Yesterday was a pretty big day for 10 chefs who were honored as Food and Wine”s Best New Chefs. The Bay Area represented with two honorees, including San Francisco’s own Nate Appleman, partner at A16 and SPQR.
Grub Street’s got full coverage of the event, but for our own field of interest, we asked MenuPages Boston editor Leila Cohan, who was at the awards party, to corner Appleman for a little Q and A:
MP: Any plans for a new restaurant?
NA: We’re opening a third restaurant in San Francisco and we’re also opening a16 in Tokyo.
MP: What can you tell me about the new San Francisco restaurant?
NA: Well, it’s been delayed a little bit, it’s been on hold a little bit because of the economy, but it’s going to be inspired by the region of Marche, which is on the Adriatic side of Italy and I’m building a butcher facility to handle whole cows.
MP: How’s the a16 for Tokyo going?
NA: It’s going! It should open in September.
More Appleman after the jump!
MP: Are there any big changes coming at a16 or SQPR?
NA: No, we’re just doing our thing, cooking good food, and staying on course.
MP: How long have you known you were a Best New Chef?
NA: Three weeks, I guess.
MP: Has it been hard keeping the secret?
NA: I only told one person!
MP: What are your favorite new restaurants opening in San Francisco?
NA: Ooh, hmm. (Shakes his head)
MP: What about your favorite San Francisco restaurants in general?
NA: My favorite restaurants: Aziza, definitely one of my favorite restaurants. Spices Szechuan cuisine is my second favorite.
[Photo: Via biskuit/flickr]
