INGOOD TASTE
John Sivak , General Manager , Buford ’ s Kitchen
Candid conversations with the dining scene ’ s most engaging chefs
Buford ’ s Kitchen 5980 University Boulevard , Moon Township 412.269.0644 , bufordskitchen . com
On the Menu : Southern inspired , Louisiana-style fare begins with breakfast specialties served all day long from Pancrepes such as Bourbon Berry and Peach Cobbler Crumble to a Shrimp & Grits Bowl — to name a few . Lunch and dinner includes starters such as Fried Green Tomatoes , Southern Mac ‘ n Cheese and Creole Cream Cheese Dip ; Po ’ Boy sandwiches of Fried Catfish and Fried Shrimp ; build-your-own burgers and chicken sandwiches ; and entrees of Cajun Meatloaf , Braised Brisket , Jambalaya and Shrimp & Grits plus soups , salads , homestyle sides and specialty milkshakes .
Why did you begin a career in restaurant management ?
Q A I ’ ve been in and out of the service industry since I was as a teenager working as a dishwasher . Since then I was managing corporate sales and then worked in admissions for a college . Eventually , I found myself back in the service industry doing what I love — sharing good times and good food with good people .
What led you to become the general manager at Buford ’ s Kitchen ? Prior to coming on as the GM last June , I was bartending in Sewickley and working seven days a week . At that point I was looking to make a move into management . We have a few other restaurants along with our Buford ’ s Kitchen brand . I was in training for the company , and two days before I finished my training I was offered the general manager position at Buford ’ s .
Who has influenced your love for cooking and food ? I have a broad culinary background and have worked in mostly fine dining settings . But my dad , John , had the most influence on my career . He did a lot of the cooking when I was growing up . I would watch him to see how to do things in and around the kitchen . He made really good meals and I learned a tremendous amount from him .
What kitchen tool can ’ t you live without ? It has to be a basic six-burner stove and oven combo . There isn ’ t much you can ’ t produce with those two must-have appliances . In my previous experience I ’ ve worked with wood-fired ovens , stoves and broilers and they ’ re a much bigger challenge .
Best advice for a novice ? This industry — no matter what aspect you ’ re in — is a challenging career . I work 50-55 hours a week and it never stops . The best advice I can give is to be good with people and hone your interpersonal skills . Be a good listener and learn to take constructive criticism . Finally , try something new and think outside the box , because being creative is a big part of this industry .
Your favorite quick meal to prepare at home ? I enjoy making my own BBQ . I use a smoker yearround and make a good smoked pork or braised lamb shank . One of my favorite meals is steamed mussels in a white wine garlic butter and beer served with crusty bread to dip into the sauce — it ’ s phenomenal .
What ’ s your favorite go-to meal to cook ? It would have to be beef — there ’ s so much you can do with it . From different cuts and braising it , to a nice seared filet . The options are endless because it ’ s so versatile .
Other than Buford ’ s Kitchen , where ’ s your favorite place to eat in the city ? Gandy Dancer Saloon [ adjacent to the main dining room of the Grand Concourse ] at Station Square . I typically order Mussels a la Muer and the oysters on the half shell — they ’ re my favorite .
Where else can Buford ’ s Kitchen be found ? We have two other locations — The Streets at Racetrack Road in Washington and across from PPG Paints Arena , downtown .
What ’ s the next big food or dining trend ? I think simple comfort food is making a culinary comeback . It ’ s the next big wave and something
Buford ’ s Kitchen in Moon Townwhip .
John Sivak , General Manager , Buford ’ s Kitchen in Moon Township .
Fried Shrimp Po ’ Boy with lettuce , tomato and mayo .
Buford ’ s Build-Your-Own ( B . Y . O .) Steak Burger served on a brioche bun with lettuce and tomato .
everyone has their own interpretation of — homestyle recipes and meals that have a chef ’ s own twist . n
— Reese Randall
The edgy and rustic dining room at Buford ’ s Kitchen in Moon Townwhip .
Photos provided by Buford ’ s Kitchen .
10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Carlynton-Montour