Clermont Brewing Company offers visitors the trifecta of refreshing craft beers (brewed on-site, of course), artisanal food (like thin crust pizzas made with house-made dough), and live music from Central Florida’s best entertainers. Grab your family and friends and choose from three distinct dining areas: indoor dining with elevated, farmhouse-inspired decor; a relaxed, covered patio; or a bright and vibrant beer garden.
Today, we’re excited to share our interview with Brett Van Zile, executive chef of Clermont Brewing Company.
Executive Chef Brett Van Zile
What cuisine is your specialty?
Elevated pub food.
If you could travel anywhere in the world to eat for one week, where would you go?
Japan
Who had the biggest influence on the way you cook, and why?
My grandfather – he showed me at a young age to embrace my passion for cooking.
What’s your most guilty junk-food pleasure?
Gummies.
If you weren’t a chef, what would your dream job be?
No clue!
Get to Know Chef Brett
What’s your go-to meal at home?
At home, I enjoy cooking tacos, burgers, and fried rice.
What advice would you share with chefs just beginning their careers?
It seems hard to see the light in the beginning — with day-to-day operations, staffing shortages, food price increases, etc. Ultimately, dealing with these things only makes you stronger and teaches you to be aggressive when seeking solutions!
What’s your favorite local restaurant other than your own?
Mori Moto Asia.
What three things are in your fridge at all times?
I always have hot sauce, BBQ sauce, and chocolate milk.
What was your favorite bagged lunch as a kid?
Chicken salad sandwiches.
For more Chef Q&As, visit our archives.
