Chef Spotlight: ADAM HAYGOOD of The Grotto in Milford Pennsylvania

Chef Adam Haygood opened The Grotto restaurant in Milford, Pennsylvania in the spring of 2013. Even though it's the first restaurant he could call his own, it is by no means his first restaurant experience. Haygood has been a chef for over 20 years having graduated from the New York Restaurant School in 1994. His internships included a variety of venues from casual to fine dining to one of New York City's largest caterers.

Haygood's professional experience is similarly well rounded. He knew early on in his culinary career that spending time at several different restaurants would be more advantageous that settling to work at one. Most of the contemporary Manhattan restaurants in the mid-nineties were following the comfort food and Asian fusion trend. His exposure to these unique dining concepts helped cultivate his already creative nature. The free-range ingenuity of many of the French restaurants that he worked for enhanced his artistic aptitude.

Haygood has always been a chef who likes to be distinctive and audacious when it comes to his culinary creations. Featuring seasonal menus is one way he can offer innovative items to his guests while taking advantage of the offerings of the local and small farmers that he works with. The recent "farm to table" movement is of utmost importance to him as sustainability and consuming fresh, unmodified food becomes more than just a trend, but way of life for everyone. Haygood is happy to support this community effort by growing his own produce and procuring as much as he can from small farms and local farmers.

Haygood invites guests to come and enjoy what The Grotto has to offer and to taste what's fresh and new. Broadwayworld.com interviewed Chef Adam Haygood about The Grotto in Milford, Pennsylvania and his career.

What was your earliest interest in cooking?

I became interested in cooking around age 9.

Who were some of your career mentors?

My Aunt was a strong influence in me getting into cooking and appreciating different foods. She was a world traveler and exposed me to many different styles of preparing food.

What culinary styles have influenced your career?

I enjoyed working in Mediterranean style restaurants and I guided my career path in that direction so I could expose myself to that style of cooking. I find the Mediterranean style of cooking fascinating because how all the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea use similar ingredients but prepare them differently.

What do you consider the most distinguishing features of your work as a chef?

I'd say the varying and creative presentation of my dishes when I utilize seasonal ingredients for my changing menus is one of my most distinguishing culinary attributes. I love to change things up and use new and fresh seasonal ingredients to create unique dishes.

What is your favorite meal?

That's one the most commonly asked questions by my customers and friends. I don't have a favorite dish per se, although I do enjoy any good meal that is prepared with thought, attention to detail, and most importantly love. For this reason I prefer to frequent the privately owned small "mom & pop" type restaurants.

Tell me a little bit about your restaurant for our readers.

We offer an eclectic seasonal menu with a focus on Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. In an effort to promote sustainability and a healthy eating life style, we support local farms and businesses by obtaining as much of our food as we can locally. The Grotto Restaurant is set in the historic Zaloom house that fits perfectly in the historic town of Milford. Our patio seating is lovely during the warm weather and the dining rooms are perfect any time.

The Grotto is located at 508 Harford Street, Milford, Pennsylvania 18337. They are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner and you can BYOB. Call them at 570.409.4588 or visit their web site at http://themilfordgrotto.com/index.htm.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Adam Haygood