Carl Clarke aka Disco Bistro, Grilled!
We first met Carl Clarke three years ago at the fab English Launderette pop-up, it was only a brief meeting, but we in that time we could see just how hard-working he is. At the On Blackheath festival recently, we watched him do a food demo and were in awe of his story and perseverance – a word which apparently his odd dreams represent. At the age of 15 he left home, jumped on a boat with a mate escaping the wrong side of Birmingham and walked straight into The Grand Hotel in Jersey landing himself a job. That job was scrubbing potatoes but it led onto bigger and better things, such as working for Marco Pierre White and Simon Rogan. He launched his pop-up restaurant business, including the English Launderette pop-up, Rock Lobsta, God Save the Clam and Disco Bistro. Carl’s next project is the imminent arrival of a permanent residency at Chick ‘n Sours in Dalston.
If money was no object, what kind of restaurant would you open and where?
I’m just about to open a fried chicken concept called Chick ‘n Sours in Dalston. Right now I’m really happy with that!
If you had to eat the same meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Korean fried chicken comes close but I think it has to be Kerala lamb fry as I’m originally a Brummie.
What do you keep on your bedside table?
My Kindle and Rizla.
When is the last time you had a McDonald’s?
Only been twice in my life. Had my first Big Mac this year and went back for a Sausage McMuffin which I rather enjoyed
What is your career Plan B?
Criminal lawyer
What is your favourite dish from your restaurant to cook at home?
I kickbox a lot so tend to eat to train at home midweek, lots of brown rice and greens but have a treat day on Saturdays. I oversee the food operation at a cool hotel called Hertford House. I’ve got shakshouka on the breakfast menu there because I love it so much at home. So I guess shakshouka innit!
Is there any food that you can’t stand?
Tinned marrowfat peas. Childhood nightmare
Do you have any recurring dreams?
I often dream of camels.
Who would be your ideal dinner date?
Blondie 1976.
What is the one object you can’t do without?
My Robata grill
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