"Bouchon-style restaurants are definitely my favorite kind of favorite French restaurant. It’s basically traditional family food with a bit of professional finesse and attention. I worked at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon for a few years and had the privilege of enjoying some of the best French food in my life. Even though it had some American influence, they were very sound in applying French technique."
Tell us who you are, what you do?
My name is Byron Talbott and I worked as a chef/cook in the LA area restaurant industry for a little over a decade about 10 or so years ago. The most notable chefs I worked for was Thomas Keller of The French Laundry and Gordon Ramsay, but alongside that I worked as an assistant food stylist for several years and decided to combine these passions of mine into my own online media rendition of the two.
Name 3 products you always have in your kitchen
Chef’s knife, cast iron pan, sizzle trays….and a good basting spoon. I know that’s four, but I just can’t choose three!
Name the best thing you’ve ever tasted, and the worst
A good bowl of Hatch Green Chili Stew with charred soft tortillas is my happy place. I know this might be odd, but I can’t stand bell peppers. I’ll eat them if they’re presented to me, but I avoid them at all costs. If a pepper isn’t spicy, I just don’t get it.
Are there any French products that you use on a regular basis?
Dijon mustard and fleur de sel.
Name your favorite French restaurant
Bouchon-style restaurants are definitely my favorite. It’s basically traditional family food with a bit of professional finesse and attention. I worked at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon for a few years and had the privilege of enjoying some of the best French food in my life. Even though it had some American influence, they were very sound in applying French technique.
In your opinion, what is the ultimate French classic meal?
This isn’t fair!!! I crave so many different French dishes from time to time, but I really do love a good Bibb lettuce salad with fine herbs and a creamy red wine vinaigrette. If I had to go with something more formal though, it would probably be along the lines of a Poulet roti with Pommes puree, roasted spring veggies, and chasseur sauce.
Is there any typical French meal or product that you’ve always wanted to try (and not have the occasion yet)?
It's hard to say.. I’ve worked with just about every French product on the market, but there’s something out there I’m sure I haven’t even heard of or tried yet… I’d really just like to enjoy a meal within the region it was established. Those are truly special food moments.
In your opinion, what is the ultimate French classic meal?
This isn’t fair!!! I crave so many different French dishes from time to time, but I really do love a good Bibb lettuce salad with fine herbs and a creamy red wine vinaigrette. If I had to go with something more formal though, it would probably be along the lines of a Poulet roti with Pommes puree, roasted spring veggies, and chasseur sauce.
Is there any typical French meal or product that you’ve always wanted to try (and not have the occasion yet)?
It's hard to say.. I’ve worked with just about every French product on the market, but there’s something out there I’m sure I haven’t even heard of or tried yet… I’d really just like to enjoy a meal within the region it was established. Those are truly special food moments.
If you had to name one “typical” American meal everyone should try at least once, what would it be?
I want to say hamburgers, I really do, but something inside me is yelling hot dogs and I'm a true hamburger kind of guy. I know I’m terrible, but I’m not talking about just any hot dog though… One that is lightly charred, super soft warm hoagie, yellow mustard, dijon mustard, light ketchup, chopped dill pickles, sauerkraut, minced onion, and freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. UNREAL
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