Gavin Kaysen answered a few questions about his experiences in San Diego and his move to New York City.
QUESTION: Where did you have your most memorable meal in San Diego, besides El Bizcocho, and what was it?
ANSWER:The first meal that I had at George's at the Cove blew me away.
What was your favorite San Diego restaurant, besides El Bizcocho?
I had a lot of places I would go to Jack's (La Jolla), Pearl Sushi in Del Mar, Market, Georges at the Cove, Cafe Chloe.
Did you have a special mentor in San Diego, and if so, who?
I consulted many of my ideas with Trey Foshee (of George's), so I would say he helped me, as well as Bernard Guillas (The Marine Room), Stan Kaminski – he was the food and beverage manager for the Rancho Bernardo Inn when I was there; he is now the G.M. at the new Sheraton hotel is Carlsbad.
What do you miss most about San Diego?
The weather is an obvious choice but I do miss driving some days, but not when I see the gas prices!
What do you like most about living in New York?
I love the amount of different cultures being able to eat oysters at midnight after service with a great bottle of rose all the different restaurants there inspire and push you to be better ever day.
What do you like least about living there?
The police sirens at 4 a.m. or even worse the garbage trucks!
What is the most memorable dish you've created for Cafe Boulud?
“Biscuit and Gravy” – pork and black truffle sausage with a fried quail egg and frisee salad.
What restaurant, besides Daniel Boulud's restaurants, do you most enjoy dining at?
I had an amazing meal at Eleven Madison Park, The Little Owl and Momofuku.
What was the most gratifying compliment you received from a diner at Cafe Boulud?
When the guests and regulars are happy with the changes and, as they put it, they enjoy “the California style” in the food now.
– LORI WEISBERG
