10?’s with Chef Adrian Madrigal Mendiola

What ingredient do you dread?

I don’t enjoy working with processed meats.  I find it difficult to a create a solid  dish to serve the customer.

What’s your favorite dish to make?

My favorite dish is anything using fresh seafood.  It challenges my creativity, preparation and plating skills.

I like eating all kinds of fresh bread.

What restaurant, other than your own, do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?

I enjoy going to different restaurants in the Miami Valley, whether old school dining or getting to try something new.  It keeps my own cooking energized.

Don’t be afraid to try new things. You only get better by challenging yourself, taking risk and practicing.

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

This would be my son, daughter and two best family friends because they’re not afraid to give me honest feedback and criticism.  They also are intolerant to certain products which challenges me to cook something different and full of flavor they can fully enjoy.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

I have followed the career of Erin French, an American Chef residing in the
state of Maine.  Her unique focus on fresh ingredients and farm to table has created a waiting list of customers seeking a unique dining experience at The Lost Kitchen.  Her story is inspiring, and has earned recognition as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best American Chef in 4 times.  Dining here is truly a goal of mine in the future.

I enjoy going to used book stores looking for interesting and unique collections of international recipes.  I enjoy shopping and a good cup of coffee – there are a

         number of unique places to try in our city.

 I had the opportunity to meet Charlie Chloe when he was opening a new business at the Greene.  It was the first time I was able to fully experience and work with all types of Asian foods, something I truly enjoyed and often still find  inspiration in my cooking today.