Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/977271
food out there is too fussy and it doesn't make sense. And I want to be hyper-seasonal, using ingredients from our own backyard and the resort garden. Q: What's your favorite local restaurant other than your own? A: Akaoni in Carmel and Ferdi's in Seaside. Q: What's your most guilty junk-food pleasure? A: Ice cream, but particularly Ben & Jerry's. Q: What three things are in your fridge at all times? A: Pickled anything, Kewpie mayo and hot sauces; Crystal and Tabasco are a must. Q: If you hadn't become a chef, what profes- sion would you have chosen? A: Police officer like my father, or EMT, or firefighter. Q: Is there an ingredient you use a lot that would surprise people? A: Pickled Fresno chiles, pickled red onions and garlic puree, all of which are in many of our dishes at Sur House. Q: What is your go-to source of inspiration? A: Cookbooks. I love pulling ideas and fla- vors from multiple places when researching new ideas. Q: What person, living or dead, would you most want to eat dinner with? A: Barack Obama so I can get the true inside scoop. Q: What's your go-to snack? A: Chips and salsa. Q: What food or ingredient do you dislike the most? A: Beef liver and under-seasoned food. Q: What's your favorite kitchen gadget? A: Vitamix: the kitchen workhorse. Q: Describe how you feel when you cook for someone? A: I feel honored that someone trusts me to create an enjoyable dining experience, and that makes me very happy. C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 8 129 Fresh LOCAL Organic Food San Carlos between Ocean & 7th • Carmel-by-the-Sea 831.626.8226 • basilcarmel.com The first Certified Green restaurant in Monterey County. Located in the heart of Carmel-by- the-Sea, our seasonal menu is inspired by the freshest sustainable seafood the Monterey Bay has to offer and the finest organic local produce. Our menu includes a generous selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as gluten-free options; contemporary cocktails and excellent California wines. Reservations are recommended. PAT I O S E AT I N G D O G F R I E N D LY S U N DAY B R U N C H HAPPY HOUR 4:3036:30, MON3THURS SELECTED WINES BY THE GLASS, BEERS ON DRAFT & BOTTLES, AND COCKTAILS RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY Family Friendly Place To Enjoy Authentic Italian Cuisine! 1901 Fremont Boulevard • Seaside, CA 93955 (831) 899-5825 • GustoPizzeriaPasta.com Fresh Pasta • Full Bar • Deli • Catering • To Go