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DA R R E L L CA M P B E L L CREDENTIALS: EXECUTIVE CHEF, MASTERS KITCHEN AND COCKTAIL Q: Tell us about Masters Kitchen and Cocktail. Darrell Campbell: Masters has something for everybody. The menu and restaurant are wide open. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with a massive bar and a big lounge area and seated dining area. There’s different vibes in each section; you can opt for chicken wings, ribs and beer or you can opt for a nice cocktail, a cool appetizer and a nice entree. The venue is diverse.
arugula and hazelnuts, all with a balsamic reduction around it. This dish has everything that complements each other: cold and hot, crunchy and soft, sweet and sour, and with a little bit of spice.
Q: How would you describe your style of cooking? DC: I have an Italian influence, but like most chefs, I’d say California modern. But, honestly, it’s about what is available at the farms and in the ocean. I like simplicity, and I don’t try to mask flavors. I let good quality ingredients speak for themselves.
Q: In your opinion, what makes a great restaurant? DC: A positive vibe; it’s simple. I try to create a positive vibe in the kitchen. It leaks out into the community and dining room. The food and service follows. You can feel it in what you eat and how it’s presented.
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Q: What’s your favorite meat to work with? DC: Any part of the pig. On our menu, specifically, I like our Crispy Pork Belly. The pork is served with a smoked cannellini bean puree, and apple and herb salad with frisee and 40 LOCALE MAGAZINE
A COLLAB FOR THE AGES • Most recently, Campbell coordinated a collaboration dinner between Masters and local farm, Cyclops Farm.
Q: What inspires and influences your work as a chef? DC: I’m influenced by everyone: chefs, owners, dishwashers. I’ve always just listened to everyone and took in everything I could. I learn new things everyday, and believe that you always can as a chef.
WORDS OF WISDOM • Campbell’s piece of advice for aspiring chefs: you get out what you put in. NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • Masters’ happy hour runs a special on the restaurant's famed burger that is served with bacon aioli. Yes, you read that right: bacon aioli.
MASTERS KITCHEN AND COCKTAIL 208 S Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054 760.231.6278 www.mastersoceanside.com