think have helped me get to where I am today.
Tell us about being Chef de Cuisine for the first time, how were you feeling?
I started at Costera from day one of opening as a tournant (a floating or relief chef). To see the restaurant from the soft opening to 5 years later running the kitchen, it's a very special feeling. Knowing all of the time and effort put in by myself and all my coworkers, I feel very proud of the restaurant and culture we've built.
Do you spend a lot of time experimenting when you're not working? Do you try out areas of cuisine that you're not traditionally associated with or that you're less familiar with?
I love experimenting with food at home! I really enjoy working with ingredients that I'm unfamiliar with and figuring out how to use them. It helps keep the creative juices flowing and I also just like trying new foods. My dishes aren't always a success, but I always learn something.
Time to name some names. Where do you like to go for fancy feasts, casual bites, cocktails and a post-shift beer/wind down?
For late night cocktails and a really great burger, I love Bouligny Tavern. I love a post work drink at The Kingpin. I'm always in the mood for a Firecracker Shrimp Poboy from Parasols. Budsi's Thai is one of my favorite spots to get an array of spicy, tangy, salty bites that always wake up my palate.
Where are your favorite food cities outside of New Orleans?
I feel like I really discovered food while living in Saint Louis. It's a pretty diverse city and great food and drink was so accessible. Being in the industry, I was able to find all of the best hole in the wall joints, the best happy hours and the right places to indulge.
Are you a big produce/farmers' market person? Do you go out and source ingredients yourself? Do you grow your own herbs, spices or produce?
I am currently attempting to grow my own peppers, tomatoes and a couple of herbs. I haven't had success in the past, but I have a good feeling about this round!
How else do you relax, besides getting as much sleep as possible?
I'm a big homebody so I love cuddling with my cats on the couch and getting sucked into a good horror novel.
Costera is a coastal Spanish restaurant and bar located in Uptown.
Find their website and current menus here.
You can also read our review!
talking to Paul Oswell
Up in the Garden District, Costera is one of our favorite restaurants. Whether it's tapas, classic Spanish dishes or some great European wines, it's one of the city's most evocative dining experiences. We wanted to meet the people behind the menu, and caught up with Chef Kathryn Searcy.
Out All Day: Hi! Could you quickly introduce yourself? Where do you work/what's your position or title and how long have you been there?
Kathryn Searcy: Kathryn Searcy, and I'm the Chef de Cuisine at Costera. I've been there just over 5 years.
What kind of cuisine do you serve? Would you say there's a philosophy or concept behind the restaurant?
It's traditional Spanish cuisine with Gulf influence. We like to take advantage of our access to Gulf seafood and local produce to create Spanish cuisine with a Southern feel.
Where did you learn your trade? Who were your early inspirations or mentors?
I got my first opportunity to work in a professional kitchen in Saint Louis, Missouri with Chef Kevin Nashan at Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. I was able to move up, station to station, while working with a number of talented cooks and chefs. It helped me build a great foundation of skills and philosophies that I think have helped me get to where I am today.
Tell us about being Chef de Cuisine for the first time, how were you feeling?
I started at Costera from day one of opening as a tournant (a floating or relief chef). To see the restaurant from the soft opening to 5 years later running the kitchen, it's a very special feeling. Knowing all of the time and effort put in by myself and all my coworkers, I feel very proud of the restaurant and culture we've built.
Do you spend a lot of time experimenting when you're not working? Do you try out areas of cuisine that you're not traditionally associated with or that you're less familiar with?
I love experimenting with food at home! I really enjoy working with ingredients that I'm unfamiliar with and figuring out how to use them. It helps keep the creative juices flowing and I also just like trying new foods. My dishes aren't always a success, but I always learn something.
Time to name some names. Where do you like to go for fancy feasts, casual bites, cocktails and a post-shift beer/wind down?
For late night cocktails and a really great burger, I love Bouligny Tavern. I love a post work drink at The Kingpin. I'm always in the mood for a Firecracker Shrimp Poboy from Parasols. Budsi's Thai is one of my favorite spots to get an array of spicy, tangy, salty bites that always wake up my palate.
Where are your favorite food cities outside of New Orleans?
I feel like I really discovered food while living in Saint Louis. It's a pretty diverse city and great food and drink was so accessible. Being in the industry, I was able to find all of the best hole in the wall joints, the best happy hours and the right places to indulge.
Are you a big produce/farmers' market person? Do you go out and source ingredients yourself? Do you grow your own herbs, spices or produce?
I am currently attempting to grow my own peppers, tomatoes and a couple of herbs. I haven't had success in the past, but I have a good feeling about this round!
How else do you relax, besides getting as much sleep as possible?
I'm a big homebody so I love cuddling with my cats on the couch and getting sucked into a good horror novel.
Costera is a coastal Spanish restaurant and bar located in Uptown.
Find their website and current menus here.
You can also read our review!