Meet the Chef: Scott Conant

Hometown: Waterbury, CT

Occupation: Chef/Owner of Scarpetta & D.O.C.G. Restaurants

Favorite destinations: Difficult to answer…I tend to travel depending on my mood. In autumn and spring, my favorite destinations are the mountains of Austria, Bavaria, and Südtirol of Italy. In the summer, I love the beaches of St. Barths and visiting my wife’s family in Bodrum, Turkey.

Dying to visit: Southeast Asia — Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam.

Bizarre travel rituals: It’s difficult with a child now, but I love to travel without a plan. I like to speak to the local people — ask them where to go, trust their judgment, and expand my network, so to speak.

In-flight relaxation regime: No matter how long the flight is, I always have two large bottles of water with me, and I don’t eat while in the air. I figure I’ll just eat when I arrive.

Always in carry-on: BOSE silent headphones, iPad with books loaded and ready to go (I’m usually reading three books at a time), and paperwork.

Concierge or DIY? DIY, but ask friends a ton of questions.

See it all or take it easy? Take it easy, unless it’s a business trip.

Drive or be driven? Combination of the two.

Travel hero: Indiana Jones.

Weirdest thing seen on travels: Halloween in Las Vegas…enough said!

Best hotel amenity: I saw a hotel do an all-you-can-eat/drink at their minibar and that was pretty cool.

I dream about my meal at various tabernas on the Costa del Sol.

Everywhere I go, I check out the local markets.

When I arrive in a new place, I learn the lay of the land by observing at a local osteria, tavern, or izakya.

I always bring home a couple extra pounds.

I travel for the experiences.

MORE SCOTT 

Twitter: @conantnyc
Facebook: Chef Scott Conant (official fan page)
Website: Scottconant.com
Shows: Food Network's 24 Hour Restaurant Battle, Chopped
Books: Scott Conant's New Italian Cooking, Bold Italian
Stories on Fathom