Brave the Flames Ignites Tannersvilles Culinary Scene with Innovative Approach

TANNERSVILLE — The recent opening of Brave the Flames has sparked a culinary revolution. 

Located next door to the post office in the former Curran's Restaurant, Chef Chris Arquiett brings a wealth of experience to the table, showcasing a diverse culinary journey that has culminated in the creation of this unique dining establishment.

Chef Chris Arquiett's impressive resume includes roles as an Executive Chef at a ski resort, managing a farm-to-table fine dining establishment, overseeing the most prominent Italian American Club in the state, mastering the art of Texas BBQ as a pitmaster, and operating a world fusion taco concession stand. 

Now, with Brave the Flames, he aims to redefine the dining experience by prioritizing proper techniques, reasonable pricing, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, freshly made food.

The restaurant operates with a counter-service model, allowing lower operating costs to be passed on to customers. This approach ensures that food prepared from scratch by Chef Chris and his skilled team is not only more affordable but also of superior taste and quality. The collaboration between the front and back of the house staff creates a cohesive unit dedicated to providing patrons with the finest dining experience.

One of the key lessons Chef Chris learned while operating concessions on the road was the universal desire for good food, regardless of the setting. This insight, coupled with the current challenges in the labor pool's depth and the need for proper food preparation techniques, inspired the counter service model.

Chef Chris expresses his love for the road and its diverse experiences, prompting the expansion of operations to include Chef Dawg's Oklahoma Smash Burgers. Capitalizing on the success of the Onion Smash Burger in the restaurant, this move allows for continued growth and serves to market Brave the Flames to a broader audience.

Chef Chris said, "This will give us the opportunity to market the brick-and-mortar to our following that loves Brave The Flames for our Twisted Taco concept. And while doing that, we can promote our Twisted Taco Tuesday at the restaurant to those beloved taco fans."

Reflecting on his 30-year experience as an executive chef, including his time at Curran's, Chef Chris emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in the kitchen. His tenure at Curran's allowed him to self-train and explore world kitchen concepts, setting the stage for the culinary journey that led to Brave the Flames.

Addressing the issue of pricing, Chef Chris acknowledges the economic challenges faced by many in the community. To make dining more accessible, Brave the Flames utilizes single-use plates and plastic baskets to reduce labor costs associated with dishwashing. The restaurant employs a modified fast-casual counter service, providing affordability without compromising quality.

Discussing future plans, Chef Chris expresses a desire to expand and explore additional themes that leverage his meat fabrication skills, with a focus on delivering flavorful food at affordable prices.

While Brave the Flames faces challenges associated with its location, including parking scarcity next to the post office, Chef Chris is optimistic about the municipal parking options and the welcoming attitude of nearby establishments, such as the library.

Brave the Flames stands out as a beacon of innovation in a culinary landscape dominated by high-end establishments, providing a welcoming space for all to indulge in quality cuisine without breaking the bank. As the flames of success continue to burn bright, Chef Chris Arquiett's commitment to redefining the dining experience is sure to leave a lasting impression on Tannersville and beyond.

More information, including hours of operation, can be found online at www.bravetheflames.com.