Pastaria Executive Chef Brandon Oker, our Ones to Watch cover star and guest of The Sauce podcast this week, is certainly passionate about food. Below, he shares his top five restaurants, including one that will surprise you.
5. McDonald’s
“McDonald’s may come as a surprise but this was one of the few places our mom took us as a “special treat.” McDonald’s, I think, should be looked at as the blueprint for efficiency. Robert Sulatycky (coach for team USA Bocuse d’Or) seems to be on the same page.”
4. Colombo’s Cafe & Tavern
“Colombo’s has one of the best burgers in town and no one knows it. Full garden with mustard and tater tots, you will not be disappointed.”
3. Press Pizza & Pasta
“Press is just outright delicious. Their olives are some of my favorite and, of course, the stuffed pizza is technically brilliant.”
2. Chicken Scratch
“When I get a hankering for a solid spicy chicken sandwich, (which is more often than I’d like to admit), Chicken Scratch is where I go. Everything from the breading to the bun is downright perfection. Nate Hereford fucking nailed an American favorite.”
1. Chili Spot
“Chili Spot was introduced to me pretty recently by one of my sous and I couldn’t be more thankful. Chili Spot is a solid place to get amazing comfort food even if you’ve never had it before. Their spicy popcorn chicken is perfect and painful, spicy and sweet, perfectly balanced with a side of rice and marinated cucumbers.”