The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind.

    --Humphrey Bogart

Scott Brandon is a locally harvested product himself.  Born and raised right here in Corona del Mar, he is a self-taught chef and brings nearly three decades of vast kitchen experience to the crow bar and kitchen.

The acclaimed chef is one of Southern California’s young, bright stars having risen from working as a dishwasher in his early teens at CDM’s own Gina’s Pizza. Enduring what Scott calls his ‘paid education’ (soaking up as much knowledge and experience from each restaurant as he could before moving on to his next ‘school’), his travels took him to Los Angeles, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and San Francisco where Scott worked closely with prominent chefs Suzette Gresham of Acquerello, Cindy Paulsen of Roti’ and Mustards Grill, and Michael Kang of 5 feet.

Scott returned to Orange County and Corona del Mar in 1996 where, for nearly eleven years, he was executive chef, creating and nurturing an exciting menu at the very popular Oysters restaurant. During his tenure there he had the honor of being invited to cook his unique cuisine for guests of the famed James Beard House in New York City.

The ideals of seasonality of ingredients, freshness and quality are paramount in his preparations.  The Brandon mantra; ‘simplicity and quality goes a long way. Let the food speak for itself.  Don’t get twisted and you’ll be alright’.  These are words he lives by and the basis for his latest venture, the crow bar and kitchen – an American gastropub.  As Executive Chef and General Manager, Scott brings all of his talents in utilizing the best of local ingredients to serve innovative dishes that are barely recognizable as "pub food." This different type of pub menu celebrates local food, honors tradition and heritage, and welcomes seasonality, with special attention given to illustrate the varying ways beer and food can be paired to make both more enjoyable.

A father of three beautiful girls and a loving husband to a wonderful wife, Scott and the crow bar and kitchen continually support many charitable causes and groups including Share our Strength – www.strength.org;  Slow Food USA – www.slowfoodusa.org;  and seafood choices alliances www.seafoodchoices.org among others.