By Scott Kearnan
To us, chefs are celebrities and restaurant life is the height of drama. (You’ve seen Hell’s Kitchen, right?) And so, inspired by Ellen Degeneres’ recent Oscars selfie alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest and brightest, we reached out and requested some #kitchenselfie submissions from restaurant teams around the city. Here are some of our favorites – and here’s hoping we round up even more fun, creative crew photos soon.
Most Expressive: Blue Ox
The faces here run the gamut: from gleeful grins to a grimace, from fear in the foreground to general badass-ery in back. As they say in the biz: Great versatility.
Leading Lady: Jody Adams at Rialto
If Boston’s culinary scene had a Meryl Streep equivalent, it would probably be star chef Jody Adams. So we love that she rallied her team full of rising talent (including our recent 30 Under 30 honoree Peter McKenzie) for the #kitchenselfie spotlight.
You think the city’s crowded? Check out the kitchen cast assembled at this sophisticated suburban American in Concord. Their submission featured the most number of faces at 13. Someone has long arms.
Most inebriated: Bronwyn
The team at Somerville’s standout German and Central European restaurant sort of broke the #kitchenselfie rules, since their submission was neither in the kitchen, nor a selfie. We understand; obviously everyone needed their hands free to hoist a bier. Or maybe they just had one too many, and forgot. Either way, #winning.
Most Excited Chef: Chris Coombs at Deuxave
He was deadly serious during cutthroat competitions at Chopped, but past 30 under 30 honoree Chris Coombs was slightly more stoked in front of the #kitchenselfie camera. The cheery Deuxave team clearly found his glee contagious.
Funkiest Bunch: Commonwealth
Chef Nookie and his Commonwealth crew sent us this snapshot during their weekend “Marky Mark and the Funky Brunch.” Backwards caps + chef-driven duckface + throwing signs + that cook shirt = Good Vibrations, y’all.
Cutest Crew: Harvest
The adorableness is palpable in this shot. Chef Mary Dumont, with her arm slung over a shoulder, is the centerpiece of a team that looks so sweet and squeaky clean, they’re fit to frame. We kind of want to hang out with this crew.
Best Supporting Actress Look-alike: MJ O’Connors
When did Kate Hudson start working at this Irish pub? That blonde on the right has a second career as a body double if she needs it.
Best Sequel-style Shot: Post 390
Between the row of repeating dishes and reflective mirror, we somehow feel like we’ve seen everything here (at least) twice.