Tom Elder, chef at the just-opened Härth at the renovated McLean Hilton.

A Chef We Love: Thomas Elder at Härth

Home cooking is all the rage, especially if it’s done right. I recently chatted with a man who has figured it out: chef Thomas Elder at the newly opened Härth in McLean, Va. (the space is located in the renovated McLean Hilton).

His menu focuses on fire-roasted dishes delivered straight from the open kitchen’s wood-burning oven. The food is dubbed contemporary American comfort food (yum) and ingredients are sourced locally. Which means I wasn’t surprised when he told me his food inspirations are decidedly family related.

Q: What’s the first thing you ever cooked and how did it turn out?

A: The first thing I ever cooked was pan-fried lake perch. When I was very young, my family used to vacation in Wisconsin every summer. My father would wake me at 5 in the morning to go fishing, and we would return to camp with our catch and cook breakfast for everyone. The freshly caught perch were so delicious, and I have to say I did a really good job cooking them.

Q: Favorite veggie?

A: Hot peppers. Chile peppers are full of flavor and add a totally new dimension to a dish…

Q: Who or what influences/inspires your cooking?

A: My mother played a very instrumental role in my becoming a chef. She had the patience to teach me—even at an early age—and continues to encourage me to this day.

Q: What do you want to learn how to make?

A: A killer chocolate soufflé.

Q: If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?

A: I would be a farmer and grow the great things I get to cook now.

Härth is located at McLean Hilton (Tysons Corner), 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Va.; 703/847-5000.  

Contributing editor Rachel Machacek cover food and entertainment for Washington Flyer Media. Her new book is The Science of Single (Riverhead).