Deb Paquette Celebrates 40 Years of Culinary Excellence in Nashville

News Summary

Deb Paquette, a pivotal figure in Nashville’s dining scene, reflects on her journey as she prepares to open a second location of her acclaimed restaurant, etch. With over 40 years in the culinary arts, she has crafted unforgettable dishes and fostered community relationships. As she embraces new culinary trends and expands her brand, Paquette continues to inspire with her passion for food and flavors.

Nashville’s Culinary Gem Reflects on 40 Years of Flavorful Journeys

Oh, Nashville! What a delightful city bursting with talent, and in the world of culinary wonders, few shine brighter than Deb Paquette. For over 40 years, Paquette has been a cornerstone of Nashville’s esteemed dining scene, bringing creativity and passion to every plate that leaves her kitchen. As she gears up to expand her renowned restaurant, etch, to its second location at The Factory at Franklin, we can’t help but take a stroll down memory lane at her remarkable journey.

From Fort Lauderdale to Nashville

Back in 1982, Paquette’s culinary adventure kicked off when she made the leap from sunny Fort Lauderdale to Knoxville during the World’s Fair. But things didn’t quite go as planned! A broken-down car and a last-minute hiring freeze forced her to hop on a Greyhound bus to Nashville. It was there that she landed her first gig as a banquet chef at the Hyatt Regency. Little did she know, this would be the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the culinary arts.

A Career of Firsts

Throughout the late 80s and early 90s, Paquette made waves at local gems, serving as the head chef at the Cakewalk Cafe and as the lead chef at Bound’ry. But 1997 marked a pivotal chapter when she and her husband, Ernie, opened their first solo venture, ZOLA. The restaurant didn’t just serve meals—it garnered multiple awards and was a beloved destination for 13 glorious years.

Consulting, Collaborating, and Creating

Paquette’s culinary prowess didn’t stop there; she lent her expertise as a consultant for various other projects, including Tin Angel and Urban Grub. But her partnership with restaurateurs Doug Hogrefe and Paul Schramkowski to create etch was a game-changer. The restaurant opened in 2012 and quickly gained acclaim for its innovative dishes and vibrant atmosphere. Following this success, Paquette crafted the menu for another delightful eatery, etc., in Green Hills.

Building on Success

With the success of etch under her belt, expansion was the next logical step. The brand’s second location is poised for a warm debut at The Factory at Franklin, complete with a fresh new menu that promises to excite the taste buds.

The Soul of Cooking

Interestingly, cooking wasn’t always on Paquette’s radar. Coming from a family of talented cooks, she didn’t initially view it as a career option. It wasn’t until she discovered culinary school that her passion truly ignited. Graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1978 and earning a hospitality degree from Florida State University, she has paid homage to her roots by applying a widely influenced approach to her menus, particularly leaning into current Latin culinary trends.

Signature Dishes that Steal the Spotlight

At etch, you’ll find signature dishes that truly reflect her culinary artistry, like roasted cauliflower and the ever-popular octopus-shrimp bruschetta. Excitingly, new dishes are on the horizon, including scallops with Thai lemongrass curry sauce and a Pork Ribeye that’s been lovingly dubbed “Thanksgiving on a plate.”

An Ongoing Love Affair with Food

At 68 years old, Paquette isn’t just kicking back; she’s very much hands-on in the kitchen and tirelessly works to maintain those relationships with her clientele. After all, she has been feeding some of her dedicated diners for over 35 years. Her amazing team, including pastry chef Megan Williams and kitchen manager Jess Lambert, plays a crucial role in maintaining the restaurant’s reputation.

Feeding the Soul of the Community

Beyond her restaurants, Paquette’s love for food and community runs deep. She has a cherished collection of around 400 cookbooks and continuously seeks inspiration from various sources, including social media platforms like Instagram. One local favorite of hers is Korea House, a place that has become a second home, reflecting her commitment to the essence of community through food.

Looking Toward the Future

As Paquette looks to the future, she understands the need to keep the joy and creativity swirling within her culinary works. With the new etch location on the horizon, you can bet she’ll be greeting guests with that infectious enthusiasm that has made her a beloved figure in Nashville’s heart.

So, here’s to Deb Paquette and her unwavering passion for the culinary arts! We can’t wait to see what flavors and experiences she’ll cook up next in the vibrant food scene of Nashville!

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Additional Resources

• StyleBlueprint: Chef Deb Paquette
• The New York Times: Lemon Bars Recipe
• Tennessean: Nashville Marathon Runner
• Eater Nashville: Off Menu with Deb Paquette
• Nfocus Magazine: Hosts with the Most
• Wikipedia: Deb Paquette
• Google Search: Chef Deb Paquette