Top Ten—Ryan Lewis, Driftwood, SPRINGFIELD
The top ten things currently rocking this chef's world.
September 22, 2016 ● 1 min read
Meet Ryan Lewis, the mega-talented guy responsible for making all that Central Illinois goodness sing at his Springfield spot, Driftwood. He's got a flair for the homespun and a soft spot for Wild Turkey — you're practically soulmates, already!
1. Pickled Stuff
If you're missing anything in your cooking it's typically an acid. Vinegar, sugar, a little water, perfect combination.
2. Wild Turkey Manhattan
Perfect, up, brandied cherry. No better way to end a shift then to fall into one of those beauties.
3. Oversized Edison Bulbs
Is there anything sexier from the street then a 14" Edison lightbulb over the bar?
4. STL Cardinals
Hometown love, favorite way to spend a Sunday with my three year-old, Hollis.
5. My Old Hat
There have been people who don't even recognize me without it.
6. My Boxer
No one has been through more with me than my trusty 12 year-old boxer.
7. Charcuterie
Salty cured goodness. That is all.
8. Beer Dinners
Monthly chances for me to play with new ideas and try something different.
9. Deli Cups
I can't think of anything they can't do. Best kitchen invention ever.
10. My Farmers
If you use the best ingredients, then you don't need to do a whole lot to them — and the best ingredients come from the best farmers.
BONUS!
11. Kitchen Shishitos
Speaking of great ingredients, roulette anyone? A bad night on the line quickly gets turned around when you throw those guys in a pan and coax the staff into participating.