Chef Intro

Restaurateur & Chef SHANE GORRINGE

118 W 32ND AVE | COVINGTON, LA 70433 985.892.5570 | INFO@ZOESBAKERY.COM How would you describe yourself or the Restaurant? Zoe’s Bakery is a European-style bakery. We pride ourselves on hand-making products from scratch and using the best quality ingredients, including European chocolates. We try our best to be innovative with our designs and products by blending classical and contemporary.

What sets you apart from other Chefs/Restaurants? Zoe’s Bakery has been in business for 27 years, and I have been a pastry chef for 41 years, working around the world learning different skills and techniques. What do you love most about the restaurant industry? The thing I love most about the food and beverage industry is that it gave me the ability to travel and live around the world. What is one ingredient you can’t live without and why? One ingredient I could not live without would have to be strawberries for Zoe’s Bakery because our biggest seller is the White Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake.

What is your favorite meal to prepare at home? My favorite meal to prepare at home is not going to be any kind of sweets. What I love on a Sunday is a classic English roast beef and Yorkshire pudding with lots of different vegetables and roasted potatoes. What was your 1st restaurant gig? I started my profession as an apprentice pastry chef at an Austrian pastry shop in South London at the age of 15.

Chef MICHAEL GOTTLIEB

407 ST. TAMMANY STREET, MADISONVILLE 985.323.4800 | TCHEFUNCTES.COM

How would you describe Tchefuncte’s? Tchefuncte’s is a French-rooted, regional American dining experience that is influenced by world cuisine.

We put a lot of care into sourcing the ingredients and are of the mindset that our guests deserve the highest quality products available from around the globe as well as products grown in our own backyard. We also pride ourselves on the thoughtfulness that goes into the execution of each dish and the time spent by our fellow culinarians to bring those ingredients to the plate.

Do you have a favorite entree/dish? I simply love food--all of it. There is a surprise hiding in every bite. Still, if put on the spot right this second, I would say our lacquered pork belly with turmeric scallion pancakes.

What is one ingredient you can’t live without and why? Morton’s Kosher Salt. I know the feel in between my fingers and know how much to use to bring out and enhance the natural flavors of my favorite ingredients. What do you love most about the local restaurant industry? The comradery between local chefs and restauranteurs. It is a great area to work in, as wherever ones goes, you are always treated like family. I know that when a chef, restauranteur, manager, cook, or server walks in our door that they have specifically chosen to spend their sacred time off with us; and we will go above and beyond with special treats to thank them for spending that time at Tchefuncte’s.

What was your first restaurant gig? Born into a food family, I was submerged into a century-old bakery business in the deep South as soon as I could walk. That’s all it took…

Restaurateur LETICIA RUBIO

12 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SOUTHEASTERN LA CARRETARESTAURANT.COM Tell us about the history of the restaurant In 1998, our first location was established in Hammond. Since then, we have expanded throughout Louisiana; and we are devoted to bringing our communities together to enjoy delicious Mexican flavors in a festive environment. Our menu features traditional cuisine from different regions of Mexico, all freshly made to serve. We live by the motto: “Always fresh, fun, and festive.” What is a passion you have for the concept? We want to bring the community together in each of our locations to experience the preparation that goes into every dish, the friendly atmosphere we provide, and the local involvement we are so passionate about! What do you love most about the Restaurant industry? To be able to serve the community Do you have a favorite dish? Quesabirria Tacos What do you love most about your customers? Their loyalty about our recipes, flavors, and traditions. Our customers become part of our family!

Restaurateurs SAUL RUBIO & BRYAN WONG

113 N. OAK STREET | HAMMOND, LA 70401 985.402.3483 | ONETHIRTEENRESTAURANT.COM What is the concept of the restaurant? When two local, well-known restaurant owners came together with a vision to bring an all-new American cuisine and experience to the area, One Thirteen came to life. Located in the heart of Downtown Hammond, we beautifully transformed the space into modern and affordable venue with an upscale, vibrant feel for all guests. What is unique about your location? Portions of the building were designed by famous Louisiana modern architect John Desmond as a medical clinic more than fifty years ago. The mid-century modern space was ideal to convert to an upscale restaurant, and we took great care during renovations to keep some of the original elements intact. More research showed us that the original building--which was a gas station--had been added on to by John Desmond to create the mid-century modern classic that it is now, and the architects preserved those elements that were designed and added by John Desmond, which included painted exposed structural steel; cypress wood soffits and ceilings; custombuilt steel frame windows; and beautiful translucent Carrara marble, which was glazed into the window system. All of these elements were maintained and restored.