Get to know: Malaki Craft, new executive chef of Auro Hotels in Greenville
Greenville, SC – Malaki Craft has been appointed as the new executive chef of Auro Hotels in downtown Greenville. With this new role, Craft will have creative control and be responsible for overseeing the culinary operations of several establishments, including Paloma, Juniper, The Press Room, Perfect Buns, and AC Kitchen.
Craft is no stranger to the Upstate food scene. Prior to joining Auro Hotels in April, he served as the executive chef at Rick Erwin’s Clemson. However, his culinary journey began long before that.
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Craft developed a love for food and hospitality at a young age. His mother worked as a restaurant manager, while his stepfather was an executive chef and later became the culinary director of a country club. Craft was exposed to the world of fine dining early on.
One of his most memorable experiences was a visit to Shula’s Steak House in Naples, Florida. The restaurant was trying to recruit his stepfather as an executive chef, and Craft’s family was invited to experience the culinary offerings firsthand. The experience left a lasting impression on him.
After high school, Craft considered joining the military but ultimately decided to pursue a career in the culinary arts. He enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California. Craft appreciated the smaller classroom sizes in the wine country over the institute’s campus in Hyde Park, New York. The institute provided him with a structured environment to develop his skills and learn the hierarchy of commercial kitchens.
Craft’s passion for food extends beyond his professional life. He is a husband and father of three small children and two Great Danes. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and working on home renovations.
As an executive chef, Craft values the collaborative aspect of working in a kitchen. He focuses on building and nourishing a cohesive team, which allows him to stay off the line and oversee the operations. However, he still finds solace on the line, where he feels most at ease.
“You’ll probably almost always find me on a station if I’m having a bad day because it’s just where I go to calm down,” Craft said. “As tickets are coming in and we’re cooking, and there’s a rhythm, I love it.”
A Unique Culinary Philosophy
In his role as executive chef, Craft brings a unique culinary philosophy to the table. He is drawn to clean and simple dishes with bright and cool flavors. Craft works with a lot of acids, particularly citrus, and focuses on using simple and clean ingredients that create a well-rounded palate.
One of Craft’s favorite dishes to make is a summer squash salad with a lemon vinaigrette, pecorino, mint, and pine nuts. This salad represents his preferred style of cooking.
Craft believes that culinary school is an important stepping stone for aspiring chefs. While he acknowledges that there are multiple paths to success in the culinary industry, he credits his time at the Culinary Institute of America for teaching him valuable skills. He encourages others who are passionate about cooking to consider culinary school as a way to refine and enhance their craft.
A Vibrant Future for Greenville’s Food Scene
With Craft at the helm, Auro Hotels is poised to bring new and exciting culinary experiences to Greenville. Craft’s innovative approach to food and his dedication to creating memorable dining experiences will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the city’s food scene.
Greenville residents and visitors alike can look forward to exploring the diverse array of dining options at Auro Hotels’ establishments. Whether it’s the farm-to-table cuisine at Juniper or the Latin-inspired dishes at Paloma, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
As Craft settles into his new role, he is eager to collaborate with his team and continue pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity. Through his leadership and passion for food, Craft is set to make a significant mark on Greenville’s culinary landscape.
About Auro Hotels
Auro Hotels is a prominent hotel management company that specializes in developing and operating distinctive properties. The company’s portfolio includes a variety of award-winning hotels and restaurants across the Southeast United States. Auro Hotels is committed to providing exceptional hospitality experiences and creating lasting memories for its guests.
With the addition of Malaki Craft as executive chef, Auro Hotels continues to elevate its culinary offerings and establish itself as a leader in the hospitality industry.
As Craft embarks on this new chapter in his culinary career, the Greenville community eagerly awaits the delectable creations that he will bring to the table.
