My Personal FAQ

Personal FAQ

Often times, when I meet people and we get to discussing my profession, I get asked the same questions over-and-over. I don't mind it (in fact, I sorta like it) but I just wanted to put them in writing so people had an idea about who I am.

What is your specialty?

I grew up working in pizzerias, so I’ve always had a knack for Italian food. I absolutely love making pizza and pasta from scratch. If I had to narrow it down to a specialty, I would have to say Italian, more specifically, the regions of Campania & Abruzzo.

What brand of knives do you use / recommend?

The brand matters less than the fact that it's a sharp knife that is COMFORTABLE for you. The essential 3 knives you should have are:

1. Chef’s / Cook's knife
2. Serrated (bread) knife
3. Paring knife

Sizing depends on what’s comfortable for you. I like the feel of a 9" or 10” Chef’s knife, 10” Bread knife, and 4” Paring knife. Keep in mind, I have XXL hands.

I personally use Wustof knives. I recently polled 3 of my favorite Food Network Chef's and asked them what brand of knives THEY use, here were their answers:

Alex Guarnaschelli (from Chopped & Alex's Day Off) @guarnaschelli @ChefBrianGriess "I like New West Knives. And Misono. For paring knives, I like Sabatier with plastic handles."

Giada De Laurentiis (of Everyday Italian & Next Food Network Star) @GDeLaurentiis @ChefBrianGriess "Well...I have my knife @ Target and the mezzaluna knife is my fav."

Scott Conant (from Chopped & 24 Hour Restaurant Battle) @conantnyc @ChefBrianGriess "I use all kinds. Can't even name all the brands I own. Maybe Global if I had to name one."

The bottom line is, find a knife that feels comfortable in your hand.

What inspired you to become a chef?

While I was starting out I can remember working in a little Italian restaurant with a very limited menu, but the kitchen staff and I would play around while we were slow, and create new dishes. Staff meals were always so fun for me, because I got to show off what I could do. It came pretty natural from that point on.

What are some of your favorite foods?

That's always a question I refuse to answer, because it would be easier to name my least-favorite foods. I'm a big fan of a really good cheeseburger. I love stuffed pasta, and I love Chicago-style pizza. I love eggs. I'm obsessed with really good Caesar salad.

What are some of your favorite restaurants?

One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago is SushiSamba Rio. I love the atmosphere, and the food is off the hook. It has sushi, it has platters of smoked meat. It has a heavy South American influence. It's just completely dope. 504 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60610. Go there. Make a reservation first. Tell them you know me.

What spices are essential to have in your pantry at all times?

That really depends on the kinds of things you cook. The things that are essential to me are:

Kosher Salt (never, ever used iodized salt)
Sea Salt (any kind, totally up to your taste)
- Peppercorn Mélange* (blend of white, black, pink & green peppercorns)
- Paprika (smoked and sweet)
- Cayenne Pepper
- Garlic Powder
-Chili Powder
- Saffron
- Cumin
- Curry Powder
- Crushed Red Pepper

* I like to crack all my peppercorns. I never buy ground pepper, or cracked pepper. I like using the ol’ mill.

Also, invest in a small coffee/spice grinder, and grind things like fennel or coriander, or peppercorns in it. Freshly ground spices add a depth of flavor that can't be touched by pre-ground spices.

Do you need formal education to be considered a Chef?

I think so. I’ve heard of people working their way up the ladder in restaurants from dishwasher to line cook to Sous Chef to Head Chef, but I just feel like if you don’t have the fundamental training given to you by some kind of culinary school, then you can’t be considered a Chef. I will say, that I did learn a lot prior to culinary school, and I've learned a lot, if not more, since being in the industry post-culinary school. But still, the foundation is essential for people aspiring to be on the top of the culinary game.



How do you pick the perfect piece of meat?

Your best bet is to befriend a butcher. They still exist, and they are usually very passionate about their meat, and loyal to their regulars. The fact is, choosing a piece of meat depends on your taste. You need to pay attention to grading. Look for Prime, or Choice. Never go for Select.

When choosing a steak, go for the meat with nice marbling. The white part in the marbling are fat deposits, and that’s where the flavor is. Fat on the inside of the meat is good (and it melts), fat on the outside is bad (and it doesn't melt).

Do you give private cooking lessons?

Yes, I do. Please email me (brian.griess@gmail.com) for information about booking.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask.

Copyright 2010, Brian Griess, All rights reserved

Braised Lamb Shank

Like I've mentioned before, lamb is one of my favorite meats, especially the shank. It's a cheapy cut of meat, but when it's braised, it becomes absolutely sumptuous and wonderful. Here's my recipe for the most delicious braised lamb shank.

Braised Lamb Shank

Lamb shanks - 6
Sea salt - to season shanks
Cracked black pepper - to season shanks
Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, thinly sliced - 2
Rosemary (fresh), chopped - 1 tbsp
Red pepper flakes - 3 tsp
Pinot Grigio (or other dry white wine) - ½ cup
Beef stock - 1 ½ cup
Tomatoes (canned, whole) - 1 cup
Parsley (fresh), chopped - 1 tbsp

Method:

1. Using paper towels, pat the shanks dry

2. Liberally season all 6 shanks with sea salt & cracked black pepper

3. In a large, heavy pot (preferably a Dutch oven), warm the olive oil over medium heat

4. Add the lamb shanks and brown on all sides. Should take about 15 minutes

5. Tip the pot, and spoon out the excess fat

6. Add the garlic, rosemary, and crushed red pepper, and sauté for 1 minute

7. Add the wine and bring it to a simmer.

8. Add the stock and tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the shanks, turning them occasionally, until the meat is fork tender. This will take about 1 ½ hours.

9. When ready to plate, remove the shanks from the pot, and spoon the sauce over the lamb, and sprinkle with fresh parsley and a sprig of aromatic rosemary. I like to serve it with rice, cous cous, or potato puree.

This meat is absolutely succulent. It makes the perfect winter meal, or the perfect summer night transport meal, just crank up the A/C and make pretend. Enjoy it!

Copyright 2010, Brian Griess, All rights reserved

Cheese 101

“How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheese?” - Charles De Gaulle

Let’s start with the basics. What is cheese? Well, quite simply… Cheese is a concentrated dairy product made from the milk of cows, sheep or goats that preserves milk’s protein, calcium and other nutrients. The bottom line is, cheese is good.

Cheese trays are perhaps my favorite accessory to a dinner, or cocktail party. Cheese platters (with fruits, nuts, crackers, etc.) are increasingly popular these days. And for good reason; they are “help yourself” items, and they are very pleasing to the eye.

There is one major rule of thumb when planning a wine/cheese tasting, that being: the more pungent the cheese you choose, the sweeter the wine should be.

Here is a guide I put together of my favorite cheeses, to help you with cheese accompaniments, and cheese & wine pairings.

ASIAGO

Asiago is hard Italian cow’s milk cheese. It is a staple in many pizzerias as a go-to cheese, blended with Mozzarella. It’s also commonly grated on pasta.

Wine pairings with Asiago
Reds - Chianti, Sangiovese, Barolo

Accompaniments with Asiago
Fruits - Figs, Grapes, Pears, Apples
Breads - Italian, Breadsticks, Flatbread
Other - Pistachios, Almonds, Salami, Pasta, Olives

BRIE

Brie is a soft French cheese. It is best served at room temperature or hot out of the oven.

Wine pairings with Brie
Reds - Bordeaux or Burgundy.
Whites - Chardonnay, Viognier, or Champagne

Accompaniments with Brie
Fruits - Pears, Apples, Grapes, Berries (especially dried Cranberries)
Breads - Croissants, Crusty White Bread, Water Crackers
Other - Garlic, Chutneys, Nuts (especially Pecans) and Rosemary

CHEDDAR

Cheddar is a hard cheese that was first produced in Wisconsin in the mid-1800’s. It accounts for more than half the cheese produced in the U.S. Cheddar comes in different colors. It can be found in smoked, mild, medium, aged, and sharp forms,

Wine pairings with Cheddar
Reds - Pinot Noir or Burgundy
Whites - Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

Accompaniments with Cheddar
Fruits - Melon, Dates
Breads - Sourdough
Other - Chutney, Prosciutto

CHÈVRE

Chèvre is quite simply Goat Cheese. It is a wonderful melting cheese. I crumble goat cheese in my scrambled eggs, and it gives it a super creamy tangy note.

Wine pairings with Chèvre
Whites - Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Orvieto, or Champagne

Accompaniments with Chèvre
Fruits - Apricots, Pears, Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Breads - Whole-Wheat, Pita, Baguettes, Croissants, Bagels
Other - Eggs, Walnuts, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Chutneys, Thyme, Honey, Black Pepper.

EMMENTAL

Emmental is Swiss Cheese. It is a great melting cheese. I love it on sandwiches, burgers, and diced in salads. You can also add it to your Mac & Cheese for a nice change-up.

Wine pairings with Emmental
Reds - Beaujolais, Merlot, Syrah, or Shiraz

Accompaniments with Emmental
Fruits - Grapes, Pears, Apples
Breads - Pumpernickel, Sourdough, Rye
Other - Mushrooms, Scallions, Sauerkraut, Mustard, Roast Beef, Turkey

FETA

Feta is the most popular domestic cheese in Greece. It is traditionally a sheep’s milk cheese, but commercial varieties are almost always made from cow’s milk. It is often used in salads, as it crumbles very well.

Wine pairings with Feta
Reds - Beaujolais
Whites - Sauvignon Blanc

Accompaniments with Feta
Fruit - Berries, Grapes
Bread - Pita
Other - Red Peppers, Herbs, Kalamata Olives

FONTINA

Fontina is an versatile Italian cow’s milk cheese. It is a main ingredient in many recipes for fondue. It melts into sauces very easily, and is wonderful for a kicked up grilled cheese.

Wine pairings for Fontina
Reds - Beaujolais or Pinot Noir
Whites - Riesling or Gewürztraminer

Accompaniments with Fontina
Fruit - Peaches, Melons, Grapes, Figs
Breads - Water Crackers, Italian
Other - Cashews, Cured Meats, Pesto, Roasted Red Peppers, Celery

GORGONZOLA

Gorgonzola is named after a town in the Po Valley near Milan where it has been made since 879 A.D. It is an Italian blue cheese. It melts like butter. It is perfect for dressings, dips, and cream sauces. I love making gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce.

Wine pairings with Gorgonzola
Whites - Riesling or Gewürztraminer

Accompaniments with Gorgonzola
Fruit - Pears, Apples, Figs
Breads - Focaccia, Italian, French
Other - Nuts

GOUDA

Gouda is one of the most easily recognized cheeses. You can notice it straight away by its thin red or black wax that covers a yellow rind. Gouda is a table cheese, and a dessert cheese. It is a spectacular grating cheese, sometimes used in place of Parmesan.

Wine pairings with Gouda
Reds - Syrah, Shiraz, or Beaujolais

Accompaniments with Gouda
Fruits - Apples, Grapes
Breads - Pumpernickel, Rye
Other - Pickles, Fresh Herbs, Spices

GRUYÈRE

Gruyère originates in Switzerland, and has some similarities to Emmental. The main difference is that it is softer than Swiss cheese, and it has a smoother mouth feel. It is also a wonderful melting cheese, and is often used atop French onion soup.

Wine pairings with Gruyère
Reds - Merlot, Beaujolais, Shiraz, or Syrah
Whites - Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc

Accompaniments with Gruyère
Fruits - Figs, Tomatoes, Bananas, Grapes, Pears, Apples
Breads - Crackers, Whole-Grain Breads
Other - Pickles, Pickled Vegetables, Whole Grain Mustard, Onions

HAVARTI

Havarti is a tradition semi-soft cheese with holes. It is creamy and supple, and it’s a perfect sandwich cheese. It is also a great melting cheese.

Wine pairings for Havarti
Reds - Beaujolais, Merlot, or Vin de Pays

Accompaniments for Havarti
Fruits - Plums, Grapes, Dates
Breads - Rye, Water Crackers
Other - Mango Chutney, Cucumbers, Dill, Roasted Red Peppers, Almonds

MARSCAPONE

Marscapone is a luxuriously smooth, thick, rich cheese made with pure cream. Most Marscapone contains 70% milk fat. It has a sumptuous, creamy, mellow flavor that makes it a welcome addition to any dish, savory or sweet. It is a principal ingredient in Tiramisu.

Wine pairings for Marscapone
** Marsala or Riesling

Accompaniments for Marscapone
Fruit - Strawberries, Raspberries, Figs
Breads - Banana, Date-Nut, Muffins, Brioche, Challah
Other - Chocolate, Coffee, Mushrooms, Fresh Herbs, Anchovies

MONTEREY JACK

Monterey Jack cheese was created in Monterey California during the Gold Rush days. David Jacks is noted as the creator. Monterey Jack has a rich, buttery texture. It responds best to low and medium temperatures, and only for a short time. When incorporating into a sauce, make sure it is the last ingredient added. Use just enough heat to melt it.

Wine pairings for Monterey Jack
Reds - Pinot Noir
Whites - Riesling or Gewürztraminer

Accompaniments with Monterey Jack
Fruits - Apples, Melons, Grapes
Breads - Sourdough, Rye, Tortillas
Other - Raw Vegetables, Salsa, Marinara Sauce, Mustard

MOZZARELLA

Mozzarella originated in southern Italy where it is made from buffalo milk. Most “Buffalo Mozzarella” in the U.S. is made from a combination of cow’s milk & water-buffalo’s milk. Mozzarella is a staple on pizza, and chicken or eggplant parmigianino. It is also one-third of the classic caprese salad which is sliced mozzarella, sliced tomato & fresh basil.

Wine pairings with Mozzarella
Reds - Beaujolais, Nouveau, or Pinot Noir
Whites - Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Semillon, or Sauvignon Blanc

Accompaniments with Mozzarella
Fruits - Tomatoes, Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Breads - Italian, Focaccia, Pizza
Other - Roasted Peppers, Anchovies, Olives, Fresh Basil, Cured Meats, Balsamic Vinegar

PARMESAN

Parmesan cheese has a flaky texture, with a full and fruity flavor, with a very pronounced salty tang. I like to cut shards of Parmesan off of a wedge and simply serve them like that. Of course, Parmesan is often grated over pasta, in risotto, and in polenta.

Wine pairings with Parmesan
Reds - Chianti, Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Brunello di Montalcino
Whites - Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling or Gewürztraminer

Accompaniments with Parmesan
Fruits - Figs, Melon
Breads - Garlic, Italian
Other - Pesto, Prosciutto, Arugula, Pasta, Olives

PROVOLONE

Provolone is brined and hung for 2-to-6 months. It tastes of herbs with a lemony tang and salty bite. It is a great sandwich cheese, and it goes well with sliced tomatoes. It also shreds well, so it is often used as a pizza topping.

Wine pairings with Provolone
Reds - Chianti or Sangiovese
Whites - Chardonnay

Accompaniments with Provolone
Fruit - Pears, Apples, Grapes
Breads - Italian
Other - Olives, Hot/Sweet Peppers, Raw Vegetables, Salami
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Cheese is an incredibly versatile ingredient, I’ve only begin to tip the iceberg for you with this list. I would recommend going to your local specialty cheese shop. Just Google “gourmet cheese, town, city” and start visiting. Cheese is one of the only foods that can be breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, and dessert.

I’ve always said if I was stranded on an island and I could only choose a handful of things to eat… As long as I had bread, cheese, and fruit. I would be a happy guy.

Copyright 2010, Brian Griess, All rights reserved