Wine Down Wednesday with Chef Damian Lawrence

Q: What’s your earliest food memory?

CD: My mom cooking for me. Her pasta dishes were amazing.

Q: Who has influenced your cooking the most?

CD: My brother, only other person who cooks in my family. He’s an executive chef at Bone Fish Grill in Charleston, South Carolina.

Q: What’s your favorite go-to ingredient?

CD: Honey! I enjoy adding sweetness to everything.

Q: What are some of your signature dishes?

CD: Anything seafood related since I’m from the coast. My go to dishes are usually crab cakes, scallops and fresh fish.

Q: What did you choose to make for Wine Down Wednesday?

CD: Cucumber Crab Salad.

Q: What was the inspiration for the dish?

CD: I wanted to make something light and filling. I also enjoy playing with seafood when I get the chance.

Q: If you could cook a meal for anyone, who would it be?

CD: I’d choose Jim James, the musician, because I’ve always been a fan of his work. I think it would be great for him to get a feel for what I do.

Q: Dumbest thing you’ve ever done with food or in a kitchen?

CD: OVER SALT ANYTHING. Theres no coming back from that…

Q: Is there an ingredient you use a lot that would surprise people?

CD: Red meat. Since I’m a pescetarian and don’t eat any red meat doesn’t mean I can’t cook up a mean steak.

Q: What would we find in your kitchen at home?

CD: Nothing. That’s what other restaurants are for. Don’t really cook at home. I may do a cookout every now and then. But in reality I guess a bunch of to go boxes is about it.

Q: Most memorable meal?

CD: A place back home called Rockefeller’s, they make the best She Crab Soup.

Q: What food is your guilty pleasure?

CD: Sweets! Cookies, cake or anything sweet.

Q: What’s your last meal on earth, if you had the chance to choose?

CD: Dungeness Crab. A boat load of it.