What did you eat today?
A leftover bagel from a week ago and a five-course meal at Kinmont. In general, I eat a lot of burritos.
Favorite type of music to listen to when cooking?
R&B/Soul like the Supremes and Bill Withers. I love the positive energy.
If you weren’t a private chef, what would you do for a living?
I’d be playing for the Chicago Bulls, but I just chose to be a chef instead.
What would be your ultimate final meal?
A big fat bone-in ribeye with an old fashioned.
What is your favorite charitable cause?
Anything that feeds hungry people. No one should go to bed hungry.
Name someone you’d like to cook for, alive or dead.
Jacques Pepin and Julia Child circa 1950 and in Paris.
Best thing you’ve eaten lately?
Crispy pork shank at Dusek’s in Pilsen.
Wedding season is upon us, for couples about to tie the knot, what are the three must-have kitchen items couples should include in their registry?
Without a doubt, the top three kitchen must haves are a Vitamix, a Le Creuset pot and a really good knife. All will last you for years to come.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I hate mushrooms.
You’re also a cooking instructor, what’s the most common question that students ask?
How do I cut an onion without crying. Here’s the trick!
What’s in your fridge right now?
Everything for my event tomorrow and leftover spinach and cheese pizza from Pete’s Pizza.
What’s the one thing you’d like the world to know about the food scene in Chicago?
We’re number one.
Favorite Chicago neighborhood for a great meal?
Logan Square – no question.
What’s your favorite word?
Apparently, it’s “baby.” Someone recently pointed out that I say it all the time but I’m not aware of it.
LIGHTNING ROUND…
Sweet or Spicy Spicy
Red or White Red
Ice Cream or Gelato Both, please.
Malort – Yea or Nay Ugh, okay, if it’s Letherbee’s Malort then yea, but otherwise nay.
Cats or Dogs Dogs
Sunrise or Sunset Sunset
Cubs or Sox Sox
Jordan or Rose Rose who?