Chef of the moment: Brian Huskey is L.A.’s ‘Top Chef’ hopeful

Brian Huskey will be L.A.’s lone hopeful when the new season of “Top Chef” premieres on Bravo Oct. 2. The Pasadena, Calif. native who started his career at the A.O.S. Culinary Arts and the California Culinary Academy in San Fransisco, decided to take a culinary journey around the world after he finished his training. During his travels he learned how to incorporate Asian, French, Peruvian and Californian influences into his food. He eventually returned to L.A. and landed a job with Ricardo Zarate. Huskey helped Zarate open Picca and Mochica and currently works as a saucier at Paiche. If Huskey wins season 11 of the cooking competition show, he’ll be the first L.A. chef to win since Michael Voltaggio in season 6.

Latest ingredient obsession?

My latest ingredient obsession is white soy sauce.

What restaurant do you find yourself going to again and again - and what do you order?

Sushi Gen for the sashimi lunch special and Yogurtland for all the fruit flavored yogurts topped with fruity pebbles and gummy bears.

The last cookbook you read - and what inspired you to pick it up?

The last cook book i read was “ i ¿ NY ingredients and recipe” by Daniel Humm and Will Guidara. It was gifted to me by good friend Michael Cirino.

What’s your favorite breakfast?

My favorite breakfast is sausage eggs benedict on a biscuit with extra hollandaise sauce and tater tots.

Your favorite day off away from the kitchen is ...

My favorite day off away from the kitchen is spending the day with girlfriend Shannon Loera. Starting with sleeping in a little, a bloody Mary, then enjoying LA (sporting event, concert, museum, new places to eat, beach) and end it cooking together and watching a movie. Simple pleasures.

13488 Maxella Avenue, Marina Del Rey, (310) 893-6100, www.paichela.com.

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