Brandon Fazio – unfiltered

My Stories

  • Navigating Burnout

    In the hospitality industry, burnout is unfortunately all too common. While those of us in the field understand the demands—long hours, working holidays and weekends—it becomes disheartening when our work feels like a burden. The primary culprit behind burnout, I believe, is the work environment. The kitchen should be a space where we eagerly share… Read more

  • Flying Lobster

    Flying Lobster

    What a week my friends. One of my cooks was assaulted by a guest with a lobster tail. Happy to report he’s fine. Reminds me of another funny lobster tale. I worked for a chef once with a very wild imagination. Walking into the restaurant one morning there was a sign stating “Live lobster dinners”… Read more

  • The Thunder Dome

    The Thunder Dome

    “We’re fucked chef Brandon, absolutely fucked!!!” “Whoa buddy, what’s going on chef?” “Everyone called out. EVERYONE” “Alright, let me call the big boss and see how many hands we can round up. We’re gonna be alright.” I said with a smile. This experience occurred at a major resort and casino in Las Vegas. It was… Read more

  • Dear Chefs

    Dear Chefs

    BOOM! the kitchen doors swing open, in comes the chef riding on her broom. Cooks that aren’t busy on a task, grab a rag and start wiping already clean counters. Everyone avoids eye contact with her to steer clear of a deathly look. This is a good example of how not to carry yourself as… Read more

  • Florida Part 2

    Florida Part 2

    Walking home from the bar and grill one afternoon, I noticed a brand new fancy looking restaurant being built on Beach Boulevard. “La Fogata” which means – the fire was the name of the place. A now hiring sign hung. While I was having fun with all the characters I was working with, I wasn’t… Read more

  • A new chapter in Florida

    A new chapter in Florida

    When I was 23 years old my late brother Mark was living in Gulfport, Florida a quaint gulf community full of artists and my favorite type of tree, the palm tree. After he described it to me, it sounded like paradise, and I was tired of the frigid Ohio winters . I packed up my… Read more