EPISODE ONE

Harrison Littell, executive chef of Downtown Grille in Winston Salem, champions the art of conscious cooking rooted in North Carolina's heritage. Bridging tradition with innovation, his approach emphasizes sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. Harrison fosters a collaborative kitchen environment where egos are absent, encouraging culinary creativity and mentorship. Beyond the restaurant, he engages in community initiatives that unite chefs and celebrate local agriculture, striving to create a vibrant, enduring dining culture in the region. Through his leadership, Harrison is reshaping the culinary landscape with intentionality and passion.

Meet Harrison Littell: Founder of The Downtown Grille

“My number one thing is cook with intent and cook with purpose.”

“ Keep swimming. Nemo said it best, keep swimming. Don't let the negative or intrinsic thoughts get in your head. If you feel like there's a purpose behind what you're doing and you feel value in it and you feel passionate about it, continue doing it.”
- Harrison Littell

SHOW NOTES

In the debut episode of The Artistic Leadership Podcast, Chef Harrison Littell, executive chef of The Downtown Grille in Winston-Salem, shares his journey from a political science major to a seasoned chef. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, Harrison returned to his roots after exploring life and starting a family. Passionate about culinary arts, he discusses his family legacy in food, learning from a Ritz-Carlton chef, and the evolving nature of kitchen environments. Harrison emphasizes the importance of intention, detail, and community in creating memorable dining experiences. He also explores the distinct concepts of 'supper' versus 'dinner,' the significance of place, and the value of collaboration in the culinary world. This conversation offers valuable insights for aspiring chefs and leaders of all trades aiming to infuse artistic expression into their crafts.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to the Artistic Leadership Podcast

00:51 Meet Chef Harrison Littell

01:09 The Culinary Journey and Family Legacy

02:01 Learning from Mentors and Embracing Challenges

03:24 Evolving Kitchen Culture and Quality of Life

04:57 The Philosophy of Cooking

06:23 The Importance of Detail in Culinary Arts

09:53 Balancing Creativity and Guest Satisfaction

12:58 The Role of Servers in the Dining Experience

14:12 Defining Supper vs. Dinner

16:54 Bridging the Gap Between Supper and Dinner