Greetings, it's Industry Dish, a bi-weekly feature on Eater San Diego. In this space, our town's restaurant and bar pros weigh in on their favorite eats and drinks, give their thoughts on local food trends and talk about what it's like to work in the San Diego community. Know a chef or bartender who wants to do some sharing? Let us know.
[Keegan Gerhard by Lynn Chyi Photography]
Keegan Gerhard is one of the nation's top pastry chefs, with a resume that includes pastry positions with Charlie Trotters Restaurant, the Waldorf Astoria and the Four Seasons Chicago. He has also served as emcee and host of multiple programs on the Food Network. The co-founder of the original D Bar Desserts in Denver; Gerhard opened a D Bar in San Diego last summer which offers lunch, dinner and a full bar in addition to the chef's signature desserts.
What's your favorite thing on your menu right now and why?
My favorite thing is the Coca-Cola braised short ribs. They are tender and rich but not too sweet. It comes with grits and pickled veggies; it's a fun twist on classic low country cooking.
Where do you eat in San Diego when you're not working?
I love CUCINA urbana and their gnocchi, although it's not on the menu at this time. George's at the Cove is one of my favorites and I love everything on the menu. I especially like the fish tacos and the smoked chicken black bean soup.
Anything that you're "over", in terms of played-out restaurant and food trends or ingredients?
I'm over the cupcake craze. There is way more to pastry than cupcakes (although we still have some fun ones in our pastry case).
Do you have a wish or request for the San Diego food scene or local diners?
I wish San Diegans believed more in their backyard food scene. There are a lot of great chefs and restaurants, buy and eat local!
What makes cooking in San Diego different than other cities you've worked in? How is this town unique as far as the restaurant/chef community?
We have uncommon access to such fresh and natural and indigenous ingredients. From seafood to farms, you can find almost anything within a 20 minute radius of the restaurant. I'm new to the local scene so I'm really excited to learn and earn the right to be part of it!
· D Bar Desserts San Diego [Official Site]
· All Industry Dish Interviews on Eater [~ESD~]
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