Samos Taverna chef loves soccer, learning new cooking ideas
Phil Wallace is the chef at Samos Taverna.
Provided
Chef Phil Wallace considers moussaka to be his signature dish.
He has worked in Great Britain and all over the United States, from Boston to San Francisco to New York City and now to Charleston.
Wallace and his wife, Naomi, have settled in Charleston over the last five years with son Brian and their many pets.
He is an avid Manchester United soccer fan and very seldom misses a game.
Q: What is your first food memory?
A: The smell of fish frying at the local fish and chips shop. Golden and delicious; it was a real treat.
Q: What do you cook at home?
A: It depends on the time of year. In the cold weather, it's soups and stews, and when it's warm, I like to make curries and salads.
Q: What mistakes do home cooks make?
A: They are too recipe-bound and don't express their creativity. Also, they tend to underseason.
Q: Favorite cookbook?
A: I'd have to say my favorite changes all the time. I love to learn something new and I am always reading about cooking. I am very interested in new ideas.
Q: What is your signature dish?
A: The moussaka at Samos Taverna. When I'm cooking at home, it would be your classic Sunday dinner; roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, potatoes and a fresh vegetable. This reminds me of my childhood.
Q: What is your favorite kitchen gadget?
A: My red KitchenAid mixer.
Q: What is your greatest accomplishments as a chef?
A: Developing the menu for Samos Taverna and opening to such a warm reception from the public.
Q: Who is your favorite chef outside of Charleston?
A: That would be Jacques Pepin. I admire his style and way with food.
Q: Favorite Charleston chef?
A: Ben Berryhill at Red Drum.
Q: What made you become a chef?
A: Being the youngest child in a one-parent family, I was a prep cook at 7. I really enjoyed cooking and providing a delicious meal. Becoming a chef was a natural progression.
If you go
What: Samos Taverna.
Where: 819 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant.
Phone: 856-5055.
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