In true Paradise Valley City Lifestyle fashion, we played a fun game of 21 Questions with Chef Beau MacMillan—celebrated for his Food Network fame and known as a culinary mastermind here in the Valley. A father, husband, chef, and entertainer, Beau brings his signature energy and expertise to some of Scottsdale’s hottest dining destinations, including Cala, Tell Your Friends, and The Americano. From his ultimate cheat meal to the one kitchen tool he can’t live without, we got a glimpse into the man behind the menu.
1. What’s your ultimate cheat meal?
Martinis, wicked dirty.
2. What’s the most requested dish your kids ask you to cook at home?
Ramen—mostly five different ways.
3. If you could only cook with three ingredients for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Olive oil, garlic, and sea salt.
4. What’s your go-to order from the Cala menu?
Saganaki—salty, briny, lemony, and cheesy.
5. If you could invite any celebrity (living or passed) to Tell Your Friends, who would it be and why?
Tim and Stacy Wakefield. We lost them tragically within five months of each other. Tim was a Red Sox legend, but they were both first-round Hall of Fame humans who did so much for people in need.
6. You’re back on Iron Chef—who’s your dream competitor, and what’s the secret ingredient?
Tom Brady, battle chowdah!
7. What’s one kitchen tool you can’t live without?
A chef’s knife.
8. What’s the biggest “oops” moment you’ve ever had in the kitchen?
Cutting myself during a live demo—at the same time I was talking about kitchen safety.
9. What’s a food trend you secretly love (or hate)?
Not sure if it’s a trend, but I love seeing classic dishes making comebacks on menus.
10. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten—and did you like it?
Had a lot of crazy eats in Korea… but I took a pass on the fried silk worms.
11. If you weren’t a chef, what would you be doing?
I have no clue, but I love making people laugh—maybe a comedian.
12. What’s one dish every home cook should master?
A proper roasted chicken.
13. What’s the best meal you’ve ever had—and where was it?
I’ve had so many amazing meals around the world, but one of my all-time favorites was at Rocco DiSpirito’s Union Pacific in NYC.
14. What’s your favorite memory from being on Food Network?
My now-wife Tiffany and two of my best friends from Plymouth, Pete and John, came to the live taping of Iron Chef America. It was just one of the greatest days of my life, and I got to share it with them.
15. What’s on your playlist?
Yacht Rock Radio.
16. If you could cook a meal for any famous chef, who would it be and what would you make?
I cooked for Michael Richard—he was the best. We had mussels frites.
17. What’s the one thing people always get wrong about professional chefs?
That we can stop whenever we want.
18. Any culinary dreams still left to chase?
Lots, but these days, I’m more focused on helping my chefs chase theirs. Advice to aspiring chefs? Never stop believing in yourself.
19. What’s on your bucket list?
Winning Powerball or Mega Millions.
20. Three words to describe your personal vibe?
Animated, jovial, genuine.
21. Your wife has a podcast—what’s one thing you hope she doesn’t divulge about you?
You’re gonna have to like, follow, and subscribe to The Sht Apple Podcast* to find out.
calascottsdale.com
instagram.com/chefbeaumac
The Americano Elevates Sundays
The Americano, Scottsdale’s upscale Italian-inspired steakhouse by Beau MacMillan and Peter McQuaid, is redefining Sundays with a decadent monthly brunch series featuring exclusive dishes and crafted cocktails. Upcoming themes include Jazz Brunch (March 30), Easter Brunch (April 20), and Mother’s Day Brunch (May 11).