Jackie Carnesi
Nura | Brooklyn
February 2023
Growing up in Texas, Jackie Carnesi’s relationship with food was fueled by her parents’ passion for cooking. Her father was a self-proclaimed “grill dad,” while her health-conscious mother cooked tofu and was an advocate of the home-juicing movement long before it was cool (although she wasn’t above hitting the McDonald’s drive-through with her daughter). After earning a business degree from St. Edward's University in Austin, Carnesi decided to enroll at the Culinary Institute of America at their Greystone campus in California. At 25, Carnesi was finally done with school and ready to get back into the workforce. She moved to New York City and worked the line at Empellón Cocina under Rising Stars alum Alex Stupak.
Wanting to implement more of her creative vision, Carnesi moved on to Roberta’s in Bushwick. During her six-year tenure, Carnesi worked in the back kitchen developing menu items. In 2021, she interviewed with Scott Hawley and Michelle Lobo in search of a more senior position at the duo’s restaurant, Otis. They, however, had other plans, and instead hired Carnesi as executive chef for their new project in Greenpoint, Nura. Originally an Indian concept, Carnesi worked to create her own mark on the menu, keeping the influence of Indian cooking techniques while showcasing global flavors. Dishes like her roasted half chicken, served with butter chicken hollandaise, collard greens, schmaltz potatoes, and fenugreek roti are craveable, accessible, and reflective of the restaurant’s influences and Carnesi’s broad experience and innovation.
