Justin Hoke | Split Rail Tavern
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here’s no denying the creative aspect of cooking. In fact, Justin Hoke never wanted to be a chef when he grew up; he wanted to be a jazz musician. Now, his creativity is manifested in producing locally sourced New American brunch, lunch, and dinner cuisine, as Split Rail has quietly become a favorite addition to the WC food scene since opening its doors in 2015.
Do you cook at home? Yes — pancakes for my three kids. Where do you like to go to eat in West Chester? Slow Hand for the Octopus. Just outside of town, I like Masamoto in Glen Mills. Were you trained formally, or through on-the-job experience? Both. Formal training at NYIT — New York Institute of Technology, and on-the-job experience at Le Bec Fin in Philadelphia and Le Cirque in Manhattan.
Favorite healthy food? Favorite junk food? Favorite comfort food? Healthy food is smoothies; junk food is Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and comfort food is sushi. Any favorite places that have closed but you wish were still around? Yes, Levante at The Stables Beer Garden in Chester Springs. What would you make if you were in a cooking competition? Escargot.
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