Get to know Live! by Loews - Arlington's Executive Chef Robert Carr
Executive Chef Robert Carr is celebrating his one year anniversary with Live! by Loews - Arlington. With more than 25 years of five-star international luxury hotel culinary experience, he has certainly made his mark overseeing all aspects of the food and beverage operation for five dining outlets, banquet functions, 24-hour in-room dining, and special events at the iconic 300-room sports resort. Get to know Executive Chef Robert Carr.
1. What inspired your passion for cooking, and how did you get started in the culinary industry?
I have always felt that with cooking you are always doing something different daily, continually learning and being creative which is fun. Most of my family and friends were in the aircraft industry in Kansas and I never could see myself doing the same job everyday so went my own direction. Actually started my career as a busser and one day talked to chef about coming to the kitchen as a prep cook. The chef took me under his wing and helped me grow up of ranks of the kitchen. From that point never looked back and keep moving forward.
2. How would you describe your culinary style?
My culinary style is very simple but done at high level. You can take the simplest of ingredients and turn them into something amazing if you have great product and know how to properly prepare the ingredient. With my background over the years I am well diverse in many types of cooking styles which allows me to create new and exciting dining experience for the guest.
3. How does your background and past experiences influence your cooking today?
In my career I have had the opportunities to work in very high end resorts throughout the world that have influenced my cooking. This has allowed me to learn new cuisines and work with amazing product. I have been able to take some of those techniques and apply to the menus.
4. What role do local and seasonal ingredients play in your menu development?
Local and seasonal ingredients play a big part in the menu development. We want to feature product that is peak of the season so we tend to the menus when items are in season. For example we would not want to create a tomato dish for the winter since its not the peak season to get the highest quality and best flavor. Great thing about the DFW area is that there is a lot of local product out there to use.
5. What is the signature dish in Cut & Bourbon that represents the unique identity of this hotel?
I would say our signature dish is our steaks. We use only USDA Prime beef cooked at a high temp to give our steaks that perfect crust on the outside, finished with a touch of sea salt. Also I would add that our bison and antelope dishes are very popular.
6. What are some unique opportunities and challenges associated with our location within the Arlington Entertainment District?
Great thing about our location is that we stay busy throughout the year with all the different events. This gives us different opportunities to create new dining options and cool programming for our guest.
7. How do you stay inspired and keep your menu offerings fresh and exciting for both guests and locals?
We do a lot of R&D with new items and cooking techniques to bring to the restaurants. Currently working on offering a locally raised beef to offer something different to our guest.
8. What is your process for creating memorable dining experiences for guests and locals?
First step is source quality ingredients and second step is train cooks to be consistent in the cooking. When planning out special events we try to think of ideas that are just a little special or not seen before.
9. What is your favorite dish to cook for guests? And for yourself?
I really enjoy cooking wild game, smoked meats and desserts for guests. For myself, I like to make either chicken or pork adobo with steamed rice.
10. Are there any foods you won't eat?
I will try any food at least once,. Although, I do try to stay away from food that are high in cholesterol.
ABOUT LIVE! BY LOEWS – ARLINGTON
Live! By Loews – Arlington brings an upscale hospitality experience to the Arlington Entertainment District. Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, and just 10 minutes from the DFW International Airport, Live! by Loews – Arlington, TX is a 14-story hotel featuring 300 guest rooms and luxury suites, each outfitted with custom décor and floor-to-ceiling windows. The complex also houses five chef-curated food & beverage outlets including a classic steakhouse, Cut & Bourbon; lobby lounge, Bar Bourbon; outdoor mixology bar, Arlington Clover Club; poolside bar and lounge, SOAK; and organic, grab-and-go market, River Market. The property’s central location offers easy access to popular attractions such as AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.loewshotels.com/live-by-loews-arlington-texas or call 1(888)-986-3294.
Press Inquiries: Lisa Garland, Area Director of Public Relations | lisa.garland@loewshotels.com
