Cintra 16 North Market Street Charleston, SC Phone: 843-377-1090 Fax:843-377-1093   WELCOME|MENU|CHEF|RECIPES|MAP Executive Chef Thomas Clayton "It's not about what you add to a dish - it's what you pull from it," says Thomas Clayton, executive chef at Cintra Restaurant & Martini Bar. "Truly great food is about the integrity of ingredients, their intrinsic flavors." As executive chef, Clayton has garnered considerable national attention in such publications as Bon Appetit and Wine Spectator Online, as well as being named one of the four "hottest young chefs" in Charleston by Charleston Magazine. A self-described 'culinary purist,' Clayton strongly believes in preserving - and enhancing - the flavors of food as they appear naturally. Clayton attributes this respect of materials from his years of training as an artist. "I've always been an art and design enthusiast," says Clayton. "I studied sculpture and metalwork for years, which is probably where I learned to respect materials in their natural state. It's important to understand how things interact and relate in nature - and that has definitely affected the way I think about food." Born in Kansas City, KS, Clayton worked in the restaurant industry for more than 15 years to support his art education. Beginning at age 14, he worked as a dishwasher, quickly moving on to prepping, assisting, catering and working as a line cook. It wasn't until he worked as a sous chef that Clayton began to link his interest and love of art with cooking. He soon developed a love for the process: the creativity involved, the respect for ingredients, the intricate preparation process, achieving a delicate balance of flavors - and the resulting experience. Being an artist means your ultimate goal is to stimulate the senses. Literally, says Clayton. "A restaurant experience should affect not only a guest's sense of taste, but also what they smell, hear, see and feel." Upon joining the Cintra team, Clayton knew he'd found the ideal home. From the balance of flavors to the colors, arrangement and presentation, every element of Clayton's direction is carefully carried out by his kitchen staff. When the kitchen runs smoothly, Clayton likens the experience to conducting a symphony the fluidity of a group working well together. Clayton laughs, "Beethoven would have been proud!" WELCOME|MENU|CHEF|RECIPES|MAP © 2004-2007 Feeding Frenzy, Inc™ All Rights Reserved. For a truly unforgettable dining experience, visit Cintra and remember to use your American Express Card.