Executive Chef Donald Green is taking the helm at Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen, bringing with him a wealth of experience. Green has already made his mark, bringing home the People’s Choice Award at the April 27 Taste of St. Augustine, an annual event featuring the best local bites. His winning dish, a citrus-braised short rib, served with saffron potato purée, black garlic emulsion, San Sebastian Winery port reduction and sorrels, is just a taste of what to expect from Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen.
“I was blessed to be raised with grandmothers who took the time to introduce me to the art of food,” said Green. “My Southern grandmother showed me the beauty of seasonal and scratch cooking, while my Italian nonna showed me how to make pasta and curse. They taught me generational techniques, creativity and a genuine love of cooking. I’ve carried those lessons with me on my culinary journey.”
Green first learned the inner workings of a restaurant at the age of 8 at his granddad’s barbecue joint in Macclenny called Liman Greens BBQ.
At the age of 14, he took on a paying gig at a local restaurant called River Place, now known as The Greenbriar Grill, washing dishes, busing tables or whatever else was needed. He quickly noticed that dedication and reliability paid off, traits that earned him the chance to move up the food chain.
Green earned executive culinary positions at high-end mountain resorts in West Virginia, Washington and Virginia, overseeing huge kitchen staffs and managing multimillion-dollar banquet programs. And while Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen offers culinary services to the neighboring Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown, Green recognizes that this new position is a chance for him to create and enjoy.
“I like melding traditional French techniques with Appalachian flavors,” explained Green. “I love working with underutilized proteins like bison short ribs and venison and pairing them with berry or black garlic emulsions. Gels are a fun way to present pops of bold flavor, like mango. I’m experimenting with Northeast Florida’s staples, like datil pepper, local wines and seafood. And my dogs and I are, of course, loving the beach and the weather.”
Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen will release a new menu in June. The presentation will balance the restaurant’s tried-and-true staples with fresh new creations by Green and his team.
