Our Qs + As series features current, past and quite possibly, future clients. We’ll be digging a little deeper to learn about their passions, inspirations, and brunch orders.
Troy Guard, Chef and Owner of TAG Restaurant Group, was raised in both Hawaii and San Diego, spending much of his youth in either the ocean or the kitchen. After working in acclaimed kitchens around the globe, Guard followed his dream of owning his own restaurant and opened TAG in Denver, Colorado. The restaurant embodied Guard’s unique vision of Continental Social Food using local Colorado ingredients. Since then, Guard has expanded his restaurant empire with seven more concepts including Los Chingones, SugarMill, bubu, TAG Burger Bar, Guard and Grace, Lucky Cat, and Mister Tuna, with two more on the way this Spring/Summer.
Q: What would you be if you weren’t in your current role?
A: A drummer in a rock n roll band, or an architect.
Q: What was the biggest roadblock you faced when starting your career?
A: Getting a foot in the door! Everyone was looking for experience, but how could I get experience if no one hired me?!
Q: What was the best gift you ever received?
A: A signed chef’s jacket from my team in Tokyo.
Q: What’s your go-to “get hyped” song?
A: “Whiplash” by Metallica, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
Q: What is your favorite place you have traveled to, and why?
A: Hong Kong – it was my first experience outside of the United States. It was – and still is – mind blowing.
Q: What are you reading now?
A: “Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul” by Howard Schultz
Q: Who is someone in your field you really admire and why?
A:
Roy Yamaguchi. He is the father of east-meets-west. He brought out the
beast within me! He got me to cook my ass off and feel and show passion
and fire.
Q: What is your go-to brunch order?
A: My go-to brunch order is pancakes, benedicts, or a burrito.
Q: Where do you find your creative inspiration?
A: Books, travel, dining out, farmer’s markets…
Q: What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
A: Sea salt caramel or salted Oreo.
Q: What topic would you own in trivia?
A: 80’s music
Q: What historical figure would you love to have a cocktail with?
A: George Washington
Q: Is there anything else you want us to know about you?
A: I’m a great dad!