Fantastic Forsyth Family - The Currans
By Heather Spivey
It all began in 1991, when Molly and Joe met at Johnson and Wales University's culinary program in Charleston, S.C. Molly came south from Delaware and Joe ventured north from Florida. After they finished culinary school, their journey led them to Winston-Salem. They worked together in well-known establishment, such as the Village Tavern, Noble's Grille and Williams-Sonoma. They were then presented with a rare opportunity - seasonal positions at the Roaring Gap Country Club near Sparta in Alleghany County. They packed up for 6-month stints, April - November, and worked together through 3 seasons in the mountains of North Carolina. This experience introduced them to many local people who would convince these two talented chefs to open their own establishment.
After a lot of research, The Currans opened "1703 Restaurant" on Robinhood Road at Reynolda Road. Nestled in the neighborhood of Buena Vista, bordering the West End neighborhood, and ever-so-close to downtown
Winston-Salem, you will find this enchanting establishment. The Currans are a team in the operation and success of "1703". Molly manages restaurant operations and is there daily until the school bell rings, when it's off to pick up their 3 boys. Joe's creative style and flair are evident when you order from their menu, which features traditional American cuisine. (My family enjoys every visit to "1703", particularly our annual Mother's Day Brunch on thye outdoor patio.)
Molly says she loves to cook, just not in a restaurant. She was destined to be involved in the culinary arts, starting when she was in college at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, where "the food was so bad, I knew that I could do better!" She compliments her husband, saying that their customers and friends can ask him to make a specific dish and he will always give it his personal touch. She adds, "And it's always much better than the conventional recipe." Joe reiterates, "My cooking is a fusion of what I've learned. I always add my own twist to a recipe."
The Currans are a busy family of 5, plus Merlin the family dog. Their boys' (Joseph 11, Max 9, and Nicholas, 7) activities alone could be a full-time job, but that doesn't slow the Curran's down. Molly is a member of the PTA at Sherwood Forest Elementary and was an active member of the Junior League of Winston-Salem for ten years. They are also member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Community involvement is also very important to the Currans. They enjoy giving to those who are in need or less fortunate. They give of their time and talents to support Crisis Control Ministries, Brenner Children's Hospital (for both of which Joe is an active board member). The Children's Home, Meals on Wheels, and the March of Dimes, just to name a few.
Susan Kennedy, director of Brenner Children's Hospital, remarks on the Currans' contribution, saying, "Joe and Molly Curran have been incredible assets to the Wake Forest Medical Center. Their involvement with the Brenner Children's Hospital Board, the event CHEERS! and Winterlark have helped to raise valuable funds and awareness for our programs that provide support for our patients and their families. We are grateful to them for their continued interest and participation."
Rob Lang, a local Federal Prosecutor, comments on the generosity of the Currans. "They are always so giving - every year our church, Fries Moravian, holds a car wash to support the youth of Project New Hope. Joe always allows us to use his parking lot and furnishes water for this event, which provides critical financial support for the children to have a more productive start to the school year."
The values that the Currans possess are strong and genuine. Their values are evident in their family, business and community efforts. Joe adds, "The community has been so good to us - you have to give back when so much has been given to you."
Joe and Molly put special effort into instilling family values and a strong work ethic in their children. Their middle son , Max, is already co-authoring a book with his friend, John Wittenberg (and with the help of John's mother, Debbie). John is a 9-year old boy with autism who has mainstreamed beyond expectations. He's also Max's best friend. The Currans are involved with an upcoming fundraiser this February for the ABC of North Carolina Child Development Center.
Forsyth Family would like to thank the Curran family for all they do to help support the community, and we would like to recognize them as our February Fantastic Forsyth Family. We would also like to thank Angela Gallagher for nominating the Curran family. If you'd like to sit bavck and enjoy a fabulous meal in a relaxing atmosphere and meet this fantastic family, call "1703" at 725-5767 or 682-0903 for catering.