Fresh cuts

SHORNE BENJAMIN, Fat Fowl

WORK • Tuesday Routine

SHORNE BENJAMIN • founder/executive chef • Fat Fowl
Neighborhood you work in: Downtown Brooklyn

It’s Tuesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Walking into Fat Fowl, I have an overwhelming sense of pride for the team. They take initiative to keep the restaurant organized and keep the customers happy. After my daily operations debrief, I begin my routine checks of the restaurant (from supplies, inventory, equipment) to make sure everything is up to both our operational and brand standards. Then, I go and taste the food prepared by the chef and make sure to give it the stamp of approval.

What’s on the agenda for today? 
Today, I’m observing guests who travel from near and far to experience Fat Fowl. In two years’ time, we have become a destination in Brooklyn — I am humbled and proud of the recognition. Due to all the love, I am actively working on expanding the brand and having additional locations. It is time to grow so we can offer even more.

Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend? 
I want to go to Bungalow in the East Village, though it's hard to get a reservation. I met the chef Vikas Khannavi at a charity gala, and attended some other events alongside him, and recently we were both on the Tamron Hall Show on the same day for a “culture and cuisine” food feature. I’ve wanted to go to his restaurant and pay homage to him.

How about a little leisure or culture this week? 
One thing I always look forward to doing in Brooklyn is getting my haircut at Mr. Barber. Mr. Barber is a black-owned business that gives you an elevated experience as you can receive both a haircut and facial at the same time. My barber Kurt is the best and I always leave his chair a brand new person. Running and owning a restaurant is stressful, and appointments like these are important to me as far as my health and wellness.

I also love going to the Chinatown speakeasy Apotheke. It has nightly live music that combines my favorite genres of music: brass, bluegrass, jazz, and R&B. They serve a variety of well-crafted cocktails and I love the atmosphere.

What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
I am very into fashion and prioritize having a trendy casual style. For example, I love wearing jumpsuits as one of my signature style options either in the kitchen or casual, paired with stylish street shoes.

What NYC store or service do you love to recommend?
I recommend all chefs, aspiring or professional, go to Kalustyan's Spice Market, located at 123 Lexington Ave in Kips Bay. It’s like a playground for chefs — you can go in and find anything you need, but also find inspiration for your next dish.