By Heather Alwine Eracleous

Nick Perry, Ivy Tech culinary graduate and Head Chef at Bourbon Street Grill stands outside the restaurant located on Columbia Street in downtown Fort Wayne, IN.

Nick Perry, Ivy Tech culinary graduate and Head Chef at Bourbon Street Hideaway, was presented with the idea of starting a new restaurant in the basement of the popular Columbia Street West located in downtown Fort Wayne by owner John Freistroffer.

The name came about because they wanted to encompass the New Orleans Cajun feel and there is little as synonymous to New Orleans as Bourbon Street. Hideaway was an obvious addition as this delicious locale is hidden beneath Columbia Street West.

Perry graduated from Ivy Tech with an associate degree in Hospitality Administration, Culinary Specialty in the spring of 2008. He could not pinpoint one instructor who outshined another. He believes that each one gave him exactly what he needed to thrive in his career. Perry knew early on that he possessed the commitment to succeed, but Ivy Tech gave him the skills and knowledge to become a Chef.

What makes the Bourbon Street Hideaway so unique and ultimately tied to Ivy Tech is its connection to so many Ivy Tech graduates and current culinary students. Former and current students Dan Navarro, Emily Underwood, Jon Bowman and Lisa Bradley work alongside Perry in the kitchen of the Hideaway.

When asked how the current economy has affected his business, Perry stated “Immensely. It’s affecting every aspect of our operation from what foods we order, how much to order and hours I can schedule the employees. It’s a tough balancing act.” Perry went on to explain that the Ivy Tech Culinary instructors taught him how to do paperwork and specific food shopping to tough out the hard times.

Perry wanted to emphasize to any students pursuing a career in the culinary arts that they should not get discouraged.  “If you have the passion and commitment, don’t mind working long hours and gaining ten pounds, it is one of the most fulfilling jobs”.   

When Perry began his education with Ivy Tech he was also working full time. He had to stretch his two-year degree over four years to maintain his employment. He believes that this was beneficial to him and cannot see why he would have wanted it any other way. He was able to take a few classes at a time and apply what he had learned to work. “Even though it may have taken me a long time to get my degree, it was well worth it.”

I always enjoy asking what a chef’s favorite food is to eat, and this time I encountered an answer I was not expecting. Perry stated “I hate to say it, but after all of these years, I am still a sucker for pizza.” His toppings differ from what most of us would consider ordering from the pizza shop down the street. Onion marmalade, rosemary and Andouille sausage are among his favorites. 

The Bourbon Street Hideaway is located at 135 West Columbia Street, beneath Columbia Street West. They are open for dinner and their telephone number is 260-422-7500.

Originally published in the November 2008 issue of The Courier Student Newsletter.