We're back this month with another Employee Highlight! This month we're talking about the man himself.... Caelum Schandle. Caelum is the Chef de Cuisine at Shalom Y'all. He took over the kitchen a couple years ago. Since then he has really come into his own and the team that he is built is incredibly solid. I asked Kasey Mills, Owner and Executive Chef at Sesame Collective, for his thoughts on Caelum and he had this to say...
Having Caelum in the Shalom Kitchen has been an absolute pleasure. He is a hardworking, fun-loving chef who truly cares about his crew and our guests. Whether he’s engaging with his team, creating new dishes, or orchestrating service, Caelum consistently goes above and beyond to give 100%. We couldn’t be more proud of the dedication and hard work he brings to the role.
I couldn't agree more with Kasey. I think we are incredibly fortunate to have Caelum leading the Shalom Y'all team. I go to jump on a call with him this week and we chatted about his career in the culinary world as well as some of his thoughts on the greater importance of food and community. Read below for the full interview!
Austin - Hey Caelum! Thanks for taking the time to jump on this call with me today. Let's start with how did you end up working in kitchens in the first place?
Caelum - I grew up wanting to do it. My family cooked a lot. Growing up my uncle worked in a kitchen and taught me to cook at a young age. When I was young my family ran a produce business for a little while and I ran routes. This exposed me to kitchen culture. Since then I've always had an eye for it. A buddy of mine offered me a job back in Florida. And then I took a trip out West and got more inspired. Eventually I moved out here and have been doing it ever since.
How do you mentor younger chefs or team members in the kitchen?
It’s funny…. Growing up my parents said “if you’re gonna do it, do it right. I try to impart that. I want to help people find inspiration and purpose in the things they do. I think if you’re here, for whatever reason it may be, you should make the most of it. You might be surprised with what you can do with it. It sort of just breaks down to explaining the possibilities, give opportunities, and encourage folks to have a good time while you’re doing it.
If you could travel anywhere in the world to explore the food culture, where would you go?
I would love to go back to Spain for tapas and seafood. Be on the coast. I just love the cuisine. it's not too expensive and it it is wholesome. Japan for the simplicity, beauty, and care. Japan is interesting because the chefs are working with a cuisine/ingredients but the end product is so intentional and different.
If you could cook a meal for anyone, living or dead, who would it be and what would you serve?
My family. The reason I love food is because of my parents and grandparents. I’d make a big Sunday family meal. Or maybe Zach Effron, hah.
How do you see the role of chefs evolving in the future as the food industry changes?
I think it is important to blend a level of craft with affordability. Know and reference the classics while creating new and unique dishes using local ingredients. Steward the experience for the guest.
If you weren’t a chef, what career do you think you would have pursued?
No idea… Went down different career paths but just kinda fell into the kitchen life and loved it. My dad had a lawn business so maybe that?
What dish are you most proud of, and why?
I love our mushrooms because the quality is sooo good. The dish also comes together really well. I worked my ass off on the Turkish Hummus and I hope that one stays around. The amount of people who really love that dish makes me feel good! I didn’t see anyone else doing it and it took a long time to get it right but it worked out.
What’s a culinary technique or skill you think every home cook should master?
How to dice an onion. Watch a YouTube video. Kasey always tells me, “My favorite thing to do is dice a really perfect onion.” It can be really satisfying and it makes a difference.
How do you think food connects people, both in the restaurant and in the broader community?
“Do you want to go out to dinner?” is such a common thing for friends/family to say. Running a restaurant, you get to see it all the time, but people are excited to be out and sharing a moment together. It is a pause from the daily life where you can go and escape to have a great meal and talk shit.
Well this has been great Caelum. Thanks for your time. I hope you have a good service today!
Thanks a lot, man! See you soon.