What were your favorite foods growing up?
Escargot, tacos, fried chicken

When did you decide you wanted to be a chef?
About 15 years ago when working in a kitchen I decided this is what I want to do.

Where and when did your career in food begin?
My neighbors sandwich shop

If you didn't become a chef, what would you be?
Commercial diver

Who/what has shaped your cooking the most over the years?
The availability of my great products and the ability to experiment with them.

How would you describe your cuisine (e.g. New American with Indian influences)?
Eclectic, wide ranging.

What influences your cooking style and particularly the menu at your restaurant?
Clean fresh flavors and fresh local ingredients.

What are your favorite culinary weapons in the kitchen?
B chefs knife, mandolin

What is your favorite secret ingredient?
Ras el hanout, which is a blend of herbs and spices found in the Middle East and North Africa.

What is the one rule or value you try to instill in all of your staff?
Don't over complicate the food.

What qualities do you look for when hiring cooks for your restaurant?
Passion for food and wine

If I'm trying to watch my weight and I'm eating at your restaurant, what should I order to eat?
if you were watching you weight you could eat most everything on the menu. I don't use a lot of cream or butter in my food, especially in the summer when I like to keep things lighter. Infused olive oils offer a great variety of flavors and are much healthier.

What was the most challenging meal you had to make? Why?
The most challenging meal I have ever had to make was a blind 5 course tasting for a job interview for a Master Chef who scrutinized every detail. He even dumped out the trash and weighed the waist. Amazing learning experience.


What was your worst restaurant disaster?
Worst restaurant disaster I am grateful to say there have not been too many, but the one that come to mind most is a banquet for a 240 of the Cattleman's association. We had the steaks ready to go and somebody closed the ovens and over cooked them all. 240 unhappy guests. Cattlemen don't like well –done meat.

What is your least favorite food?
Least favorite food OKRA I cant stand OKRA. While in the Navy it seemed all they ever served as a vegetable was OKRA. Too much, I used to like it but every meal for 6 years is gross

What is your beverage of choice?
Beverage of choice is H20 I have water with me everywhere I go, In the car, especially at work, everywhere.

What is the best tip, trick or technique you can give a home cook?
Tips for the home cook, season your food and taste everything before you serve it. You'll be much happier and have happier guests.