What were your favorite foods growing up?
Sun warmed fruit from the tree

When did you decide you wanted to be a chef?
Right before I moved to New York

Where and when did your career in food begin?
At my summer job in Alaska

Who/what has shaped your cooking the most over the years?
Increased availability of well raised/grown foods

What influences your cooking style and particularly the menu at your restaurant
My chef love clientele

What are your favorite culinary weapons in the kitchen?
Attention to detail and technique

What is the one rule or value you try to instill in all of your staff?
Pay attention to everything, every aspect is important when it comes to food!

What is your least favorite food?
Breadfruit

What is your beverage of choice?
Coffee

What are some recent dining and culinary trends you have been observing?
Increased complexity of flavors and techniques

When you are not eating at your own restaurant, where are you eating?
Miller's East Coast Deli, my neighborhood stand by

Which foreign country inspires your style most?
Modern France

What are your future plans for adding to the culinary world while living in San Francisco?
I just try to get our cooks to respect the product and use the best techniques possible

How do you feel working for the respectable Michael Mina?
Busy

What do you eat when you are home?
Roast chicken and breakfast