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Chef Jarad McCarroll

Marci Moreau • July 24, 2024

The Ocean Club Montauk

A man in a white chef 's jacket is standing in a kitchen with his hands on his hips.

I’ve always believed in the power of food, and yet, the profound impact and significance food can have in our life will never cease to amaze me, and neither will the people who make it their life’s mission to embrace and nurture the culinary connections that bring more pleasure into the world. Chef Jarad McCarroll, knows all about embodying this power, and even more about food. He is a truly genuine man, an amorous culinary talent, and, an even more passionate visionary, with a pursuit to elevate hospitality. Considered a natural at transforming the experience of preparing food for others into pure joy, he is bringing a new beginning, and a lot of rapture, to the Ocean Club in Montauk, NY. No stranger to operating establishments in paradise, with the Ocean Club in St. Barts as part of his portfolio, Chef Jarad brings a deep-rooted belief that exceptional dining experiences are the result of a thoughtful and mindful philosophy. He is dedicated to creating a new energy of hospitality, where guests feel, not only welcome, and well feed, but are enthusiastically anticipating their next visit, even before they walk out the door. “To me, hospitality is so much more than just a meal, Chef McCarroll says, with great conviction, and, an even bigger heart.


A culinary backstory infused with depth, devotion, and a resilience of his life’s journey, Chef Jarad truly believes in the importance of making people feel good. After great loss, Chef Jarad left home to pursue his passion of creating more life with food, and found solace, achievement, and success in a career, that just seemed meant to be. “I had many unfinished circles and when I got to food, it just completed the circle.” And it is with this positive force of self-actualization, authenticity, and meaning that the newly designed Ocean Club at The Montauk Yacht Club, is being built on. Translating to exceptional service, elevated food, and a consistency that builds trust, the Ocean Club in Montauk will feature the largest open kitchen in the Hamptons, a wood-fired grill as a gastronomical centerpiece, and a raw bar stocked with some of the freshest offerings from the sea. Add to this, two chef’s counters that overlook both the raw bar and wood-fired grill, a private chef’s table where an intimate group can have an enhanced culinary experience, and infuse all of that with the maritime backdrop and ocean air, there are certainly enough reasons to never want to leave, but Chef Jarad gives us many more. New menu offerings of just caught seafood dishes, seasonal and local foods, and the best of the East End produce are highlighted in some signature dishes such as whole fluke, aged for 5 days, and then cooked over coals, or his prized picana beef, cooked slow for over six hours, served with beetroot ketchup and chive oil. Along with newly harvested veggies, such as roasted carrots, that are carefully executed with farm-stand honey, aromatic cardamon and garden fresh parsley, Chef Jarad’s food certainly reflects all the best flavors of the Hamptons. With his definition of success, as ‘everyday taking steps toward your dream,” it’s safe to say, with the thought provoking efforts and affectionate techniques of Chef Jarad McCarroll’s timeless cuisine, a new beginning of elevated hospitality has successfully arrived, at the end, in Montauk, NY.

A man wearing sunglasses is holding a bunch of vegetables in a field.

  • WHEN DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH FOOD?

    I fell in love with food from a young age. I always wanted to cook but only had the opportunity to begin cooking when I

    was twenty one. I always wanted to be a chef but when I was 18 it seemed better to follow the business and sales path. I lost my brother at a young age. He was 16 and I was 21. My mom was seeing a tarot card reader to try to connect with my brother, Shane, and she wanted to talk about me and my sister.

    When the reader started talking about me, she said, “Your son needs to stop what he is doing and go to study cooking in Switzerland because people will love him not only for his

    food but for who he is.” and then she said, “he cannot study in South Africa, he needs to go abroad, and that is how my journey began.”

    If I do something I do it with everything I have, there is no in-between. I left my house, and my life in South Africa, and I went after my dream.

    I had many unfinished circles and when I got to food it just completed the circle. That’s how my journey began but I don’t tell it often.

  • HOW DOES YOUR LIFE’S STORY CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR CULINARY PHILOSOPHY?

    I believe in doing what you love, and working hard to do it very well.

    “You have to give something to get something in return, that is how the universe works.” I’ve worked really hard to create a life doing what I love. When I first left home I went to cook in Switzerland, and took a three month crash course in European cuisine, pastries and chocolates.

    It was super fast, difficult, and challenging but it was unbelievable in the amount I learned in that time. Then I went to work for three years at the Ritz in London. It was a very old school philosophy of hard work, and

    sacrifice, and I learned discipline and structure. Cooking is a trade and you have to sacrifice time to get knowledge, and

    then you need to go do something with all you have leanred.

    I knew it was the time for me to do something with my knowledge. I really believe in people. I envision building a world class hospitality brand and how I am going to that is to build

    my staff as professionals, but, first, as people. I care about how my staff feels and how they are doing. I give a mindful speech to my team at the beginning of our shifts. Mindset is

    important. I want them to know sometimes life is uncomfortable but breaking through those uncomfortable times is how we grow. It’s OK to plateau in life, but the more you give, the more you will get, and with the right supports, you will grow personally and professionally. I want to be that support,

    and, I want the Ocean Club to be a place people can grow.

  • WHAT ROLES DOES YOUR HERITAGE PLAY WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD?

    My Dad is Scottish, my Mom is Mauritian, and I am first generation South African, born and raised. My wife is Portuguese, my first daughter was born in London, my second daughter was born in St. Maarten, my son was born in Richmond, Virginia, so I guess that makes me a child of the world.

    I’ve had three children in three different continents in the past seven years. When it comes to food, I like to take the best techniques and flavors from my story and fuse it with the best local and seasonal ingredients. My food is modern global

    European, using French techniques, and Montauk’s best ingredients to bring them to life.

  • WHAT IS YOUR MISSION OF “ELEVATED HOSPITALITY” ALL ABOUT?

    To me, hospitality is more than just a meal. You are offering a space for people to have an experience, to be really comfortable, and enjoy themselves. I want their experience

    to be something they remember and that will make them feel good when they think about it. I am always looking for ways to make the experience better for our guest and it’s

    important to invest in all aspects of the business. The food, the staff, education and training, the atmosphere and design, all of this impacts the overall energy and the vibe of the restaurant. I want the Ocean Club to be a positive place. If you give more, the guests feel more welcome and the hospitality is elevated.

  • WHY MONTAUK AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE CULINARY PLATFORM AT THE END?

    The Ocean Club in Montauk is very aligned with our philosophy in St. Barts. It’s a beautiful location, affiliated with the tranquility of the water. Our open design space, surrounded by the ocean and boats, and our open kitchens, displaying the talents of our chefs is the best canvas to create a warm celebratory feeling of hospitality. It’s a team effort we are bringing to Montauk. Along with Proper Hospitality, we are bringing great food, great service, a warm loving energy, and we hope to create a feeling of hospitality that makes people want to be here again and again.

  • WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST FAVORITE DISHES ON THE MENU TO COOK?

    I love our entire menu. It is thoughtful and consistent, in our design. We care a lot about sustainability and sourcing locally so that is a big part of what we include on our menus. On the East End we have unbelievable produce from some of the best farms, so our vegetables and salads and sauces all come from the best sources. The way I cook meat

    is quite specific and my picana is one of my favorites. It is cooked for over five hours, over open charcoals, low and slow. I let it rest at a higher temperature, and, hit it, and rest it, until is juicy, tender and has great flavor. We will only have a certain amount cooked every night and I’m sure it will be a favorite.

  • HEY CHEF, WHAT DOES YOUR TABLE LOOK LIKE?

    My table always has my wife Gabriella, and our three children, Madison 7, Naomi 5, and baby Joshua, 2. The way we eat at home is much like I prepare food here. Fresh, local, seasonal and I’ll cook a variety of big dishes

    to share. I like to cook, fresh pastas, potatoes, meats and veggies, and put it all on the table for all of us to share. Usually we all get together on Sunday, it is my family day, and we have friends and family over. To me, sharing food with the people you love is the best experience and that is what makes your

    table beautiful.

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By Colleen Richmond • February 12, 2025
The natural beauty of the Highlands inspired every design decision, by interior designer Anne Buresh, from the warm wood tones to the soft textures, creating a seamless blend of comfort and sophistication.

LA TÊTE D’OR

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Folia Where Good Nights Take Root in South End, Charlotte

By Taylor Freeze • February 12, 2025
Amidst the hustle of South End, Charlotte, N.C., hidden in plain sight, lies a verdant, tropical refuge that blooms after dark—for those who know where to look. Folia is not just a bar but a chic and sophisticated escape, this lush oasis invites you to pause, unwind, and lose yourself in its intoxicating charm.Step inside, and you’ll feel transported. The air is thick with the spirit of celebration, buzzing with the gentle murmur of conversation, the soft pulse of lo-fi beats, and the occasional burst of laughter. The aroma of fresh herbs and citrus mingles with the warmth of expertly crafted cocktails, awakening your senses before your first sip.Folia’s seasonal cocktail menu is a masterpiece in itself, blending fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a touch of alchemy. Each drink is a story—complex yet approachable, refreshing yet layered with flavor. Whether you’re drawn to the playful brightness of a passionfruit-infused concoction or the smoky sophistication of a mezcal-based creation, every glass is a reflection of the thoughtful care and creativity that defines Folia. But it’s not just about the drinks. Folia’s impeccable service ensures that every guest feels at home while still indulging in the luxury of something extraordinary. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance: vibrant yet unhurried, elevated yet unpretentious. It’s a space that feels equally suited for a romantic date night, an impromptu gathering with friends, or even a private celebration.The décor mirrors the ethos of Folia—a harmony of natural elegance and urban sophistication. Lush greenery cascades from the ceiling, soft candlelight flickers against rich wood tones, and modern touches tie it all together. It’s the kind of place where you can lean back, savor the moment, and let the night unfold around you.In the heart of South End, Charlotte—a neighborhood known for its creative energy and dynamic nightlife—Folia stands out as a sanctuary for those seeking something more refined. It doesn’t just provide a backdrop for your evening; it enhances it. Here, good nights grow effortlessly, whether you’re sharing secrets over a cocktail or dancing quietly in your seat to the rhythm of the music.So, if you’re looking for a hidden gem in South End, Charlotte—a place where the mundane gives way to the magical—look no further than Folia. After all, the best escapes aren’t always far away; sometimes, they’re right under your nose, waiting to bloom.
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