At the heart of Glasgow’s bustling culinary scene, a rising star has emerged, captivating foodies and TikTok aficionados alike with his delectable creations. Meet Chef Otello Calvert, a young prodigy hailing from the West of Scotland, whose meteoric rise to fame began with his Inverness-based food truck, Tagliotello. However, his journey didn’t stop there. Recently, Chef Otello ventured into the heart of Glasgow to helm the kitchen at Il Pastaio by Otello, an exciting new eatery that promises to tantalize taste buds with authentic fresh pasta, antipasto, and desserts.
From Food Truck to Fine Dining
Chef Otello’s story reads like a modern-day fairytale of culinary conquest. Starting his culinary career in his own catering trailer in 2021, he quickly gained a loyal following for his innovative take on traditional Italian cuisine. With a decade of experience in the hospitality industry under his belt, Chef Otello’s passion for cooking was unmistakable. “I never expected to be in a kitchen or run a business, but when I thought about starting Tagilotello, it just made sense. I loved cooking, and I loved the idea of being my own boss,” he shared.
Transitioning from the vibrant food truck scene to the refined ambiance of Il Pastaio has been a natural evolution for Chef Otello. The menu at Il Pastaio features a curated selection of dishes that pay homage to Italy’s diverse culinary landscape. From Tuscan fiesolana to Naples’ genovese and Sardinian cozze, each dish is a celebration of flavors, textures, and traditions. With the backing of the acclaimed team behind Devil of Brooklyn, Tabac, and The Last Bookstore, Chef Otello’s culinary prowess is set to reach new heights.
A Peek Behind the Apron: Chef Otello Revealed
Beyond the stove and the pasta roller, Chef Otello is a man of many dimensions. When asked about his favorite place to eat out, he confessed to a love for home-cooked meals, citing a recent culinary adventure in Japan as a standout dining experience. His guilty pleasure, however, lies in ram-don, a Korean dish that combines instant noodles, black bean sauce, steak, and a fried egg—a testament to his eclectic palate.
Recalling his worst kitchen disaster with a chuckle, Chef Otello shared a hilarious tale of a limoncello pudding mishap that resulted in a ceiling covered in custard. Despite the occasional kitchen calamity, his signature dish, the Genovese, remains a fan favorite. Inspired by his parents’ culinary prowess, Chef Otello infuses traditional recipes with his unique flair, creating dishes that evoke nostalgia and delight in equal measure.
In a candid moment, Chef Otello revealed that if he weren’t a chef, he would pursue his passion for storytelling through film. However, for now, his creative canvas remains the kitchen, where he crafts culinary masterpieces that tell tales of flavor, tradition, and innovation. Reflecting on his career highlights, winning the Highland and Island Food and Drink Award for Best Street Food stands out as a defining moment—a testament to his unwavering dedication and competitive spirit.
As Chef Otello continues to dazzle diners and TikTok followers alike with his culinary wizardry, one thing remains clear: his love for food, storytelling, and creativity knows no bounds. With Il Pastaio as his stage, Chef Otello is set to leave an indelible mark on Glasgow’s vibrant dining scene, one pasta dish at a time. So, next time you find yourself in Glasgow, be sure to stop by Il Pastaio for a taste of Chef Otello’s culinary magic. Bon appétit!
