Graham Elliot
Graham Elliot
Graham Elliot is an American chef, based in Chicago, Illinois...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionChef
Date of Birth4 January 1977
CitySeattle, WA
CountryUnited States of America
catching dad lived nine octopus traveled
I've traveled all over. I've been to all 50 states. With my dad in the Navy, I lived in the Philippines from nine to 12, and I had dog, monkey, lizard, everything. Then I was in Hawaii, and I'm spear-fishing, catching octopus with my hands.
childhood cooking creative fast food gives hope horrible kids obesity outlet school soccer state
Kids see cooking as a creative outlet now, like soccer and ballet. It gives me hope that things like fast food, childhood obesity and the horrible state of school lunches can be addressed by kids and their parents.
five forcing good miles running staying trying until
I think the big things for me are trying to keep running and staying active, but not forcing to do one hour or five miles but really going out and doing it until you feel good.
flavors
You are defined by your ingredients, by the way you touch them, by the flavors you draw from them.
adding becomes known meat ounce pounds
Chicago's always been known as this meat and potatoes place, and a lot of restaurants play that up. They try to outdo each other by adding another 10 ounces, so their 80 ounce steak becomes a 90 ounce steak with 10 pounds of mashed potatoes on the side.
bring socks wear
I only wear red socks in the kitchen. They bring me luck.
cool
I'm a traditionalist, so for me, black coffee is cool.
love though
Even though I live in and love Chicago, I can't stand deep-dish pizza. I'm a New York-style pizza person.
couch expect food instead sit weight
I can't just sit all day on the couch and expect the weight to come off. My goals are my new focus instead of food.
music played record
I played the guitar and thought that was what I was going to do as a career. I still record music that is played in my restaurants.
shows somebody
I think what somebody orders and how they eat and cook really shows who they are.
love showcase
I'm in love with 'pure' flavors, things that are natural and delicious, minimally fussed with, that showcase the season.
above blocks
Kosher salt, eggs and flour. These are the building blocks of everything. Kosher salt, above and beyond everything.
life weight
Weight is something I've battled all my life.