by Steven Doyle
Chef David Anthony Temple, or as commonly known as Chef DAT, is the undisputed king of the underground restaurant movement. Soon he will be opening his own restaurant in Deep Ellum where you will find much of the same cuisine, with a sprinkling of his Louisiana roots. DAT is always entertaining, and always smiling, which has a terrific reflection in his work.
DAT sends us some holiday loving.
What was your favorite childhood toy?
I remember loving Ninja Turtles. They hated when I got older and discovered Black Cat firecrackers though…
Any particular foods stand out for Christmas?
I make gumbo every year for Christmas. It is my family recipe from New Orleans that was perfected by my Mom. This year we are doing quarts of gumbo for $25 and giving $5 from each purchase to Family Compass to support the prevention and education of child abuse. We have had a great response.
What would an ideal cocktail be for the holidays?
I love a Sazerac or a Vieux Carre anytime my boys at TSP, Black Swan, and Parliament make me one…. but when the cold wind creeps in I always think of the Chef DAT Cooking Tour with Moses Guidry and the Irish Coffee at Buena Vista in San Francisco.
What is the worst gift you have received?
My Wine Director, Jason Rodrigue, would say it is him…. haha. But honestly I am thankful for any gift I receive. The worst gift for me was not having the availability to give and share with others… now we can and that makes our community stonger and tighter
What is the best?
My wonderful girlfriend Sarah Harper is the best gift ever! I am a lucky man to have such a great woman. She shocks me everyday with her intelligence and strength. And she is soooo damn adorable!!
