So, I have been working on a new project for the last couple of months. A project that is near and dear to my heart. Any of you that know me, know that I have cooked professionally for a long time. Food is my livelihood, my passion (although I hate using that word) and the first creative outlet I was good at. For years I lived to be on the line, talking shit, singing along to Slayer and making beautiful food. Pushing myself to the very edge of my skills. There's nothing like making it through a dinner service in a hellfire hot kitchen when you thought you weren't going to make it. The other thing about cooking for me was always the camaraderie. We all got through it together. In the process, we developed friendships and a brotherhood that will last a lifetime. I wouldn't trade this for the world.

When I found photography last fall, It was a lot like finding cooking. Just like cooking, I have studied and practiced. I've succeeded. I've failed many more times than I've suceeded. I continue to learn and remain teachable because that's the only way I can get better at both of those things. When I was thinking about starting a new project, I wanted to do something different from my usual Dark Minneapolis stuff. The idea came to me that I should take photos of all of my brothers and sisters working in the kitchens and restaurants of the Twin Cities. What has come of that is the beginning of a series that will probably be ongoing for years. There's always another restaurant I want to shoot. Anyhow, this is an introduction to my unnamed chef series. I have photographed three restaurants so far.

The Strip Club Meat and Fish.

St. Genevieve.

Saint Dinette.

When I started the project. It only seemed logical to go to my old boss and mentor JD Fratzke at the Strip Club to get it started.

He was more than happy to let me invade his kitchen.

The noises and smells really brought me back to my time there.

My old station. I'm sure it's still hot as ever in that corner.

After I shot at the Strip Club and it went so well, I decided to continue the project and started thinking about where I wanted to shoot next. I had heard great things about St. Genevieve. I messaged Steven Brown about shooting there, not even expecting to get a response. He got right back to me and seemed really open to the idea. So we set a date and time. This is such a beautiful restaurant.

You just don't see those beautiful pressed tin ceilings anymore.

The attention to detail in the restaurant is amazing. Right down to the napkins.

In my opinion the kitchen is just as beautiful. It is the same size as the restaurant, down in the basement.

This is a kitchen I didn't know anyone in. They graciously put up with me for the couple of hours I was in their way.

I feel like every time I shoot in a kitchen, I need to get a shot of the chef's office desk and bookshelves. I think it adds loads of personality and character. You can tell a lot about somebody by what's on their desk.

After a few scheduling conflicts that were all my fault, I was able to go shoot at Saint Dinette. This one was really fun for me. I had never been there. I'd heard it was beautiful. I was also greeted by none other than Tim Niver. Tim is the king of comfort and a good friend. I've never had anything but an amazing experience when I am at one of his restaurants.

I started in the dining room.

Great symmetry, clean lines and high ceilings really make this place. Not to mention the huge Windows.

The front of house was as fun to shoot as the kitchen in this place.

The kitchen was hard to shoot in. The hallways and entrances to the line were narrow and they were trying to work.

I can't tell if he's just thinking or if he wants to shove me in the oven lol.

I was there shooting for about three hours. I saw an old friend, made some new ones and then Karen and Benjamin came down and we all had dinner. If you have not had the cheeseburger at Saint Dinette you are missing out.

So, I realize this was a longer than usual blog post. In the future I'll be sure to write a blog post about each individual restaurant. Also, stay tuned for more Dark Minneapolis blog stuff as I have a few of those irons in the fire as well.