Meet Brandon Kerr | Chef & Pizza Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Kerr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I never considered myself an “artistic” type. I fell into this career when I was a young teenager, and blossomed from there. I became addicted to the people and personalities you meet in the kitchen, and I’ve met some of my best friends there. Not one of these people do it for the money, we do it because we need it in our lives and enjoy the challenge. My friends always send me pictures of new things they’re doing, and I’m constantly wondering how to best them, and vice versa. This is how I’ve always climbed my ladder, and become more artistic with my food. Understanding how to build flavors, and complete profiles, great sauce work.. All of these assets need to be understood entirely. Everything needs a purpose, to be relevant, and to exceed expectation. Once you have these basics formed, and understand your path and reason, then you can begin to develop your character on the plate.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always been one for alternate solutions. Kitchen environments are those of perfection, repetition, and consistency. However, there is always a better way to do something. Efficiency, consistency, and perserverance are all things to analyze when it comes to tasks, and usually there is a weak point in some form or another when accomplishing things. I constantly try to figure out new ways to better my stocks and sauces, or have one less knife cut when breaking down proteins. During service is when this shines for me. Tickets are rolling in and the printer won’t stop, the pans are loud, everybody is talking, spoons are scraping in mise.. and eventually somebody comes to the edge and stops. I will ALWAYS jump in and work both stations, or figure out a way to work around the problem, no matter how big or small. I think it stems from working in all levels of restaurants and seeing how people do things. Half of my career has been observation and being very analytical during chaotic situations. It’s important be to humble, be kind, and create an atmosphere of open learning. This job is just as much cognitive as it is physical. If you don’t believe that to be true, you’ll become stagnant and settle for a lesser outcome. The kitchen is a monster, be like the fox, not the ox.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Cart Driver for pizza. I used to work at Z Cuisine on 30th and Wyandot years ago, and it’s always a blast to go back in and see what they’ve done with the space. It’s beautiful and they’ve done a fantastic job with the face lift. Go support them!

Sunday afternoon. Well, AT noon, Mama Wang opens the door at Lao Wang Noodle House on south Federal. Be there at 11:45am or you’ll be SOL. It’s a small space, it’s hot in the summer, and cold in the winter. But no matter the temperature, you’re going to need a nap after you eat. The soup dumplings and pot stickers are crazy good and I have a seriously difficult time stopping my hand from grabbing one more. You can only order once, so make it count and go big.

Glenwood springs. The hot springs are awesome. It’s a beautiful town with great people, great hiking, and even better beer. Troy at Casey Brewing makes the best beer in Colorado. I don’t care, fight me. He takes the best of the best fruit from Palisade, Hotchkiss, etc, and ferments his beer with it. It’s the best.

Topping off the week, we’re going to Golden. Our buddies just opened their second location out here, and it’s AWESOME. King of Wings Tap and Tequila. These guys are the undisputed King Of Wings, hands down. Their chicken wings are absolutely fire, the sauces are so on point, and their cheeseburger. Dude.. the Snipe burger. Dude.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Travis Grimes. He was my mentor and biggest inspiration in life to this day. I honestly hope to impact someone’s life like he has mine. Absolute assassin in the kitchen.

Website: Stonecellarbistro.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__brandonkerr__/