MEET CHEF BRYANT

Tell us a bit about yourself! 

I was born in Racine, Wisconsin. I moved during my childhood and grew up in a suburb of Chicago IL, called Wheeling. I went to culinary school in Chicago, as well.

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Why did you become a chef?

My earliest memory of cooking is helping my mother make chocolate chip cookies. Some time later, when she allowed me to grate carrots for the coleslaw, I knew I was moving up in the world.

Originally, I aspired to become a chef on television...specifically Food Network (the OG influencers).

What inspires you/brings you joy?

Fresh and local ingredients, people eating and talking around a table, international traveling (and eating), dancing, fresh coffee...there is more, but that's a good start.

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Favorite places you've worked/cooked!

Campagnola's - (Italian restaurant in Evanston, IL) My first real job cooking...I was so nervous, I passed out on the first day.

Decadent Delight - it was my bakery that I created and operated here in Ann Arbor. I became locally famous for a dolphin cake I did for a celebrity in town...which can actually be googled.

Gandy Dancer (Ann Arbor)- Big time pastry making. Big fine-dining restaurant, big menu, big everything! Good times!

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What's your favorite food to eat and favorite food to prepare?

I really like Chicago style pizza (I might be biased), IL, Chuchitos (Guatemalan dish),  Banana bread

I like making crab cakes...(probably because I can't stop eating them), Eggs Benedict (this is somewhat of an obsession), Chicken Makhani aka Butter Chicken

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Why Phi Rho? 

Phi Rho has been such a joy to be a part of. I never knew med students would have such an open and accepting palette. Healthy is important here, but taste is certainly just as important (and sometimes, more important). I think there are some similarities between chef and medical school cultures...we all tend to be type A, especially when it comes to cleanliness.

Phi Rho is a family. The community here is what I'm all about, not only as a chef but just simply as a human.

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What's your favorite Phi Rho memory? 

Every Phriendsgiving!

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Spill the tea! Who has the best table manners?

Generally, everyone has great manners...but, I think it's a toss up between Jodi and Graham.

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Tell us a bit about your love for music/where can we access your 🔥 playlists?

I have always LOVED music. When I was in high school, I would have my backpack, and separately, a huge ziploc bag of cassette tapes that I was non-stop feeding into my walkman. Music and food are one the same to me; I feel both very deeply. You can see my unorganized playlists on Spotify.