Throughout the weeks leading up to the 2015 Houston Culinary Awards, we’ve been getting to know the impressive HCA chef and bartender team.
We asked each team member to answer a few questions about themselves, and so far we’ve shared the answers of Leslie Ross, Monica Richards, Rocco Nankervis and Travis Lenig.
This week we spotlight our third and final passed-appetizer chef, Brandi Key (SaltAir Seafood Kitchen, Punk’s and Coppa Osteria), who will serve tuna tartare with red quinoa. For a look at the complete HCA dinner menu, click here.
Who is/was your mentor in the restaurant business?
Chefs John Franke and Milton Smartt. And, then of course, my parents. I watched them run their business for the better part of my life, and my work ethic and drive come from them.
Favorite ingredient and/or culinary gadget you can’t live without:
Gotta have Meyer lemons and microplanes.
Your favorite Houston hole-in-the-wall:
Al’s Quick Stop for a taco or falafel
Which local restaurants and/or bars have you not yet visited, but are on your list?
Holley’s, BCN, Tiger Den
The best thing about my job is…
If I weren’t a _________ I would be _________.
If I weren’t a chef, I would be a photographer.