Book, Broadcast & Journalism Chef Q & A: Amanda Baumgarten

Amanda Baumgarten, Herringbone, La Jolla, CA

What’s your go-to guilty-pleasure food?
Chinese food delivery on Sunday nights. It was a Baumgarten family tradition when I was growing up, and to this day there is nothing better than mu shu pork and 60 Minutes on my night off.

What’s your favorite movie, and why?
Dr. Strangelove, because it’s amazing and always makes me laugh.

Describe the last great meal you ate.
The last great meal I ate was at Market in Del Mar. Carl Schroeder is an amazing chef. He has a respect for product that comes through in every dish.

What’s the dish you’re most proud of?
Halibut with farro, oyster mushrooms, Meyer lemon, and hazelnut vinaigrette.

What’s your favorite movie snack?
Movie theater popcorn with lots of butter and a regular Coke.

What’s your earliest food memory?
I observed a strict macaroni and cheese diet until about the age of 12. However, when I was 14 my dad took me to the oyster bar at Harrods in London, and I tried my first oyster. I remember being so scared!

What was your first job in the culinary world?
My first job in a kitchen was an internship at L’Orangerie in Los Angeles.

What movie are you ashamed to admit you love?
Rudy. It makes me cry every time.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Sleep on it!