Kevin Gillespie is an American chef, restaurateur, and author. You might recognize him as the runner-up and fan favorite in season 6 of Top Chef. He took some time out of his hectic schedule to join us for a quick interview. Read on to see Kevin share his thoughtfully selected EDC, fill us in on what it takes to be successful in the culinary industry, and leave one tip he believes everyone should follow.
What’s in your everyday carry?
{embed=”post:8999″ list=”true”}
View Kevin Gillespie’s Full Everyday Carry
- Panerai Luminor watch
- Benchmade Griptillian pocket knife
- Klarus XT11 tactical flashlight
- Tru Ball Fang 4 Archery Release
- Sharpie Marker
- JM & Sons front pocket wallet
- Mammut carabiner and keys
- Custom-made tortoise shell and cherrywood beard comb given to me as a best man present by Joey Ward, Gunshow’s executive chef
We’ve seen your cooking skills, but what’s your day like outside of the kitchen? Can you tell us more about your other roles?
I am a chef and restaurateur. Lots of people think I’m behind the stove all day but this is a business like any other and I spend a lot of time doing small business tasks like strategic planning. I also write cookbooks and do TV appearances. I think the qualities that help me succeed include abstract thought, a sense of humor, and an extremely high level of drive and ambition.
What hobbies do you enjoy when you’re not working on making great food?
I’m passionate about sportsman pursuits, music and fine wine.
Why do you EDC?
I have such a busy schedule that I can’t afford to forget things. I need to rely on my essentials. I never know what direction my day will take – it’s not predictable – so I have to be prepared.
Your carry looks like you’ve put a lot of thought into it. You’ve picked some of the best gear around, but if you had to choose, which item is your favorite?
My pocket knife is my favorite. You just can’t overstate it’s practicality. You can use it to open a box or a beer, as a screwdriver… there’s just a million things it can do. I feel like I’m missing an article of clothing if I don’t have it.
It’s clear you’re an innovator — your Atlanta restaurant, Gunshow, mashes up a Brazilian churrascaria with Chinese dim sum style dining. What are you cooking up next?
Back in July, I opened a new restaurant called Revival. It’s in the Decatur neighborhood of Atlanta and I’m very excited about it!
It’s not easy to “make it” in the restaurant world. Given your success and experiences, what tip would you share with our readers?
A while back there was a shift from blue collar to white collar jobs. Now I see people appreciating the blue collar job more (which is what I consider my job to be). My tip is to learn classic life skills. People don’t know how to fix things anymore!
If you’re in the Atlanta area, stop by Kevin’s restaurants Gunshow and Revival, and keep up with him on Twitter at @topchefkevin.
Header photo credit: Christopher Watkins
