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In this episode of Chef AF, I chat with Noelle, Nashville’s executive chef Chris Neff about the creative process behind menu development, fine-tuning recipes, and adding dinner activations at Makeready L & L.

Neff is the executive chef of Noelle, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel created and operated by the independent hotel and restaurant team Makeready. He is responsible for overseeing all culinary operations for the food and beverage experiences.

Inspired to pursue culinary arts during his first job as a busboy, Neff felt the team-driven environment in the kitchen. Prior to joining Noelle, he developed his culinary skills at brands such as The JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, The Four Seasons, Kimpton, and Fifth Group Restaurants.

We talk about the creative process that goes into developing a menu and Neff says they are working on their spring menu. He shares that the process begins three months prior to the rollout of the new menu. Neff and the team of chefs collaboratively work on dishes for the different areas within the venue.

Neff talks about authentic recipes and the multiple variations that it goes through over the years before making the menu. He says people want something that really tastes good and that they can identify with. Neff brought his family tradition of Friday night family dinner to Makeready L&L with the offer of Lasagna night on Fridays to their customers.

To hear about the dinner activations, and Neff’s top three must-have kitchen tools check out this episode of Chef AF, plus you can get chef Neff’s recipe for beef and pork meatballs too!