Janssen Fay is the head chef and owner of Nola’s in Clinton, New York. He and his wife, Lea, purchased the restaurant over 20 years ago, back when it was known as Bistro 7. Among the items on that original menu was the Tuscan Turkey—a simple but satisfying sandwich made with turkey, provolone, roasted red peppers, and pesto.
When Janssen took over the kitchen, he saw potential in the sandwich—but knew it could be something more. The foundation was solid, but he wanted to elevate it from good to unforgettable.
As a chef, Janssen steers clear of shortcuts. Jarred ingredients might save time and money, but they don’t deliver the same depth of flavor as fresh, housemade components. So he got to work: roasting whole turkey breasts in-house, crafting pesto from scratch, and transforming the roasted red peppers into a tangy relish blended with cherry peppers for a little kick.
Since opening, Janssen and the Nola’s team have continually updated their menu with the seasons—but the Tuscan Turkey has earned a permanent spot. It’s remained one of the most popular lunch items since day one.
If you’re ever in Clinton, New York, do yourself a favor and stop by Nola’s. Their lunch menu is full of creative, flavorful options, with daily specials that keep things fresh. But don’t leave without trying the Tuscan Turkey—it’s a must. And while lunch is great, dinner at Nola’s is where they really shine: refined dishes, stunning plating, and a fine dining experience that practically begs to be photographed.
While I sat down with Janssen to hear his story, he was kind enough to share his Take ’N Plate—his favorite movie, show, and go-to meal.
His favorite movie of all time? The Usual Suspects. He’s drawn to it not just for the story, but for its twist—one of his all-time favorites—especially during a period in cinema where surprises were becoming more layered and impactful.
As for his favorite show, while you might expect something food-related, Janssen went with the offbeat and lovable Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Known for its quirky, mindless humor, it’s a show he watches with his family—especially his daughter. After the chaos of the kitchen, it’s something they can all unwind to and laugh about together.
When it comes to food, his favorite dish is a classic: spaghetti and meatballs. Simple, nostalgic, and deeply personal. Despite his skills in the kitchen, he swears he still can’t make meatballs like his mom. There’s just something about hers—whether it’s the technique, the taste, or the memories they hold.
After the video aired and his mom saw it, she was touched. The next time they visited, she made sure to cook them for him.
That’s the power of food. It connects generations, creates memories, and always brings us home.
And that’s the power of food. It brings people together.
This is the conclusion.
