21 Questions with Brian McCourt, Culinary Director, Ignite Restaurant Group

Published

Table of contents

In this edition of 21 questions, we interviewed Brian McCourt. Brian is the Culinary Director at Ignite Restaurant Group, which includes The Rich Uncle TavernGraffiti Market and Crowsfoot Smokehaus (opening soon)!

Where were you born?

Dublin, Ireland

Where did you grow up?

Dublin, Ireland

Biggest inspiration?

My two grannies

Top 3 ingredients in your pantry?

San Marzano tomatoes, flour, good olive oil

What do you make for a lazy supper?

Cheese, cured meats, bread and picked things

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chewy candy

Favourite vacation spot?

Tuscany, Italy

Favourite food city?

Montreal

Favourite item on your menu?

Our pizzas!

What’s the last [Netflix] show you binged?

Black Mirror

Favourite Instagram account?

@Notorious_p.i.e

Go-to lunch spot in Kitchener?

I don’t ever get to go out for lunch because I’m always working, but I do love The Belmont Bistro for Brunch, does that count?

Favourite restaurant to celebrate a special occasion?

The Bruce in Stratford.

Kitchener’s best coffee…

Red Circle Coffee Co!

Kitchener’s best-kept secret?

If I told you it wouldn’t be a secret.

What’s your favourite thing to do outside of work?

Spend time with my wife and family.

What food trend needs to go?

Cauliflower pizza

Name 3 guests at your ideal dinner party?

My two grandmothers and Julia Child.

3 things you’d tell a new restaurateur?

Treat your team like family, never stop teaching and celebrate the victories.

What would be your mediocre superpower?

Sleep on command.

Who should we interview next?

David Hutchison from the Scran and Dram and The Imperial in New Hamburg.

Cursor
Build a modern restaurant website

Try Sociavore free for 14 days, and explore all the tools you need to build a modern restaurant guest experience online. No credit card required.