Todd English
Photo: courtesy of Olives
One of Boston's first true celebrity chefs, Todd English has never strayed far from the spotlight. But thanks to his first Hollywood venture, Beso, and the success of his PBS show, English has earned even greater national recognition. The Buzz recently caught up with the chef/restaurateur while he was traveling through Europe.
Eric Grossman: We enjoyed season two of Food Trip with Todd English – it looks like you're having a blast with this show, and you've really impressed this viewer with your curiosity and willingness to get your hands dirty. How has it been working on the show? Does the fact that it's on PBS present you with any unique challenges?
Todd English: What I love most about PBS is the educational factor and I try to make sure that Food Trip ties into that important element. The unique challenge that comes with being on PBS is that we are trying to engage a younger audience than what is typically found on PBS.
EG: Among Boston chefs, you were truly at the forefront when it came to developing your own brand and leveraging it to build a network of restaurants. In general, is there anything you would have done differently? Having your name attached to so many restaurants, what are the biggest challenges you face, since you can't be on-site at each as much as you'd like?
TE: The one thing I would have done differently would have been to be a little more cautious with who I partner with. As for not being on-site at each restaurant, I'm lucky that I have a great staff – I surround myself with talented people who I wholeheartedly trust.
EG: Your first restaurant, Olives, turned 20 earlier this year. Did you do anything to celebrate that milestone?
TE: We brought many of the signature menu items from our very first menu back at the 1989 prices. Guests seemed to love it, and they fell in love with some of our old favorites again. We also make sure that we are constantly changing our menu while offering terrific dining deals on a nightly basis. Through the months of July and August, we've had a three-course lobster prix fixe menu for $35 and our guests have really embraced that promotion.
EG: You opened Beso in Hollywood last year with the actress Eva Longoria as a partner. What are the main differences between LA diners and Boston diners?
TE: Dining in LA is much more egocentric than the East Coast. It is much more about the 'scene' than what we see on the East Coast. I do think it's a lot of fun to experience the LA dining scene.
EG: Finally, where's your go-to spot here in Boston for a quick, sub-$10 meal?
TE: I love Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe in the South End. It's my all-time favorite sub shop.
– Eric Grossman