New Executive Chef Named For SouthPark’s Bar Marcel

CHARLOTTE, NC — SouthPark’s Bar Marcel has a new lead in the kitchen, the restaurant announced. Nicholas Tarnate, formerly the executive chef of Aix en Provence, has been named executive chef and says he looks forward to adding more international flair to the italian menu.

“I’ll continue Bar Marcel’s focus on the roots of italian cuisine, with attention paid to the Umbria, Emilia Romagna, Sicily and Piedmont regions,” Tarnate said in a statement. “I’ll also concentrate on French cuisine while introducing influences from Morocco, Tunisia and Spain.”

Tarnate attended UNC-Charlotte and cooked in the kitchen of restaurants in the University area at night. He has worked at some of top restaurant kitchens in Charlotte, including Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth and Lumiere French Kitchen. In 2017, he apprenticed at French Laundry, the renowned French restaurant located in California’s Napa Valley, as well as Melisse in Santa Monica, California and Bouchon Bistro in Yountville, California.

“Nicholas has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in Charlotte,” said Kevin Jennings, who co-owns Urban Food Group with his wife, Stacey Jennings. “And he’s been coached by some of the city’s best chefs. We’re thrilled to have such a pro leading our kitchen at our new SouthPark spot. Making fresh pasta is among his many culinary passions – and it’s one of many skills that makes him a great fit for Bar Marcel.”

Tarnate replaces Chef Josh Oakley, who helped launch Bar Marcel, the tenth restaurant for the Urban Food Group. Oakley is now culinary director for the restaurant company.

Bar Marcel is located at 3920 Sharon Road and open for lunch Monday through Saturday and dinner seven nights a week.