The Chefs View

09/06/2024

As I gaze on my little munchkins who are now 12 and 14 years old I ponder on how the world is changing so rapidly. It seemed like the world was a much easier place to live in a decade ago. As I go through therapy to help my brain, I feel so much more compassion and grace. I don't feel the need to conquer the and dominate the industry, but feel the want to farm and be near my family as much as possible.

I don't know what the future will hold, but I hope I can spend as much time with my family and be a good husband to my wife and a good dad to my children. This is all new to me, for I would be what most would call a work-a-holic. I always used to fill my time with working and smoking and putting family on the back burner. This comes with a life that might not be as lucrative as it once was but I honestly don't care. Maybe God will bless me with abundance and I will make more than I ever have, but it truly isn't the goal right now like once before.

I say to you all, hold those tight that you value the most, because the only thing that stays the same is change. We are all but memories and dust that one day will return to the ground. I am going to try to make the best of my dust and love those deeply and truly for the rest of my time on this earth.

I do also feel like this is Heaven on Earth and we are allowed to enjoy every moment. I am learning to forgive those that have wronged me and not hold onto the grudges, for it only hurts me. I love you wife, I love you children, I love you my family and friends and I love you strangers. You are good enough, and though we change and this world is crazy at times we are all in this together.

It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice...

09/06/2024

Being a yacht chef for almost 2 decades has its ups and downs. I was happy to be apart of it all. This was in the Bahamas over 10 years ago and still feels like yesterday. This was a fun boat I worked on for 2 years off and on. I have always loved to play with food and find the local ingredients on the different islands, which makes the dish even more special.

09/06/2024

What a grand life, to be lucky enough to travel the world as a yacht chef and cook what is in season in different parts of the globe. This was a fun charter on a 130-foot yacht in Portofino Italy. I cherish it all.....

09/04/2024

I am judging this year's 10th annual MO FOOD TRUCK FEST on September 14th at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. It is located in Springfield Missouri and there will be over 25 food trucks with all kinds of yummy bites. This event is FREE so come one come all!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/mofoodtruckfest

09/04/2024

Favorite thing you ate this holiday weekend???

08/31/2024

Emmer & Rye - Austin Texas has it going on!!!!! Items we got: GreenerPastures$12.00 Crudo$23.00 Carpaccio$20.00. Sourdough Bread & Butters$15.00. Add On Camembert Cheese$8.00 Gnocchetti$24.00 Pappardelle$24.00 Carnitas$42.00 Fish$42.00 Mocktail$8.00 Sorbet$12,00 Chocolate Chips$14.00 PB&J$12.00 Everything was top notch and seriously the best bread of my life!! .and.rye

08/29/2024

Emmer & Rye in Austin Texas has it going on!!!! 10 courses and non of them let me down. Best bread of my life!!!The PB&u dessert gave me an instant Food-Gasm, i highly recommend this spot. Get the chefs table if you can. .and.rye

08/29/2024

Who else agrees the grocery stores are getting ridiculous??? The cost of goods are over 5 times what they used to be. What about the products that disguise themselves as healthy yet they are the farthest from it! That’s why it’s time to take matters into our own hands.

https://www.foodandwine.com/processed-plant-based-foods-unhealthy-study-8690005?utm_campaign=foodandwine&utm_content=bestof_90days&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3JEQoShxU6w5V3cLSsl4CUp222GuzXeVx_lqjs9TuJY97bE6JIELLeMvs_aem_qGE5zlWnOHIiH5WQ7gg1oA&ai=

According to one new study, plant-based foods may not be as healthy of an option as you think.

08/26/2024

Post the last food pic on your camera 📸

08/25/2024

Typically I don’t write about food if I don’t enjoy it. Sometimes I make exceptions when they are super famous and I have no idea why? We visited Terry Black's Barbecue in Dallas Texas which came highly recommended and I was told I had to get the brisket.

The brisket was dry and didn’t have anything special about it. I did enjoy the mac n cheese and the Jalapeño Cheddar Sausages, but were just ok.

I can’t recommend coming to this restaurant, maybe it was good back in the day but I didn’t notice anything special about it.

In my opinion Mama G’s back in Springfield Missouri has much better cornbread & definitely a better Banana Pudding and much better flavor profiles. If Terry Blacks is on your bucket list go ahead and mark it off and save your self a visit.

08/25/2024

Best bread of my life!!! Emmer & Rye hands down has it going on!!! Every single course was stunning and over the top, I should know……we had 10 of them. My brother Christmas and I made a trip to come check out Austin and I am glad we did.

Let me start off with the best bites, the absolute best was the bread service, don’t sleep on this one. It was a “Sourdough Wheat” Yecora Rojo Boule, served with Cultured Butter Trio
Lira Rossa 'C'mon Berto' Cheese, Confit Lemon, Jam with a hint of sorghum for color. They had a cultured yogurt butter that was the best butter that has ever touched this chefs taste buds. The amount of love and passion that this restaurant holds blows me away. They wheel out this bread cart and make you feel like you’re the only table in the restaurant. They make perfect the quenelle of each of the three butters. There was a roquefort butter and I think a Camembert Butter………so so so so good! Seriously the best bread I have ever tasted. Please keep in mind I have traveled the world over as a yacht chef and consumed millions of dollars in meals, fuel up the private jet and get to this restaurant stat!

I did have a food-gasm when I dipped into the “PB & J” dessert. It was a Pecan Butter Ice Cream, Muscadine Sorbet, Caramelized Sourdough and was executed flawlessly. It had these little crumbles of peanut butter crunchy goodness and that damn pecan butter ice cream with a peanut butter drizzle made the whole world stop. All sounds faded and I was lost in a peanut butter trance. I would fly back just for this dessert and definitely have to bring back my wife to endulge.

My fave savory bite was the “Pappardelle” with Smoked Wagyu Beef Ragu, & Crème Fraîche. The egg noodles were extremely thin and fragile and definitely made in house and then cooked absolutely flawlessly. We got the chefs table so we could see the whole show going on. I highly recommend the chef table. The chefs were in an orchestra, and they never got nervous, they never hurried, it was like they were dancing with their food. It was a sight to see, a very quite kitchen and they knew exactly what they were doing. Great job team!

List of items we had:

Crudo* Red Snapper, Texas Peach, Cucumber, Lunchbox Pepper, Mint, Buttermilk $23

• Carpaccio* Texas Wagyu Beef, Tonnato, Pickled Mustard Seed, Cured Egg Yolk $20

Sourdough Bread Yecora Rojo Boule, Cultured Butter Trio
Lira Rossa 'C'mon Berto' Cheese, Confit Lemon, Jam $15 + $8

Gnocchetti Basil Butter, Green Garlic, Ember Roasted Shish*to Pepper, Lemon $20

Pappardelle Smoked Wagyu Beef Ragu, Crème Fraiche $24

'Carnitas' Smoked Lamb & Pork, Dirty Farro, Cucumber, Herb Yogurt $42

Grouper Sikil P'ak, Hoja Santa, Blue Corn Tostada, Shish*to $42

Sorbet Peach, Salted Cream, Hot Honey, Charcoal Ginger Powder $12

Chocolate Chips Blackened Koji Ice Cream, Mushroom Miso Ganache, Blackberry $14

PB & J Pecan Butter Ice Cream, Muscadine Sorbet, Caramelized Sourdough $14

I could go on and on, but you get the gist of it. I will make a video about this restaurant. I also had the best Shishido peppers I ever had in my whole life. My brother said it was the best sorbet he ever tasted and I agree ☝️ Thank you Aaron for taking such good care of us and Chef John it was a pleasure to chat 💬

Thank you Chef Drake Tillman for recommending this place.

Final thoughts: if you ever find yourself remotely close to this establishment please please do yourself a favor and make a reservation. The love and effort and attention to detail that goes into this place is something like you won’t see at most establishments. This truly is a gem 💎

My heart goes out to you all, and teamwork is your best strength. You have hit this one out of the park and I and my brother Christmas are greatful and will be back 💫

Emmer & Rye
SkyHouse, 51 Rainey St UNIT 110, Austin, TX 78701

Saturday 5:30–11 PM
Sunday 5:30–10 PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday 5:30–10 PM
Wednesday 5:30–10 PM
Thursday 5:30–10 PM
Friday 5:30–11 PM

https://emmerandrye.com

08/24/2024

My brother and I are coming to Austin Texas!!!! Where do we eat????? Yehawwwww 🙂

08/23/2024

I’m off to Austin Texas for the weekend……..where do I eat???? I have reservations at Emmer & Rye one day 🙂

08/23/2024

Holiday season is upon us. Book www.AllenEventGroup.com now before we book up for the season. We provide in-home private chef experiences, as well as catering services. Whether you want traditional holiday dishes, or to mix it up with a unique flare, you dream it, we execute it.

08/22/2024

Mama G’s Kitchen Downtown is a great addition to the scene in Springfield Missouri. Order the Fried Pork Chops & don't leave without a taste of the Banana Pudding. I have been here twice within a week because it is that good.

You can taste the love in this food and feel it the moment you walk in the door. Mama G has totally revamped the space and made it feel so welcoming. There is a glass see-through window so you can see the chefs while they are hard at work to make your food the best they can possibly make it.

I would like to tell you about the Fried Pork Chops, which were perfectly executed with the right amount of seasoned breading. Make sure and order the gravy, because it is a match made in heaven. You get a choice of a roll or cornbread and two sides. Both the roll and cornbread are amazing, but I have to go with the cornbread. It is sweet and moist and I also order a side of butter because I love cornbread and butter. The first time I came in we ordered the Spicy Cabbage, and let me tell ya, it is spicy!!!!

Now on to my new favorite dessert in Downtown Springfield.........the Banana Pudding!!! So creamy and delicious, the right amount of bananas and crunchy Vanilla Wafers, absolutely simple and stunning at the same time. Make sure and order it when you order your food because they just might sell out while your eating. This happened to me on my first visit and I wasn't about to let it happen on the second time in. I learned my lesson the hard way 🙂

Something that will keep me coming back for more is the yummy Collard Green Queso and freshly fried Tortilla Chips. This combination works great together and I can't get enough.

Normally I don't order Meatloaf because I don't want to be let down, but I had to Give Mama G a shot, and so glad I did. It is so soft and moist and the perfect ratio of bread to beef. This is what it takes to make it yummy and melt in your mouth, excellent job!

I was eating with fellow Chef Johnson Tan from Ocean Zen and he ordered the Fried Chicken Liver. I have never been a fried chicken liver fan but he taught me how to eat it. He said little bites is the key, and boy that was a game-changer! I loved every single bite! He also told me about when he was a kid, his father would make them Salt & Pepper style and had them on his Chinese Buffet, I almost felt like I was a kid with him eating them. I love hearing about what makes people love certain foods. Thanks, Johnson for sharing some of your childhood memories.

We also tried the Stuffed Turkey Leg, which sounded so over the top how could we not get it? It is a turkey leg stuffed with Mac & Cheese and Collard Greens. Wowzers, what a fun item to eat. We couldn't finish it all, for the portion is huge, but a great treat to try if you want something different and unique.

Mama G, thank you so much for the love you put into your food, your employees and the atmosphere. I will be back many times to visit and work my way through your entire menu. The only thing I would add is some Tropical Punch Kool-Aid 🙂

Mama G's Kitchen Downtown
210 S Market Ave Suite 124
Springfield, MO 65806

Hours
Monday 11a-9p
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 11a-9p
Thursday 11a-9p
Friday 11a-2:30a
Saturday 11a-2:30a
Sunday 12p-6p
mamag Mama G’s Kitchen_Lovely Creations

08/20/2024

Corner 21 chinese cuisine in Springfield Mo has opened a new location. They are located where the Sugar Fire used to be on the south side of Springfield. They are playing with more authentic Chinese special dishes at this new location and featuring a selection of Boba Tea. They will also feature a dim sum lineup, which our area desperately needs.

They officially open tomorrow Wednesday, August 21st 2024. The address is 1730 E Republic Rd Ste A, Springfield, MO 65804

These are pictures of the "Friends & Family" soft opening this past Sunday. What an honor to be at such a special meal. The smiles on everyone's faces and the amazing authentic dishes took me to a different world. Owners Lu & Han have worked incredibly hard to create such a special place. They have gone off the beaten path and carved Authentic Chinese Food into our special town we call Springfield.

My favorite new addition is the Peking Duck, which was very hard for them to source but they wouldn't stop until they found the perfect product. Han said he had to call over 80 vendors to arrive on this special duck with the perfect fat content. I am so glad he did because it was absolutely fabulous. Perfect skin crispy texture and deep and rich umami flavors shining brightly through. I am sure the line will be long when they open, but do yourself a favor and come support this new location.

Don't worry, they will still keep open the original location on Sunshine Street that will still showcase all of the classic dishes that we have all grown to love. Thank you so much team at Corner 21 Chinese Cuisine, we see all the hard work you have put in, and it is paying off.

08/19/2024

I get invited to a lot of restaurant openings and fun events, but this was an honor of a Lifetime!!!! Corner 21 chinese cuisine in Springfield Mo is opening a new spot where the Sugarfire BBQ used to be. They are going to have a lot of fun specials and Boba Tea. Let me tell you, what we had tonight was sooooooo good. The duck is absolutely incredible and perfectly executed.

The food kept rolling out and everything was on point. I will have some more pics to come with my other camera but had to post something right away because it was soooook good.

They open their doors this Wednesday so make sure and come support them! They will still have the original place in sunshine but this will be their new playground for authentic Chinese Food specials.

Restaurants like this are the spice of life and to be apart of this celebration was a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you team from Corner 21 for being the best in the business at what you do!!!!! We peeps from the Springfield area are sooooo very lucky to have you.

corner21chinesecuisine

08/18/2024

The new Corner 21 chinese cuisine is opening this Wednesday!!!! Come check out the authentic Chinese specialties that you can’t get anywhere else in the area!!! Wow 🤩 absolutely amazing!!!! The duck is absolutely off the chain!!!!!

08/18/2024

Chick-O-Letta coming to say hello :) I love having chickens…….and they give me breakfast every morning. So excited for the farm!!!!

08/16/2024

As a chef I seek therapy in many different ways. Taking care of your body is crucial in our line of work. I have had massage therapy all over the world and one of the best I have ever had is Manda with Plus Massage Therapy in Springfield Missouri. She does “Meridian Massage” and it is intense.

I used to think massage was to simply relax but I now enjoy a massage that heals my body. I have been coming to Manda for over three years and fully trust her with my body. She infuses cupping, meridian massage and uses hot stones at the same time.

I always joke with Manda that it “hurts so good” and my body needs the deep tissue work. I am 45 years old and with therapy like this I can work 19 hour days with the best of them and haven’t taken an over the counter medicine in over 24 years. No aspirin, no cough syrup, no headache medicine. Drink lots of water and eat good salt like Celtic Sea Salt over table salt. It is interesting how most things that are natural are good for you, but if it is refined and modified it is the opposite.

If you have issues you need felt with come give Manda a try and tell her Chef Paul David from The Chefs View sent ya ;)

08/08/2024

Mental illness is real, especially with us chefs. I have had sliced meat smashed in my face from yacht captains, chefs yell at and make me feel stupid, and clients treat me like scum on the bottom of their shoe. There was a time I didn’t think I would be able to change all the damage from the past.

I am here to tell you, you can change. You can get better and I am living proof. I go to therapy every other week and am learning not just about myself, but how to deal with others in a kind and loving way. Most battles are fought in our own head, and we can be our worst enemy. You must take steps to overcome those battles. I have been working years on myself through therapy and I have met some real quacks. It took me 6 therapists to get to a good one that works for me.

Don’t give up on yourself no matter how hard it is. Believe in the long money, not the short money. You are worth it!

08/07/2024

DJ NoName ~ 425 Downtown
I had the privilege of DJing one of the most epic weddings downtown in Springfield Mo. At Allen Event Group not only do we place private chefs in your home, but we also like to have fun and DJ. If there is one thing I love as much as cooking mind-bending flavors, it's to make the people dance and have a good time.

08/06/2024

"My Favorite Dish" Corner 21 chinese cuisine ~ Springfield Missouri
When people ask what is my favorite dish in Springfield, I always talk about the Crispy Sweet & Sour Pork at Corner 21 Chinese Cuisine. The flavors of this dish, remind me of the way "Fair Food" used to taste. Don't you remember when you would go to the fair and all the food was absolutely amazing?

Well, get ready to be transported when you eat a bite of this dish. This is also one of those dishes that tastes so much better when you eat it at the restaurant, vs ordering to-go.

It has a super crispy cornstarch batter with a super duper-thin piece of pork loin. Then it is tossed in a sweet vinegar-based sauce and topped with leeks.

There is something magical about this dish, and it truly can't be beat. I have to be honest, I do not like any other sweet and sour pork or chicken dish I have ever had, but I crave this one.

This is one of those dishes you wake up dreaming about at 3am, and you just have to have it! Please know this restaurant is not going to serve Springfield Style Cashew Chicken, they do Authentic Chinese Cuisine.

Some exciting news, they are almost finished with their new restaurant on the south side of Springfield on Republic Road where the old Sugar Fire used to be across from Thailand Station. The new restaurant is going to do more specials and fun Authentic Chinese selections. I am super excited for it to open.

One of my favorite things to do at this place is to people-watch. You can always tell the newbies that come in, because they will ask, "Do you have Cashew Chicken?" Then they order something and are blown away by the amazing flavors. They are in complete shock at how good it is every single time. Thank you so much team for truly going above and beyond making the most delicious food Springfield, Missouri has to offer.

08/05/2024

"Breakfast Ramen" JW’s Kitchen ~ Springfield Missouri
There is nothing I respect more in a restaurant than using local and clean ingredients. Chef Andy Hampshire owns two restaurants that do that very thing. If you love a good brunch check out JW's Kitchen on the southside. The special of the week was a "Ramen Bowl" which was absolutely scrumptious. Chef Andy.......you had me at ramen :) I love any excuse to eat ramen, and this broth had so many umami flavors. His other restaurant is the Farmers Gastropub which is Pub Style Food with a spin.

08/04/2024

I love to make the people dance :) I DJ to let out that inner child that loves to play and have fun. Sure I cook, that is easy, but I love a learning challenge. Thanks Sara for hooking me up w the gig ;)

08/01/2024

55 million views on Google I adore you all and love to show you the best food this world offers!!!!!! Leggo!!!! Recommend your fave restaurant to me so o can eat there 😉 Bonus if you tell me what to order.

07/31/2024

I am so excited to get a farm 🙂 I keep telling myself this……..now to make it happen. We listed all our real estate for sale………now to sell it and move to the farm. We want to grow our own food, can and pickle our vegetables, show the kids a better life. I am speaking this into existence……..a river running through the property and to be on well water free of all the crazy things we do to city water. To have animals and four wheelers and live the simple life for a bit. Also thinking of bringing back Farm 2 Counter ~ farm2counter

07/26/2024

Best caption wins

07/26/2024

Best Pork Belly of My Life!!!

Chef Justin Vega at
Off The Hook Churrascaria in Islamorada Florida is truly “off the hook” 🪝 Absolutely the best Pork Belly I have ever put in my mouth. (And I have put a lot in my mouth from all over the world)

This place is located in a strip center and if you blink you will pass it right on by. From the outside it doesn’t look like much, but in the inside is a total different story.

The team travels from Miami most days and the effort and attention that goes into each and every detail is extraordinary! Every single item is made in house and they pride themselves on keeping the Brazilian Spirt alive and well.

Order the Pork Belly appetizer & the Brussels Sprouts!!! The pork belly has a slightly sweet Asian Sauce and the pork cracklings literally melt in your mouth 👄 It seems they roast it then deep fry or pan fry at the end leading me to an instant “Food-Gasm” yes I said it!

The world literally stopped for a moment………all my troubles melted away and I was in the middle of this explosion of flavors. The umami from this dish is absolutely perfect. Thank you so much chef & team……..you got me good 😊

The Brussels are heavenly! Every single leaf is perfectly fried to almost burnt, yet they hold back just before that could happen and boom……….💥 it’s stunning!!! I love the crispness off this dish and a win for any Brussels Sprout lover.

The Brazilian Rice was perfectly salty as they do with tons of garlic flavor. I am telling you, get over here and try this food, you won’t regret it 😉

82205 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036