Cool Peep of the Week: Blake Brissette-Mathias
WHO IS THIS COOL PEEP: Blake Brissette-Mathias
I am a restaurateur who has been in the food and beverage world for over 15 years. I grew up in Bullhead City, Arizona for most of my young life before moving to Las Vegas for high school. I attended the University of Arizona where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree, focusing on English and History. I began my food and beverage career in Las Vegas with China Grill LLC, along with a brief stint in Chicago, assisting with the opening of Ian Shrager’s Public Hotel. I furthered my career with Fox Restaurant Concepts in Phoenix, Arizona, where I was fortunate to open two back to back restaurants, climbing into the GM role for three different restaurant concepts within Fox Restaurant Concepts. I currently reside in Surf City, USA (Huntington Beach) and I’m the Food and Beverage GM of Shorebreak Hotel with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants—and how could I complain?
What are a few of your favorite things?
My son. He is the best thing to have ever happened to me. Some other loves: all food and beverage, but if it comes to MUST HAVE’s, I find myself sticking to a few gems of eclectic America: I love a good cheeseburger—simple, not extravagant and full of flavor. And what accompanies a great cheeseburger, well, a good ole’ fashion classic brew: Coors Original. I love beer, all of it, all flavors— but nothing resonates with me more than Golden Colorado’s finest. Growing up in Las Vegas we never had sports teams so I stuck with my family roots of the Midwest. I am a HUGE Chicago Bulls fan! I love my alma mater The University of Arizona, and I fell in love with Team USA and the soccer craze of the world.
When you are home alone and you think no one is watching, what are the quirky things you do?
I dance…it is totally true. I am a horrible dancer, but when no one is looking I tend to bust a move.
What’s your favorite haunt?
If I am in the Huntington Beach area you can most likely find me at SOCIAL in Costa Mesa. I know one of the bartenders there who makes the best Old Fashioned I have ever had. Plus, their cheeseburger is unreal.
Empty your pockets right now. Be honest, what did you find?
Car keys, Chapstick (cannot leave home without it), pocket knife, cell phone, handkerchief…lastly…Fast and Furious 7 ticket stub. I know, I know, total nerd, but again, I own it.
What is one thing that no one would ever guess about you (at least by looking at you)?
I love comics, super heroes, and make believe tales of adventure. I mean, how wouldn’t want to be Wolverine?
What’s playing on your iTunes?
All types of music. I love country, house, hip-hop and even hair metal! There even may be the occasional Bieber jam…his new album is legit and I am not ashamed to admit it.
Where can we find you next?
I like where I am. I enjoy the area, the culture – but I am an Arizona native at heart. For now, I like hanging out in the OC. Kimpton is a great company to work for with an ever growing plate of opportunities. I’m sure this where I plug – my bar – and maybe down the road that is where I will be
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