Photography by Christopher T Martin

Carr Mill Mall in Carrboro, North Carolina, is a culinary haven, in part thanks to the visionary talent of Chef and owner Andrew “Drew” Moore. With a rich culinary background and a passion for crafting globally inspired comfort food, Chef Moore has brought a unique dining experience to the heart of Carr Mill Mall. The owner of both Venable and the B-Side Lounge, Chef Moore now delights us with Autostrada.

A Culinary Journey – From Mama’s Boy to Autostrada

Chef Andrew Moore’s love for cooking began at a young age. At just 12, he started his culinary journey as a busser and dishwasher at Mama’s Boy, where he was first exposed to the restaurant industry. “I was always fascinated by the kitchen, even when I was just bussing tables and washing dishes,” he recalls.

Working his way up in the kitchen ignited a passion that would lead him to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York, where he completed his associate’s degree at the age of 18. It was his father who suggested the prestigious school, and Moore, initially intimidated, soon realized it was the perfect fit. “I was like, ‘Oh, yeah, this is the best culinary school for sure.’ Andso I went there when I was 17, I was the youngest kid on campus”

During his externship, he honed his skills at I Trulli, an Apulian restaurant in Manhattan, operating a wood-fired oven and collaborating with chefs for James Beard dinners. This high-profile exposure laid the foundation for his future culinary endeavors.

Autostrada – A Taste of Italy in Carrboro

After a formative externship in New York City, Moore’s culinary education took a detour to Italy. At just 19, he found himself in Imola, a town near Bologna, with no knowledge of Italian. The experience was daunting. “My first day I went downstairs and threw up in the trashcan because I was so nervous,” he admits. But those two years in Italy, where he learned the language and the art of Italian noble cuisine, would inspire the foundation of his craft.

The name Autostrada is a tribute to his time there. He and his wife were driving through Italy, stopping at the “autogrills”—the rest-stop restaurants that offer high-quality food. “You can trust that you can get a phenomenal sandwich, gelato, coffee… The essentials,” he explains. That idea of a reliable, high-quality, and delicious roadside stop became the foundation for his newest concept. He was delighted to discover that many customers in Carrboro and Chapel Hill understood the reference. “I’ve been really pleasantly surprised at how many people come in and they’re like, ‘We were on the autostrada two weeks ago… So happy you’re doing this,'” he says.

Authenticity and Quality are the Heart of the Menu

At Autostrada, every dish reflects Chef Moore’s commitment to authenticity. The menu is built on a foundation of quality ingredients, many imported directly from Italy.

• • • • • • Pizzas: Made with imported Italian double-zero flour, which is non-GMO and free from harmful chemicals, these pizzas  are a culinary delight. 
          • San Marzano Tomatoes: DOP-certified and known for their sweetness and thin skins, these tomatoes are a key ingredient in ‌the pizzas. “San Marzano tomatoes are essential for our sauce, they bring a depth of flavor that you just can’t find with other varieties.”.
          • Gelato and Coffee: Essential parts of the Italian experience, Autostrada’s gelato and coffee are made to perfection, capturing the essence of Italian tradition. “We source our coffee beans from a family-owned roaster in Honduras.”
            
            

A Passion for F1 Racing and Community

Moore is passionate about more than just food. A huge Formula 1 racing fan from his days living in Imola, home to the Dino e Enzo Ferrari Formula One race track, he dreams of making Autostrada the go-to spot for F1 watch parties, “I want to create a space where fans can gather to watch races and enjoy authentic Italian food,” he says. This unique blend of culinary excellence and sports fandom makes Autostrada a standout destination.

Carr Mill Mall is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, and it’s not hard to see why. “Our sister restaurant, Venable, is a place where recognizeable folks like Roy Cooper, the former North Carolina governor, have brunch,” Chef Moore shares. The connection to UNC and the presence of local sports teams add to the community vibe, making it a perfect place to spend a day.

Visit Autostrada at Carr Mill
Chef Andrew Moore’s Autostrada at Carr Mill Mall is a testament to his dedication to culinary excellence and his innovative approach to restaurant concepts. Make sure to stop by Carr Mill Mall and explore all it has to offer, starting with a delicious meal at Autostrada.