PHOTO: © W HOTELS WORLDWIDE
Chef Aaron Foster uses his culinary skills as a passport to live, work and travel around the world, learning about food, cultures and traditions from different parts of the globe. And now he’s doing so as executive chef at W Nashville, where he oversees the hotly anticipated hotel’s multiple dining options, including The Dutch and Carne Mare.
Guests and locals enjoy a lively atmosphere paired with laid-back American menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Dutch. Dishes include grilled hanger steak with kimchi fried rice and sunny-side-up egg, and crab salad with Bloody Mary dressing. At Carne Mare, a more formal night out awaits at the contemporary Italian chophouse, boasting prime cuts of steak, seafood and Italian delicacies.
Foster hails from Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, and started his culinary journey at the age of 14, washing dishes at his mother’s restaurant. He met his mentors, Canadian celebrity chefs Michael and Anna Olson, while attending Canadian Food and Wine Institute at Niagara College. In 2007 Foster and his wife moved to Bangkok to open RedSky and 55 Fine Steaks & Wines at Centara Grand at Central World. His career then brought him back to Canada, followed by a return to Asia before his current position in Nashville.
WHICH FOOD IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? AND ON THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SPECTRUM, WHAT IS ONE INGREDIENT OR FOOD YOU HATE TO USE?
Hot dogs with cheese and spicy mayo are my guilty pleasure; when we lived in Asia and went back to Canada for vacation, I would always bring back 10 packs of Juicy Jumbos, my favorite brand of hot dog. Hot dogs remind me of my childhood.
I hate pineapples. I don’t even like holding them in my hands. When I lived in Thai- land, I went to pick pineapples and there was, well, let’s just call it a snake incident.
WHAT DISHES WOULD YOU SERVE AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY?
There are so many, but I would team up with my wife, Pai, and make a meal that would feature a mix of Thai ingredients made with Western cooking techniques.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER PREPARED ON YOUR OWN?
I cooked enchiladas from a Betty Crocker cookbook when I was 10, and that’s how I fell in love with food.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN ONE DISH, WHICH DISH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
The national dish of Thai Sum Tum — it’s sour, spicy, sweet and always changing, depending where you go.
WHICH CULINARY TREND WOULD YOU LIKE TO DIS- APPEAR?
I don’t need to see any of them go, as I think they all serve their purpose and we can learn from them. Usually the ones I am not a fan of don’t last long, anyway.
THE DUTCH & CARNE MARE
W Nashville
300 12th Ave. S.
Nashville, TN 37203
tel 615 379 9000
marriott.com
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 22, 2025Red Savannah Sets Sail with Expanded Luxury Boat Portfolio
Red Savannah recently expanded its portfolio of private yachts and gulets for 2025, allowing guests to explore coastlines around the world in style, comfort and privacy. The newly added vessels were chosen for design, superior service and unforgettable onboard experiences, with each charter delivering customizable itineraries, crews and private chefs. Destinations can include Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, the Turkish Riviera, the Greek isles and more.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Daily
May 22, 2025Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, Announces Opening of New Ottolenghi Geneva Restaurant
Overlooking the Rhône river within walking distance of the city's main attractions like Lake Geneva, Jet D'eau and St. Peter's Cathedral, Geneva’s Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is a 5-star hotel with contemporary Swiss hospitality, offering supreme views of Geneva’s Old Town and the snow-capped mountains. Its 178 rooms and suites are designed with a contemporary and refined style inspired by nature, mountains and water.
Daily
May 22, 2025Punta Mita Resort Debuts Exclusive Private-Label Tequila
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, recently announced its own private-label tequila in collaboration with Reserva de la Familia, the ultra-premium line from Jose Cuervo.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
eFlyer Reviews
May 21, 2025Hotel Nice Beau Rivage Review
In the city Henri Matisse once called home — and where Musée Matisse holds his largest collection — Hotel Beau Rivage has a special connection with the artist, who first visited the hotel in 1916 and painted famous sea views from his room 89 in 1917. Today, framed Matisse prints — many brightly colored cut-out collages from the artist’s JAZZ collection — decorate its walls. Hotel guests also benefit from a partnership with the museum.
Celebrity Cruises Launches Limited-Time Sale
eFlyer Deals
May 21, 2025eFlyer Lead
May 21, 2025A Look at United Airlines’ New Polaris Studio Suites
Last week, United Airlines unveiled the United Elevated interior for the new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, raising the standard of international premium travel. The new interior includes two new business-class suites, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, the greatest number of total premium seats in United Airlines’ fleet, Starlink connectivity and even larger 4-K OLED seatback screens.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
Daily
May 21, 2025Embark on Scientist-Led Galápagos Journey with Quasar Expeditions
How amazing would it be to sail around the Galápagos islands in the company of Charles Darwin? We don’t have a time machine to loan you (sorry), but you can do the next best thing by embarking upon a sailing with Professor Kenneth Noll, a distinguished scientist who channels Darwin through a spot-on depiction, right down to hat, beard and period clothing.
ShareThis