In honor of the upcoming Taste of NFL’s Party with a Purpose, get to know the event’s participating chefs. Check back weekly to get to know other Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose chefs from all over the nation!
Chef: Troy Guard
Restaurant and location: TAG Continental Social Food, Tag Burger Bar, bubu, Los Chingones, Guard and Grace and Sunnyside Burger Bar in Denver, Colo.
Web site: www.tag-restaurant.com, www.tagburgerbar.com, www.bubu-denver.com, www.loschingonesmexican.com, www.guardandgrace.com, www.sunnysideburgerbar.com
Social media: @troyguard, @tagrestaurant, www.facebook.com/tagrestaurant
What inspired you to take part in the Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose? I do a lot of work in my community and love to do so. Makes me feel good giving back, but how crazy is it that I work in a restaurant and there are still so many people out there that are hungry? So when Wayne approached me about this event, it was really a no-brainer to help out, plus the opportunity to travel and meet new people and be a part of this awesome organization.
Any hints as to what you’ll be dishing up at the party? Something local and to our style of our cuisine, so we are doing a bison ravioli, carrot puree, carrot top salad, local ricotta cheese.
Say you’re hosting a Super Bowl party. What dish do you serve to guests? I love chips and salsa. You could do so many different flavors and textures with this simple idea. My go-to chip is wonton chips and charred tomato and tomatillo salsa!
Have you always had a passion for the culinary arts? How did you get your start? Never knew I had it in me, but I did start cooking very early in my life, I’m also the oldest of five and loved doing it and it kinda grew from there. My big start was working with Roy Yamaguchi in hawaii – he really opened my eyes up to it as a business and using local product!
What do you love most about what you do? I love making people happy and I love being creative. Every day is a new day and new opportunity to be imaginative and follow my passion.
What are your goals for the coming year? Well , I have a son coming in Oct. 16, and I’m opening my eighth restaurant in January. So always something to do!
What food bank are you representing? Colorado Food Bank of the Rockies.
And a few fun faves…
Favorite Super Bowl memory: My most fave Super Bowl memory was probably in New Orleans two years ago. We stayed in the hotel that the Ravens were staying at as well, plus in New Orleans you can walk to everything , the weather was just awesome, the food and culture there is just so amazing, the people. Sitting on the Mississippi listening to great jazz and dancing, plus I had invited my buddies down and they helped me dish out great food all night to taste of the NFL fans that came to support this great event. I’d vote to hold the Super Bowl there every year!
Favorite sports-watching snack: I love chips and salsa, pizza and tacos!
Favorite cocktail to whip up for Super Bowl guests: I go for refreshing and so I like mojitos. Mint, agave, soda water, rum and I like kumquats and jalapeno. You can put whatever citrus you like and tastes great! Its fun to lay it all out and guests and try there version and mix and match – there is no wrong combination.
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Taste of NFL Chef Chat: Troy Guard of Denver, Colo.
