MEET our CHEFS
While Topsail is known for ties to Blackbeard’s treasure, we believe the treasure lies in the people. Allow us to introduce you to some of Topsail’s talented Chefs, a hidden treasure we’ve uncovered with Taste of Topsail.
From Breakfast to Dessert these chefs cook up Topsail's most craveable foods.
02.
What was your first job in the food industry?
My first job was baking!
04.
What is your favorite food/beverage to prepare?
If you left me alone, I would make scones and cheeses and pickles and soups and NOTHING else, but nobody lets me do that!
06.
If you could invite anyone, who would you like to have join you for a meal/beverage at your table and why?
If I could sit down with Edna Lewis and M.F.K. Fisher and just listen to them say all the things they really wanted to say in print, but manners never let them, I would have LOVED IT!
01.
Who was your biggest food influence growing up?
My biggest food influence growing up was James Beard. In my head, I totally thought he and my grandfather were the same person! I have all, and I mean all, of his cookbooks and love them.
03.
Where did you study/learn your craft?
I started messing with food very young and never broke the habit. I have had the privilege of working with incredible chefs from across the globe in high end restaurants, huge catering operations and massive bakeries.
05.
Where did you eat your most memorable food/meal/beverage and what was that food/meal?
My most insane meal was in Kensington Place, London. There is no more magical experience than going to an already incredible restaurant with one of the former staff. It was absolute magic.
JAY
SURF CITY LINE
02.
What was your first job in the food industry?
Ice cream sundae maker at Friendly's
04.
What is your favorite food/beverage to prepare?
Something I haven't tried to make before!!
06.
If you could invite anyone, who would you like to have join you for a meal/beverage at your table and why?
Just to have all the people in my life that I have lost together one more time to see how I have changed for the better at a huge table would be my favorite.
01.
Who was your biggest food influence growing up?
I never had one major influence but as my experience grew I feel it was/is my family, friends, and coworkers who have and continue to influence my drive to push on!!
03.
Where did you study/learn your craft?
It started at home just playing in the kitchen to make dinner for my parents. Then as I grew older, I just worked in various restaurant settings and soaked up all the information I could.
05.
Where did you eat your most memorable food/meal/beverage and what was that food/meal?
Harvest Tide Steakhouse in Washington D.C. My wife and I travelled there after an exhausting season on the beach. We both had steaks and the most amazing charcuterie board. I think it was just the overall ambiance and artistry that went into these dishes coupled with the beautiful time spent with my wife that made the whole experience memorable.
02.
What was your first job in the food industry?
A dish washer.
04.
What is your favorite food/beverage to prepare?
I truly just enjoy preparing dishes I know people are genuinely going to like and appreciate. Not sure I have a favorite, just as long as the costumer is pleased with their dining experience.
06.
If you could invite anyone, who would you like to have join you for a meal/beverage at your table and why?
If I could invite anyone to my table for a meal it would be my mom, she's always been my number one supporter and always had my back. She loves my food as well so that's a plus!
01.
Who was your biggest food influence growing up?
Anthony Bourdain
03.
Where did you study/learn your craft?
I learned most of my skills here, in Surf City.
05.
Where did you eat your most memorable food/meal/beverage and what was that food/meal?
Roosters wood fired kitchen in Charlotte with my son. He adored their Mac and cheese like any kid his age would. I found their braised beef short rib to be very exceptional.
02.
What was your first job in the food industry?
Texas Steakhouse and Saloon in Princeton West Virginia
04.
What is your favorite food/beverage to prepare?
Italian and Southern cuisine.
06.
If you could invite anyone, who would you like to have join you for a meal/beverage at your table and why?
I would have to say besides my wife it would be
Grant Achatz. He is a mastermind with food. I would love to pick his brain of knowledge.
01.
Who was your biggest food influence growing up?
My grandmother. I always seemed to be in the kitchen when she was cooking and she showed me the way to Italian food
03.
Where did you study/learn your craft?
Johnson and Wales university . Charleston, Sc
05.
Where did you eat your most memorable food/meal/beverage and what was that food/meal?
Peninsula Grill in Charleston South Carolina. It all started with grouper cheek appetizer and finished with the best seven layer coconut cake.
02.
What was your first job in the food industry?
I started as a line cook at a family restaurant in Sneads Ferry, I started on sauté, I learned how to make sauces and prepared pasta dishes.
04.
What is your favorite food/beverage to prepare?
I really enjoy making pasta from scratch and playing with new sauce flavors.
06.
If you could invite anyone, who would you like to have join you for a meal/beverage at your table and why?
I would love to share a meal with Chef Alice Waters. She is one of the most inspiring people I’ve studied. She is the person who started the sustainable and seasonal eating movement.
01.
Who was your biggest food influence growing up?
Growing up my biggest culinary influence was my grandmother, I grew up in the kitchen watching her cook, listening to stories about how her mother used to cook. Eventually she allowed me to help, and I learned that cooking is not only about feeding your family but is also about enjoying time with family, serving love on a plate.
03.
Where did you study/learn your craft?
In my grandmother’s kitchen as a child, and professionally at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary arts.
05.
Where did you eat your most memorable food/meal/beverage and what was that food/meal?
The best meal I have ever had was in my home county Guatemala at a beach house. I had the opportunity to eat smoked armadillo. After that experience, I learned to try new things, no matter how exotic they may seem.
02.
What was your first job in the food industry?
Tim Horton's as a baker/ sandwich maker.
04.
What is your favorite food/beverage to prepare?
I like being creative and making trendy foods. I started with making a Turducken when I was 19.
06.
If you could invite anyone, who would you like to have join you for a meal/beverage at your table and why?
I would have to say Chef Ramsey would be a pleasure to sit and have a meal will. Just hearing his compliments and complaints about the courses we were eating.
01.
Who was your biggest food influence growing up?
My grandmother showed me how to cook when I was young. After I became a meat cutter and fell in love with cooking.
03.
Where did you study/learn your craft?
I started as a dishwasher at small restaurants. Worked at Hard Rock Cafe to start as a line cook.
05.
Where did you eat your most memorable food/meal/beverage and what was that food/meal?
Honestly some of my most memorable meals in y lifetime were at home. I was kinda spoiled living in CT. My family was in commercial fishing and I grew up eating fresh seafood everyday.