Gabe began his restaurant career cooking pizzas at Cucina Presto and by circumstance was suddenly promoted to manager after seven days. From there he bussed and waited tables here and there before finding a place behind the bar. He worked for Italianissmo in Woodinville for a numbr of years and even spent some time tending bar on the beach in Costa Rica before a long stint at Rory's in Edmonds. He ran the show at Rione XIII for a number of years but can now be found at Tavolata Capitol Hill.  

Hometown

Merced, California

First Restaurant Job

Cucina Presto

Last Restaurant Job

Bar Manager Anchovies & Olives Bar Cotto

Alternate Universe Career

I'd love to be the head of a charitable foundation, it would be great to be doing for others everyday. Professional golf wouldn't be a bad gig either.

Favorite Late Night Snack

Tacos

Best Meal Ever

Annual Christmas dinner at my parents house. Simple classic food cooked well. Family recipes we still do every year. Dad makes a great apple crumble that his grandmother made for years. Mom, dad and my sister drinking wine catching up and eating more than we should. We are all probably still in our pajamas.

After Work Hangout

Its got to be Rory's in Edmonds followed by my couch.

Secret Ingredient

Bourbon

Favorite Seattle Restaurants

La Carta Oaxaca, El Camion. I've had some really enjoyable meals at How to Cook a Wolf. I used to really enjoy the Old New Orleans. Just getting after some red beans and rice. Still like going out to Italianissmo out in Woodinville. They do a great job out there.

Restaurant Pet Peeve

"That's not my job" I hate hearing people say that. Guess what? If you work in a restaurant it is your job.

What do you love about Seattle?

The creativity. People around here are just doing cool things with food, booze, wine. It's only been a few years that liquor could be distilled legally here in Washington and people have just run with it and come up with some really cool things. It seems like there is just constant cultural growth around Seattle. Can't beat the sound, the mountains, the trees, and just all of the amazing natural features we have.

Favorite Place In The World

Lani Kai Beach on Oahu. Swimming in warm water is the best thing in the world. Great friends playing horseshoes and just relaxing in the sun.

Memorable Kitchen Disaster

I worked in a bar that will remain nameless. A nice winter storm knocked the power out. Our money or nothing owner at the time decided that closing would be a ridiculous idea. We lit candles kept the kitchen open and ran credit cards on the crash kit and tried to run a restaurant in the dark with no electricity. It was a complete disaster. The place filed with smoke. People were sneaking off in the dark without paying. People were falling down knocking candles and the rest of the place on the floor. Health department wasn't to happy either.

Can't Live Without

Orange juice in the morning.

What's On The DVR?

Sounders and Hawk games I've missed while working. Modern Family. House of Cards.

What's On The Nightstand?

A huge pile of books. Always has been. Id rather be reading than doing anything else.

What's On The iPod?

The Boss, Black Keys, Blackalicious, Grateful Dead, Spearhead

Favorite Movie Quote

Dread Pirate Roberts: "Good night Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I'll most likely kill you in the morning."

What Have You Learned?

I've learned that I need to keep learning. In the big picture I know nothing. As soon as you think you've got it all figured out something pops up that you don't have a clue about. Ask questions. Always ask questions.