Q: What goes through your head when you first wake up in the morning when you barbecue?
A: I get up at midnight to work, so basically the first thought is "don’t fall back asleep." For me though, I wake up with an excitement to light the fire and get going with the day, so that’s what propels me forward.
Q: Where is your favorite place to barbecue?
A: My BBQ warehouse in Mondale, CA.
Q: How do you up your game year after year?
A: I make a point not to get comfortable with the existing knowledge I have. I continue to always be curious, inquisitive, and exploratory.
Q: Who are your heroes?
A: I’ve got a few that come to mind – Jimmy Kimmel, Oliver White, and Daniel Boulud.
Q: If there is any love-hate relationship with any aspect of what you do, can you describe what that is?
A: Balance of time is always a struggle. I want to spend every available minute I can at the restaurant, but I also want to spend every available minute I can with my family. I’m so passionate about both aspects of my life. Sometimes I wish there were 48 hours in the day instead of 24.
Q: What sound or noise do you love?
A: Children laughing, fishing line peeling off a fly fishing reel, the sounds just before dawn.
Q: What would be your day job if you weren’t doing what you are currently doing?
A: I would be a fly fishing guide.