It’s official – Folio Weekly has declared Chef Tom Gray Jacksonville’s favorite chef. After my five minutes with Chef Gray, I have to say that I agree. I met Chef Gray at the Riverside Arts Market Toyota Hybrid Farm to Table event on Saturday, October 10, 2009. By the time I caught him, he was already knee-deep in paella.

It already smelled terrific but soon he was adding fresh local shrimp to the mix. I had never seen such a large paella pan in person! Chef Gray met me with a smile and assembled his mouthwatering crowd pleaser while we chatted.

So, Chef Gray, what exactly are you making today? (As if it weren’t painfully obvious!)

“This is a Big Ass Paella!”

Indeed it is, Chef! Congratulations on your nomination for the James Beard Award! How did you find out you were nominated? Singing telegram? Dancing girls? Lobstergram?

“Actually, I got a phone call from a food writer asking me what I thought of being nominated! I checked it out and there I was!”

What a thrill! There have been a lot of changes around Bistro AIX this season. What’s your favorite dish on your new fall menu?

“That’s like asking me which child is my favorite! I really enjoy the butternut squash, fish and organic beets with lentils. It’s all good!”

Bistro AIX started using new eco-containers for to-go uses last Thursday. What other steps is the restaurant taking to be more environmentally friendly?

“We’ve been recycling for about a year and a half. We also locally source everything we can. Twinn Bridges Farms sources a lot of our produce.”

What’s your favorite local ingredient to work with?

“I really enjoy using seasonal and organic produce – tomatoes, peppers and arugula are good right now, but I really go with the seasons.”

I noticed that Bistro AIX is on Twitter now. How has the new food media affected how you operate the restaurant?

“We really notice the instant response from the users. We publicize special offers and giveaways. It’s funny, we did a giveaway not too long ago and no one came in to claim it! All the users thought we’d be mobbed!”

Finally, Chef Gray, I ask all the chefs I talk to – What would you choose for your last meal?

Big congrats to Chef Gray for his “Best of Jax” title and to Bistro AIX for their “Best Restaurant” title. It’s always a joy to see someone with such an open heart sharing great food with a love for the city. Chef Tom Gray is a great guy and truly the Best of Jacksonville.

Find out more about Bistro AIX and Chef Tom Gray at their website - www.bistrox.com.
Special thanks to Kirsten with the Toyota Hybrid Farm to Table Tour, Twinn Bridges Farm, Bistro AIX and Chef Tom Gray for letting me talk with him while he cooked up his delicious food!