Meet your favorite Manatee chefs 'In the Kitchen'

Americans love to eat out -- at least once a week, sometimes three or four times, national surveys show. And the younger you are, the more likely you'll hit restaurant row in the next couple days.

But one trend is changing, according to a twice-annual industry survey. In ranking the top reasons they might not eat out, consumers say they will dine out less frequently this year because of concerns about health, the North American Restaurant Consumer Sentiment Review found.

That's a big change from during the Great Recession, when financial woes were the No. 1 reason likely to dampen restaurant visit frequency, the survey showed. As the economy improves, we're venturing back to our favorite eateries more often.

Tourists and residents alike have plenty of choices in Manatee County. We're blessed with an abundance of local, original restaurants and top-notch chefs who are creating innovative fare. And, starting today, we're helping you get to know our favorite chefs.
 

Chef Greg Campbell

“In the Kitchen with ...”  will feature local chefs sharing their thoughts on the local food scene, favorite recipes, cooking techniques, farm-to-table and more. The column -- the brainchild of Herald Features Editor Jana Morreale -- will publish every Wednesday in Taste, and the series will be shared online at Bradenton.com/in-the-kitchen.

Today's first serving comes from Chef Greg Campbell of Pier 22 in downtown Bradenton. In this inaugural "In the Kitchen," Chef Greg introduces us to his Grandma Simone, who embraced the love of shopping locally and instilled a glorious sense of community in her grandson. And he shares a family secret I can't wait to try: Grandma Simone's very own recipe for “chowdah”.
 

Interested chefs should contact Jana at 941-745-7059 or jmorreale@bradenton.com.