What were your favorite foods growing up?
Growing up I was pretty pretty simple. Probably spaghetti with butter and cheese.

When did you decide you wanted to be a chef?
I realized cooking was much better than washing cars. It was all uphill from there.

Where and when did your career in food begin?
Bistro Toujours in Deer Valley Utah with Chef Bryan Moscatello.

If you didn't become a chef, what would you be?
A photographer.

Who/what has shaped your cooking the most over the years?
All of my recent travels to Italy. I have really fallen in love with their cuisine.

How would you describe your cuisine?
Modern farm to table.

What influences your cooking style and particularly the menu at your restaurant?
Ingredients. Once you find the right ingredients they all fall into place on their own.

What are your favorite culinary weapons in the kitchen?
Pasta Roller and an Immersion Circulator.

What is your favorite secret ingredient?
A whole pig.

What is the one rule or value you try to instill in all of your staff?
Success is only a matter of commitment to your goal.

What qualities to you look for when hiring cooks for your restaurant?
Passion and work ethic.

If I'm trying to watch my weight and I'm eating at your restaurant, what should I order to eat?
Local Trout.

What was the most challenging meal you had to make? Why?
Cooking for Jaques Pepin. It was only hard because my hand was shaking so much I couldn't slice my food.

What was your worst restaurant disaster?
Too many to list in this questionaire.

What is your least favorite food?
Fast food.

What is your beverage of choice?
San Pallegrino.

What are some recent dining and culinary trends you have been observing?
Things are focusing on quality of ingredient. Knowing the heritage of an ingredient is very important.

When you are not eating at your own restaurant, where are you eating?
Sidney Street Cafe.

Which foreign country inspires your style most?
Italy.

What was the most spectacular meal you have ever had?
The French Laundry 2001.

What is your best cooking tip for a home enthusiast?
Keep it simple and delicious.

What do you eat when you are home?
Roasted chicken is my favorite.