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Porchlight Kitchen Serves Up Southern Latin Flair

Chef Andre talks food, family and what’s in a name

Porchlight, an intimate restaurant specializing in southern Latin cuisine, has been making major waves in the Atlanta food scene. Andre Gomez, Porchlight’s Executive Chef, has battled Bobby Flay on the Food Network, showcased his mastery of latin spices on The Cooking Channel’s Man, Fire, Food, and served up some latin flare on The Travel Channel’s Food Paradise.  For Chef Andre, being on TV has been great for business, but reaching “celebrity chef” status hasn’t changed him one bit. 

“Being a celebrity chef just means people know you. We work where we live so my neighbors become customers and friends,” says the Smyrna-based chef and restaurateur. “At the end of the day, I’m just a regular guy. Being appreciated by the community and your friends is great.”

For Chef Andre, it all starts with relationships and putting people first. “Food gives me the opportunity to meet people and build a lot of relationships and get to know people for who they are and what they do,” he says. “And everyone wants to eat! That’s who we are.” 

When asked what he is thankful for, Chef Andre keeps it simple. “I’m thankful for my family, for their support in the good and the bad,” he adds. “And my staff. You can’t forget where you’re at. And I’m thankful for all our guests, particularly this year. The guests come through our doors and keep the lights on.”

Relationships and a strong appreciation for his heritage are at the heart of Chef Andre’s charity work. Chef Andre is passionate about food and about his home, Puerto Rico. That love for his heritage and culture comes through in the kitchen and in his volunteer efforts. He is actively involved with two nonprofits.The Atlanta-based nonprofit, The Giving Kitchen,  provides financial assistance to food service workers in need.  Ser Familia allows him to combine his love of food and his heritage. Ser Familia is an organization dedicated to strengthening Latino families through programs that empower them to thrive and enjoy a healthy family environment. With the pandemic impacting so many people, assistance from the local community is more needed than ever. 

Porchlight is a special place that centers community. Though small enough to seat a handful of tables, the customer experience comes first. Everything inside means something special, including the name. “The name had to mean something,” he says.”I had close to 50 different names and at the end of the day, we wanted it to feel casual but still have elements of fine dining. We want you to feel at home.”

When thinking about the exact moment he knew Porchlight was the name that best described his creative vision.  “I can walk to work. I always sit on the porch and design recipes and always invite friends over. One day the porchlight had faded and I had to fix it. I had to go to the store but I forgot the lightbulb. And there it was. Light and fire! They help us cook!”

Porchlight is not just a southern kitchen. It’s a southern Latin kitchen and, as it turns out, porch lights hold a special place in Chef Andre’s family. “When I called my mom she lost her mind,” he said. “She saved my grandmother’s porch lights and all three are hanging in my kitchen now. Making everyone feel at home and bring together family added more meaning. We wouldn’t be here without it.”

Porchlight’s namesake is as layered as the flavor combinations that are created in its kitchen. His favorite dish: the beer can chicken with a rice and beans that he described as simple, hearty and flavorful. Chef also recommends the smoked duck fried rice, but was careful to add that given the menu, choosing a favorite can be difficult. “They’re all good. It’s like having children. You can’t pick a favorite!”

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