Brian Molino : Executive Chef

Brian Molino is the Executive Chef of Marche one of the most buzzed about fine dining restaurants located in the landmark hotel, 74 State which is perched on State Street in New York State’s Capital city, Albany. He is known for his inspired culinary flair. Since opening in December 2006, Chef Molino and Marche have set new heights for dining. Marche offers an inspired menu that changes with the seasons and features Contemporary American Cuisine. His approach to food has been hailed by food critics as “passionately playful”. The focus of his cuisine is using the freshest seasonal ingredients pushing the boundaries of combinations and layering of flavors textures and culinary rules.

Chef Molino previously worked at Craft in New York City for three years where he refined his culinary skills under the direction of celebrity chef and restaurant impresario, Tom Colicchio, first in the vegetable station and then nine months later was promoted to sous chef, a position he held until his move to Marche. Since his arrival at Marche, he has played an instrumental role in all aspects of the design and execution of the menu. Throughout the year Chef Molino creates highly inspired food and wine pairing menus promoting regional organic farms from throughout the Hudson Valley and surrounding region.

His philosophy of food is to keep things simple using
essential ingredients for each dish.

For him it is all about the “first bite”, balancing color, textures, shapes and flavors, keeping it simple – but refined and elegant always, with a surprise in every bite.

Born in Philadelphia, Chef Molino moved to New York’s Capital Region in high school. It was during these years that he developed his passion for food and cooking. He is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003. After graduation, Chef Molino worked for the Glen Sanders Mansion and at the Lodge in Saratoga, New York and at Jacks Oyster House in Albany under the direction of Master Chef Dale Miller.

His inspired menus and approach to food have won him culinary awards, earned regional and national recognition and provided dining experiences to be savored.