Mini salmon cakes with Napa cabbage, mixed greens, pickled red onions, w/lemongrass Wasabi ginger aioli
JanineHad a Friday night out in Southend (Charlotte, NC) over the weekend to catch some live jazz and to my surprise eat some blue cheese ice cream. I even met the master Chef at The Wine Loft who was responsible for creating the ice cream masterpiece.
His name is Edwin Massey. He's from Jersey City, NJ, and is no stranger to the world of culinary arts. He's been in the 'cooking' world for well over 20 years. Jersey City is where he began to hone his skills. He's a graduate of a private culinary arts school there. And he also attended the New York Restaurant of Culinary Arts.
His inspiration for cooking? Massey says he loves seeing people enjoy his craft and creativity. For example, the blue cheese ice cream was a 'creation' he made on a whim. Massey says he likes to experiment and see the response when people taste his food. He says he wants people to know it was made using simple ingredients that he turns into something amazing. His motto: Think outside the box, but keep it simple.
Massey has appealed to a number of celebrities, too. He says he got to cook for retired NBA star Carmelo Anthony when he came to the Liberty House in New Jersey once. He prepared a stuffed tenderloin for him. He's also cooked for the mother of Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry. Of course, he's now looking forward to cooking for the point guard.
Other than the amazing dishes at the Wine Loft, the atmosphere was laid back, chill, and grown. If you're down for a good time without the booming of too much base, but rather some soothing jazz - it's my new go-to 'chill, grown and sexy' spot!
