Eat Alabama Seafood

Name: Chef Steve Zucker

Name of Restaurant: Dauphin’s in Mobile, AL

Restaurant Phone Number: 251-444-0200

Where were you born and raised?

Born and raised in North Carolina, but I moved to New Orleans when I was 17.

What inspired you to become a chef?

Both of my grandmothers were amazing Southern cooks that taught me appreciation of great food.

Where did you train to become a chef?

I learned to cook in New Orleans and received my associate degree in Culinary Arts there. Then I received my bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales in Providence, RI.

What others jobs have you worked within the food industry?

I’ve worked briefly at every front of the house position as a second job when I was young, so I could understand the business better. Of course, my first position was washing dishes.

What does your typical workday involve?

Insuring that we are ready to take care of our guests, including staffing, coaching, and ordering product as well as prepping items. We also trying out new dishes for the future and get to know our guests, letting them know how much we appreciate them.

Who is the most notable person you’ve ever cooked for?

Depends on your perspective. I’ve cooked for Bill Clinton when he was president, a few different billionaires, many major musicians and stars when I was a Chef in Vegas and Hawaii. But for me, cooking for the late Julia Child or Jean Louis Palladin are at the top.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Fishing, golf, watching SEC football and the New Orleans Saints.

If you weren’t a chef, what line of work would you pursue?

Teaching or sales.

What’s your favorite seafood dish to serve up for yourself and your family?

I love what we are doing with the gourmet oysters down here! I also love all our fresh fish. My wife is the Alabama crabmeat lover, either as a West Indies or in a rich au gratin.

What makes Alabama Gulf Seafood special?

Location, pride, and commitment to quality. We’re blessed to have these great resources and all these amazing people that work hard getting us great product as fresh as possible. The work that goes into farming our gourmet oysters is hard, but the results are fantastic!