I think that recently there hasn't been anybody who I'm like, "Oh my goodness! I love them and everything they do!" except for friends and peers that I've gotten a chance to work with and gotten to know over the years.
Too often the people that I admired (without getting to know) turned out to be such jerks when I did finally meet them. Or you hear terrible stories of abuse from the staff in their kitchens/restaurants.
Like, do I watch Chef's Table and think it's interesting? Yes. But do I get more inspired by a client coming in and recounting how their grandmother used to make this thing with cherries and almonds and they can't find it anywhere, but the loved it so much. Definitely yes.
So...there's that. I think I'm more inspired by my customers, the seasons, what produce looks really good, my own food experiences and travels, my childhood than a person or persons in particular.
It's why we don't have a menu. I make what I want when I want to and I couldn't imagine it any other way!
