You come across as reserved and not terribly vain. We weren’t sure you were going to go along with the Lust List.
Veronica [Danko, Independent owner] told me I had to do it [laughs]. She texted me while I was rock climbing at Vertical Ventures. If she hadn’t made me do it, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to go through with it.
Where do you study culinary arts?
At the Art Institute of Tampa. I’m just one semester away from getting my bachelor’s. … I took a break to visit my friend in London last year.
What’s your specialty?
I like to cook anything Asian, but my favorite food to eat is European dishes with sauces.
Did you ever get to create a dish for the Independent?
Back when we had specials, I made the Banh Mi and Creative Barbecue.
If you were to open a restaurant, what would it be?
A small gastro bar; something manageable with good food and drinks.
We hear you’re a fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s films — which is your favorite?
Spirited Away.
Do you have to deal with belligerent drunks on the job while working at Indie?
Not too much, being on the cafe side. I deal more with the regulars. Just once in a while. If anyone tries anything with me, I’m going to cut them off.
You’re practically a chef now. What restaurants do you recommend?
I really love Rooster and the Till. I’ve been there five times. I really like the Refinery, too. I also love Ciro’s but I can’t afford to go there all the time. I like to go for birthdays, when my friends buy my drinks!
This article appears in Feb 6-12, 2014.