Media Platforms Design TeamChef Sonya CotéOwner/Executive Chef, Eden East & Hillside FarmacyTwitter: @chef_sonyacoteWhat’s the best thing about being a chef?Buying local ingredients from my favorite farmer friends to create artistic & unique dishes.Your food philosophy in three words.“Past, Present, Future.” What is your go-to easy, healthy breakfast?Steamed rice, poached egg & furikake How has Austin has influenced you as a chef?The urban farms in Austin have affected me greatly, especially the community of east Austin. It’s very difficult to grow things in Texas and in Austin, as a rapidly growing city, we have to fight for stability of our small urban farms. There is a strong and vibrant passion that makes the community genuinely come together. It’s all about the neighborhood and building our local economy while maintaining the culture of that neighborhood. What is the easiest way to eat healthier on a daily basis?Juicing for breakfast, that’s a great start. Beets, carrots, ginger, apple, celery… that’s my jam! (Try these 10 simple green juice recipes!) What’s a must-try item on your menu?At Eden our menu changes weekly, depending on what our farmers are growing. Hillside Farmacy has a set menu that changes with the seasons. The nightly gulf seafood special would be my ultimate must-try: It is consistently sourced locally because that is the nature of the special and I love supporting our gulf fishermen. From start-to-finish, what is your ideal day of eating?Fresh juice, snagging an egg from my backyard chickens and sauteing some greens for breakfast. Lunch ideally involves some type of chicken soup, and I love it when my boyfriend makes me steak for dinner! The next big food trend will be ______The food community has been reevaluating the way whole foods are produced. I predict that algae, entomophagy, and hydroponics will be a part of the next big food trend because they represent new ways in which food is produced and consumed. Media Platforms Design TeamChef Callie SpeerPastry Chef, Swift’s AtticTwitter: @cakemixaustinWhat’s the best thing about being a chef? I love being able to create dishes that bring people back to happy childhood memories. Your food philosophy in three words. Quirky, Fun, Nostalgic What is your go-to easy, healthy breakfast? Greek yogurt with a touch of honey. (Shake things up with these 8 yogurt toppers.) Must-have not-so-healthy indulgence? Ice cream of course! How has Austin has influenced you as a chef? There is lots of room to grow here and people are really supportive of each other. Also, there has always been an influence of using local that has influenced my desserts. What is the easiest way to eat healthier on a daily basis? It is all about balance, you can’t starve yourself. What is a must-try item on your menu? The Popcorn & Movie dessert has become a cult classic, so I suggest that one. From start-to-finish, what is your ideal day of eating? A quick breakfast like yogurt or a smoothie, I don’t want anything weighing me down so early. A hearty salad and some dark chocolate for lunch. I’d finish it all off with queso and margaritas. The next big food trend will be…Savory desserts! Media Platforms Design TeamChef Shannen TuneExecutive Chef, Hotel DerekTwitter: @Chef_TuneWhat’s the best thing about being a chef? Being able to turn my creativity into something delicious. Your food philosophy in three words. Fresh, Fun, Soulful What is your go-to easy, healthy breakfast? Steel cut oatmeal Must-have not-so-healthy indulgence? All-American cheese burger How has Austin influenced you as a chef? Austin is all about using great local products, and Texas has so many great local commodities. All you have to do is use what’s in season creatively and you’re going to win every time. What is a must-try item on your menu? Hangover burger From start-to-finish, what is your ideal day of eating? Breakfast: Ace of Spades Taco from Torchys; Lunch: Quinoa salad with seared scallops (Try these 6 clever quinoa recipes.); Snack: Hummus with grilled flat bread; Dinner: Seared lamb chops with barley risotto and sauté spinach; Dessert:Carrot cake What is the easiest way to eat healthier on a daily basis? Plan your meals and cook at home. (Get started with these 7 fast dinner ideas.) MORE: How 10 Super-Busy R3 Professionals Make Time For Themselves
