Shining a spotlight on celebrities and athletes who love to travel. Created and developed by Stacy Steponate Greenberg.
While a number of chefs can lay claim to the title “rock star in the kitchen,” there is one who truly looks and acts the part. Meet Anne Burrell, the famed chef and TV personality that embraces the rock star title with her famous spiked blonde hair and vivacious personality. Burrell developed her skills at the Culinary Institute of America, expanded her talent in Italy and then moved to a number of top restaurants in New York City. From there she also began her career on the Food Network, with a number of shows including Secrets of a Restaurant Chef which presented viewers meals that are easy to make at home. On her show Chef Wanted, Anne helped to find the right fit for top restauranteurs and experienced chefs. Then, showing how truly versatile Burrell is, she stars on Worst Cooks in America, which takes on the task of mentoring cooks who are hopeless in the kitchen and seeing how they manage in a culinary boot camp.
Through all her success, Anne had one dream, which came true in 2017 with the opening of her first restaurant, Phil & Anne’s Good Time Lounge. Located in Brooklyn, Burrell calls it “comfortable” food for a good time. The Overhead Compartment was lucky enough to chow down with the passionate Anne Burrell to learn about her new place and her remarkable life.
The Overhead Compartment with Anne Burrell begins now….
OC: You finally just opened your first restaurant Phil & Anne’s Good Time Lounge. What made this the right time and opportunity?
AB: The real estate deal came to me and I had known for a really long time that I wanted to open a restaurant and I always said the universe will make it apparent when it was time, so as this deal was brought to me, I knew It was time!
OC: What’s the vibe of Phil & Anne’s Good Time Lounge?
AB: Phil & Anne’s Good Time Lounge is a cool, comfortable neighborhood joint.
OC: How often will your fans find you there?
AB: Very regularly.
OC: What is the one dish everyone must try at Phil & Anne’s Good Time Lounge?
AB: Meatballs with Ricotta and Diced Dill Pickles.
OC: You are known as the “cool and fun” chef in a world full of ‘demanding’ talent. How has that attitude helped you achieve your success?
AB: I think everyone likes to be around fun people. You aim to be fun and cool and then use that to teach people how to cook better! Why not?
OC: What’s one piece of advice all new chefs should know?
AB: Work hard, keep your eyes open. Learn as much as you can and be a sponge.
OC: How about one piece of advice for people who love to cook and aspire to be better at it?
AB: Practice, practice, practice, taste, taste, taste, and have fun!
OC: What’s the one piece of equipment all cooks should own?
AB: A great knife.
OC: What’s your favorite dish to make?
AB: Anything pasta!
OC: Is there anything you refuse to make?
AB: Mistakes … but I do make them all the time!
OC: You have been on the Food Network for many years, what was your most memorable moment?
AB: Winning Chopped All Stars or beating Bobby Flay.
OC: What would you be doing if you were not a chef?
AB: I would be a therapist because I feel as a chef you kind of play that role. Food is related to so much, whether that is family, holidays, traditions, emotions, and it is cultural. There is so much wrapped in food.
OC: You live in New York City, top three favorites restaurants in NYC?
AB: Phil & Anne’s Good Time Lounge of course! Missy Robbins restaurant Lilia is also one of my favorites and Smith and Wollensky.
OC: Favorite place to travel?
AB: Anywhere, I would go to the opening of an envelope! I love to travel because there is always something new and fantastic to experience and that’s the type of adventures I live for!
OC: First thing you do when arriving at a hotel in your room?
AB: Check out the mini bar!
OC: Complete the following sentence: I never leave home without:
AB: My phone, my keys, my wallet and my headphones!
Anne Burrell, please use care upon departure as items may have shifted in The Overhead Compartment during our journey. Thanks for choosing us for your travel tips! Have a wonderful day!
