Co-founders and hospitality veterans Thatcher Schultz and Andres Diaz are collectively celebrating the first anniversary of their successful New York joint venture Her Name Was Carmen. An upscale two-story venue located on Broome Street in the heart of West Soho, the restaurant embodies the essence of Latin American culture by fusing together an outstanding culinary experience with an exuberant social scene. Maurizio Bianchi’s design of the space works to create an authentic Latin American experience for the guests, beyond just dining but rather through atmosphere.
Peruvian Chef Omar Ben-Hammou treats Her Name Was Carmen guests to a simple yet exquisite selection of succulent seafood such as Tuna Mojama and the Hamachi Tiradito, which are prepared with fresh ingredients and further enhanced with sauces infused with flavors from Chef Ben-Hammou’s global travels. Ben-Hammou spoke with me about Her Name Was Carmen and more for A Global Lifestyle. More on Ben-Hammou and Her Name Was Carmen can be found online at www.carmennyc.com.
How did you come into the Her Name Was Carmen fold? Did you know Thatcher Schultz or Andres Diaz beforehand?
Chef Omar Ben-Hammou: The managing partner Andres was in the early stage of selecting the team at Her Name Was Carmen, but he always knew he wanted someone who was well-traveled, experienced in refined cuisine but also had authentic Latin-American roots. After much research, he came across my name and although I was working elsewhere at the time, I knew that this concept was something that I couldn’t let go. Once we spoke, I knew that there was a need for an upscale Latin American restaurant in Manhattan and I was honored to be a part of it. The rest, they say, is history.
Do you have a favorite item on the Her Name Was Carmen menu?
Chef Omar Ben-Hammou: I have so many favorite items on the menu, but I admittedly have a “sweet tooth” and I just love the chocolate tart.
When did you start planning the anniversary menu for the restaurant?
Chef Omar Ben-Hammou: I traveled to Columbia and Argentina recently and a lot of the menu was inspired by my travels. I returned from that trip with a lot of new ideas.
What was your first proper restaurant job?
Chef Omar Ben-Hammou: I actually started in the Four Seasons Palm Beach in Miami, I was hired as a banquet chef. I’m not going to lie, at the beginning I really had no idea what was going on, but in this industry you need to learn very quickly in order to handle the heat, and that is what I did.
When did you realize that you were going to be a lifer in the hospitality business? Or even a chef?
Chef Omar Ben-Hammou: It wasn’t until I was a year or two into my law degree in Lima that I realized my passion was in the
hospitality industry and not so much in the books — so I listened to my gut!
When not busy as a chef, where does your free time usually go?
Chef Omar Ben-Hammou: I actually love Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I train quite often and it’s another passion of mine. It’s always good to have a pastime that allows you to let out some energy from time to time. This may be a cliché, but obviously I love to eat so I go out and try other restaurants quite often. I also love to surf, although I can’t do that in the city, when I’m at home in Peru, I surf daily.
What was the last concert you attended?
Chef Omar Ben-Hammou: With my schedule, it is sometimes hard to make concerts but the last concert I attended was Cultura Profetica a couple months ago. They are a Caribbean reggae band!
Finally, Chef Omar, any last words for the kids?
Chef Omar Ben-Hammou: Wow, I wish I was still a kid! I would say follow your dreams and do something that you do with passion, something that makes you happy, even if it means disturbing some already made plans — I am so glad I did.
