In this special edition of Spanning the Need, we sit down with Chef Ottavio Musumeci, the mastermind behind the beloved Station Square restaurant in Liberty, Ohio. As the establishment commemorates its impressive 38th anniversary, Chef Ottavio takes us on a captivating culinary journey, sharing the secrets behind his enduring success and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Join us as we explore Chef Ottavio’s humble beginnings in Italy, where his love for cooking first took root at the tender age of 14. From his early days as a young apprentice to his transformative move to the United States, we delve into the pivotal moments and influential figures that shaped his culinary philosophy and ignited his passion for creating unforgettable meals.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the three exquisite dishes Chef Ottavio has crafted to celebrate Station Square’s 38th anniversary, each a testament to his culinary prowess and dedication to using the finest ingredients.
- Learn about Chef Ottavio’s meticulous sourcing process, from partnering with local farms to procuring the highest quality certified Angus beef, ensuring that every dish is a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
- Gain insights into the restaurant’s impressive wine selection, boasting over 400 varieties from around the world, and how it earned the prestigious Wine Spectator award.
- Understand the importance of catering to diverse palates and dietary preferences, as Chef Ottavio and his team strive to create a menu that offers something for everyone, from classic Italian favorites to innovative seafood creations.
Timestamps
00:33 Introduction
01:42 Chef Ottavio’s culinary beginnings in Italy
02:48 Meeting his wife and moving to the United States
04:05 Taking over Station Square in 2001
05:25 The restaurant’s extensive menu and wine list
08:06 Adapting to changing customer preferences and the impact of the pandemic
10:34 Celebrating the 38th anniversary with special $38 dishes
15:23 Chef Ottavio’s favorite dishes and seafood specialties
16:37 Sourcing from local farms and the importance of supporting the community
19:21 Memorable moments and catering experiences
25:18 Wine selection process and Wednesday Wine Tastings
27:43 The challenges of expanding and maintaining quality
28:58 Looking ahead to Station Square’s 40th anniversary celebration
29:59 A heartfelt message of gratitude to the community
Episode Highlights
A Culinary Journey from Italy to Ohio
Chef Ottavio takes us back to his early days in Italy, where his passion for cooking was ignited at the age of 14. He shares the story of his journey to the United States, meeting his wife, and ultimately taking over Station Square in 2001.
Crafting a Menu for Every Palate
From classic Italian dishes to innovative seafood creations, Chef Ottavio and his team have created a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. He discusses the importance of offering something for everyone, whether it’s a $20 bottle of wine or a $6,000 seafood tower.
Sourcing the Finest Ingredients
Chef Ottavio takes pride in partnering with local farms and suppliers to procure the highest quality ingredients for his dishes. He shares his meticulous sourcing process, from selecting certified Angus beef to working with his friend Dominic Marque at Mena Farm.
Memorable Moments and Catering Experiences
From catering a dinner for Henry Winkler to receiving heartfelt letters from satisfied customers, Chef Ottavio reflects on some of the most memorable moments throughout his career at Station Square.
Looking Ahead to the 40th Anniversary
As the restaurant approaches its 40th anniversary, Chef Ottavio shares his vision for a grand celebration at the Metroplex, with plans to host a thousand people and “blow it out.” He expresses his gratitude to the community for their unwavering support over the years.
Quotes
- “I always told my kids too, whatever you’re doing, you want do with love and passion.”
- “We got 400 wine and wine list. , Tuesday we do Wine Tuesday and 20% off.”
- “I feel like the community got a lot of nice stuff, a lot of nice people.”
- “Family and personal connections are at the heart of what we do. They inspire us to keep pushing boundaries and creating memorable dining experiences.”
- “Community support has been our backbone. We strive to give back by offering the best quality and service.”
Tune in to celebrate Chef Ottavio’s remarkable culinary journey and the 38th anniversary of Station Square, a true gem in the heart of the Mahoning Valley. Discover the passion, dedication, and love that goes into every dish, and join us in raising a glass to many more years of culinary excellence.
