Jim Craven, Executive Chef of Rose and Crown Restaurant in New Kent, VA

Jim Craven, formally from the 2300 Club in Richmond, is the Executive Chef of Rose and Crown Restaurant in New Kent County. The Rose and Crown Restaurant features casual upscale fare with a contemporary English theme. Jim shares some of his expertise about cooking and what to expect at his restaurant in this month’s Featured Chef Interview.

What is your favorite style of cooking?
Though I like many different styles, my favorite style is good ol’ Southern cooking.

What are the top 5 tips or suggestions you would give a novice cook?
1. Keep it simple
2. Keep a good cookbook close, in case you need a guide
3. When cooking Prime Rib or pork, keep it slow and low
4. Use your passion as your inspiration
5. Always use the freshest ingredients you can find

Who was the biggest inspiration for your career?
Mom. She always strived for the best in all that she did and instilled and pushed me to strive to be the best while standing behind me believing in me and all of my creations.

What do you enjoy most about being a chef?
Seeing the enjoyment of friends, family, and our guests at the Rose and Crown after eating a great meal!

What are the hottest culinary specialties for the 21st Century?
It is not so much the hottest, but I think what makes specialties for the 21st Century hot is how the wine makers are now blending wines which allows me to be more diverse in the pairings with the food we serve. Opening many more channels to mix and mingle flavors of food.

How long have you been working in the Richmond Region?
I have lived and worked in the Richmond area for over 5 years.

How did you migrate to this Region?
My mom lives in the Richmond area and I’ve always been a momma’s boy.

What do you think the Richmond Region has to offer culinary-wise over other locations?
Access to just about any fresh ingredients a chef would need to create any number of dishes such as seafood from the Bay, beef from the Valley, and vegetables from the County.

Now we know your favorite style of cooking, but what is your favorite food to eat?
That is a hard one to answer, but if I have to choose one it would have to be the Prime Rib at our restaurant. I have been cooking for over 25 years and have perfected many of my creations. The Prime Rib that we serve is the best I have ever done or had anywhere else.