One thing you don't know about me is I am a closet performer. If there is an accessible stage or live microphone, watch out. You'll never get me off the stage.
If I could trade places with one chef it would be David Burke. He is a buddy of mine and he has it all going on — great restaurants, product line, sponsorships and TV. He's a brilliant chef and a really nice guy.
One of my most memorable meals was at Eleven Madison Park in New York shortly before I opened Corbett's. Chef Daniel Humm and staff turned out perhaps the finest meal I have ever eaten. It was beautifully balanced and presented with absolutely perfect service. There were 11 of my staff with me and we all left in awe!
If there was no American cheese I would have no reason to live. That's right, I said American cheese!
My go-to drink is the most recent vintage of Bud Light. I am quite dedicated, as my good friends will tell you, to enjoying one somewhere daily at 4 p.m.
If I were on death row my last meal would be the following:
Corbett's chef Chris Howerton's foie gras terrine, Oysters and Pearls from Per Se, Iranian Caviar, oysters with mignonette, lots of dim sum, dry-aged filet mignon with truffled sea salt and sautéed porcinis, brulee of any sort, and chocolate chip cookies.
My worst culinary creation was the “Suzie Wong,” a lunch dish from the 1980s. It consisted of wrapped ham, Monterey jack and turkey on two slices of pounded-out white bread, tooth picked, dipped in egg, fried and topped with honey and powdered sugar. Quite honestly, there have been multiple failures.
If I could change one thing about myself I would have more hair and less chin. Oh hell, that's two things!
My favorite junk food is SunChips, peanut butter and Hostess chocolate donuts (the minis). Keep in mind all three might be enjoyed in a single sitting. What can I say: I'm a chef!
If I wasn't a restaurant operator I would definitely be an actor or singer. I enjoy performing very much on my show or singing after a few beverages. I am an equal opportunity ham.
Dean Corbett is the chef/owner of Equus, Jack's Lounge and Corbett's in Louisville, KY.