Chef Cherif Brahmi is executive chef of rise n°1 and executive chef and partner of Maguire’s restaurant in Dallas. Born in Lyon and classically trained in France, Brahmi moved to America in the 70s after traveling extensively throughout Europe, honing his culinary skills in a variety of ethnic cuisine focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Brahmi spent time as chef du cuisine and executive chef in some of the top kitchens in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including Mi Piaci, Café Pacific, Old Warsaw, Lombardi’s and Via Real, before partnering with Mark Maguire at Maguire’s.
Upon joining Maguire’s, he created an imaginative, moderately priced menu designed to draw adventurous diners without intimidating those with more traditional tastes. It has been Brahmi’s passion ever since to introduce foods from afar to the American palette and watch them quickly become favorites.
It was serendipitous, then, that Chef Brahmi’s longtime friend, Hedda Gioia Dowd, came knocking after brainstorming a new restaurant designed to do the very same thing: immerse Dallas diners in the nuances of the masterpiece of French cuisine- the soufflé.
Drawing from his love for French cooking and his European sensibility in dining, Brahmi signed on at rise n°1 and crafted a diverse, approachable menu around the beloved soufflé. Focusing on savory and sweet soufflés, artisanal cheeses, and small plates of classic French favorites, Brahmi is enthusiastic about bringing a piece of France to Dallas diners.
From French onion soup and steamed artichokes with sauce Andree to salad nicoise and brie & cornichon sandwiches, there is something for everyone at rise n°1. The star of Brahmi’s menu, however, is the soufflé. Diners can choose from hearty soufflés, including ham and Gruyere, creamed spinach, goat cheese, smoked salmon, blue cheese, truffle-infused wild mushroom, and lobster thermidor. They can satisfy a sweet tooth with dessert soufflés including chocolate, Grand Marnier, raspberry, cassis, and apricot. … Or they can embrace the “way of the French” and choose both.
Chef Brahmi is well-respected in the Dallas community and is an active participant in local competitions and food events. He has contributed his culinary skills to such events as Savor Dallas, the Les Dames D’Escoffier Dallas Chapter Annual Raiser Grazer, the CityArts Celebration in the Dallas Arts District, Taste of the Nation benefiting Share Our Strength, the Texas Chili for Children Cook-Off, and the Chef Showcase benefiting Camp John Marc, among others.
Brahmi welcomes Dallas diners to rise n°1 and looks forward to acquainting patrons’ palettes with the savory and sweet sides of the soufflé.
