We caught up with Evan LeRoy, pitmaster and chef behind Michelin-starred Leroy and Lewis BBQ and Bar, about his Food Network obsession, his grandmother's chori-papas and the idea of adding house made pasta to the menu.
- What’s a dish that tastes like home?
- If you could open a novel restaurant concept that was guaranteed to be a success, what would it be?
- When did you know you wanted to cook for the rest of your life?
- What’s the best meal you’ve had recently?
- What chefs inspire you?
- If you could add one thing to your menu that doesn’t make sense but you love making, what would it be?
- Which piece of Made In cookware do you reach for the most?
- What do you expect out of your cookware?
- How important is having good kitchen tools?
- What’s one way you use Made In cookware to finish a favorite dish on the menu?
What’s a dish that tastes like home?
Chori-papas. Its a side dish that's made from chorizo and potatoes and its inspired by a dish my grandmother used to make when I was growing up.
If you could open a novel restaurant concept that was guaranteed to be a success, what would it be?
Pork smash burgers with fries cooked in lard.
When did you know you wanted to cook for the rest of your life?
Early in my life when I became obsessed with the Food Network. I went from watching cartoons in to cooking shows.
What’s the best meal you’ve had recently?
I participated in an oyster event with some chef friends in Palacios, TX, some of the best chefs in Texas all preparing the best Texas oysters. It was like a dream come true/bucket list moment.
What chefs inspire you?
Jesse Griffiths from Dai Due is one of the chefs I look up to the most. I think his restaurant is the truest expression of locality in central Texas.
If you could add one thing to your menu that doesn’t make sense but you love making, what would it be?
House made bread or pasta, but never say never.
Which piece of Made In cookware do you reach for the most?
Honestly, the Griddle Press and Carbon Steel Frying Pan both live on my range at home. I use them all the time.
What do you expect out of your cookware?
I expect durability and great performance, Made In delivers.
How important is having good kitchen tools?
It makes cooking so much more pleasurable, it's extremely important.
What’s one way you use Made In cookware to finish a favorite dish on the menu?
We use the Stainless Clad Frying Pans to finish our new Smoky Beef Bourguignon dish.
