Name: Jason Alford
Instagram: palaphxdt / palaphx
Website: palakitchen.com
Age: 39
Title: executive chef
Married/Single: married
Kids: 3
City you live in: Scottsdale
A typical day in my life includes… Help Jess get the kids out the door for school. Admin and email for the restaurant at home. Pick up fish from the airport for both restaurant locations if it’s a Tuesday. Brainstorms specials, plan the week with the chefs at each location.
I was born…Eugene, Oregon
My favorite thing about Arizona…diverse landscape, our farmers, growers, and community
I’m listening to…Jervis Campbell
My family…is 2 girls, 1 boy. 3, 5, 8
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… with my family, fortunate enough to do that more than just one night a week as a full time chef.
One thing I cannot live without… my kids, my wife
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a cook
I’m inspired by… nature, creation, those who create in food and music
The one person who motivates me is… my wife, she’s fulltime at home raising our 3 kids. Our culture celebrates busyness, overworking ourselves, gathering and hurrying around to the next appointment. She is a motivator but also knows how to keep our family time protected and remind everyone to slow down when we get caught up in day to day.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… social media
The perfect day would be… I am blessed to be getting a lot of them right now….just time spent with our kids and family and watching them grow and explore the world
My first job was…a lifeguard
My favorite escape… creating and playing music
My life…awesome
I’m currently working on… a new concept and expanding our current one, and an album
Always… first in, first out
Never… assume
Worst Quote… ‘you do you’ – people really do this.
Biggest Dream… more land and more time to be on it
My Pet Peeve(s)…a dirty kitchen
Bio-on yourself/company: Chef Jason Alford evolves Pa’la into another class of wood-fire fare. A seasoned veteran of open wood-fire grilling and ‘robatayaki’ (Japanese style ‘fireside’ cooking) a decade at the helm of decorated ROKA AKOR, a contemporary Japanese steakhouse with multiple outposts. Joining Pa’la in the downtown progression, the confluence is evident in both locations.
‘I have been in this community as a chef for 15 years and now as father and husband. I love to cook dishes that highlight the natural qualities of the food itself, and nourish not only my own family, but the community that we thrive in’
Pa’La is the culmination of these efforts—a place where good food offers an experience for the community.
