After several years of working in the business sector Chef Stephen Carmen decided, like so many others, to make a career change. During his time of career contemplation he worked at a local barbeque restaurant in New York’s Capital Region. After thinking long and hard he decided to seek out culinary school options and do what he enjoyed best; cooking, learning and writing about food. Taking all of
his knowledge and love of globally inspired food passed down to him by his grandmother he moved to New York City. Stephen Carmen enrolled and graduated from the legendary French Culinary Institute receiving his diploma in Classic Culinary Arts and an Award of Excellence for his participation. Stephen Carmen gained experience staging, volunteering, and working throughout New York City with Savoy, Country, Olivier Cheng, Sterling Affairs, the James Beard Foundation, Tribeca Rooftop, the French Consulate, and the French Culinary Institute's special events team. He was also involved in Greenwich CT with Solaia, and in the Capital Region with Marche and New World Bistro. Chef decided he would take his experience in business and food and start his own personal chef and catering service. Chef Stephen Carmen has also cooked for many notable people such as: Salmon Rushdie, Lou Reed, Claire Danes, Wallace Shawn, David Bowie, Iron Chef Bobby Flay, Tiki Barber & former NY State Governor David Patterson.
