Chef Chatter With Braden Reardon of The Wayfarer

by The Daily Front Row

Midtown’s got a brand new seafood haunt, courtesy of The Metric and ESquared Hospitality, and chef Braden Reardon is the man in charge of the kitchen. With his extensive fishing background, you can bet your lobster rolls and salmon burgers that The Wayfarer in The Quin (located at 101 West 57th Street) will make for a delectable power lunch or a lavish din.

The menu is seafood-filled! Are you a talented fisherman?
I’ve been sport fishing my whole life, but also spent a couple seasons in Alaska as a deckhand on a fishing boat. It was an invaluable experience, being directly at the source and getting to know the communities responsible for so much of the seafood I use as a chef. 

What’s the one food trend you can’t get down with? 
Molecular gastronomy is just not my deal. You don’t need to manipulate food to make it better; my cooking style is all about simple, great food and flavors. 

What are the best dishes to grab on-the-go?
The petit lobster rolls and oysters tempura are great for sharing. The chopped market vegetable salad is really light and well-balanced, while the Scottish salmon burger, topped with pickled red onion and saffron roullie and served with hand cut fries, is a heartier choice. 

If you were to wear Ray Ban Wayfarers in the kitchen, what would they look like?
I save sunglasses for my rare days off! 

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