Foodies Favorite Finds: Chef Kevin Schantz of RingSide Grill

Monday, May 25, 2015

GolocalPDX Lifestyle Team

A native of Los Angeles, Schantz was always surrounded by diverse cuisines and developed an early appreciation for unique dishes and creative preparations.

For Executive Chef Kevin Schantz, every day in the kitchen starts with a team handshake and word of encouragement and every day ends the same way; without fail. It is a reflection of who Chef Kevin is as a person and of those that mentored the once flippant youth on a skateboard in to being a highly respected chef in any kitchen he helms.

A native of Los Angeles, Schantz was always surrounded by diverse cuisines and developed an early appreciation for unique dishes and creative preparations. This is why landing a job with the Spago Group, both in Beverly Hills and Maui, was as much about working with Wolfgang Puck as it was about “being in a kitchen with a lavish truffle budget and exotic wild game on the menu,” explains Schantz.

Once returning to the mainland, Schantz went on to open Gordon Ramsey at the London as a Senior Sous Chef, where he remained for the next year and half until Ramsay sold the restaurant. Next up, Chef traveled North to San Francisco where he worked with the Michael Mina Group both at RN74 and Restaurant Michael Mina. It was here that Schantz met Chef Chris L’Hommedieu who quickly recognized Schantz’s talents and took him under his wing. L’Hommedieu would spend the next several years mentoring Chef Kevin in both life lessons and culinary skills, ultimately leading him down the path to the RingSide Grill.

“Chris and I shared a passion and drive for food that made for some great experiences both inside and outside of the kitchen. He also taught me the importance of respect and patience, which changed my life,” states Schantz. “When he took on the project of consulting for the Grill, I was with him every step of the way from concept to menu. Funny thing is, nobody knew it at the time!”

Eventually, L’Hommedieu introduced Schantz to Craig Peterson, third-generation partner at RingSide Hospitality Group, and from there, a new mentorship began. At the RingSide Grill, Chef Kevin has created a contemporary American cuisine menu with global influences peppered throughout. Just as important, he has created a team that is eager, thrives on mutual respect, and tips their hats to the photo in the kitchen of Chris L’Hommedieu whose last bit of advice to Schantz was “Don’t *@!# this up!”

Born with the DNA of America’s great steakhouses, RingSide Grill at Glendoveer’s Executive Chef Kevin Schantz creates uniquely crafted American fare with influences from around the globe for lunch, dinner and lively daily happy hour. The Grill menu features gourmet burgers, 28-day aged USDA Choice and higher beef steaks, free range rotisserie chicken, and daily specials on flatbread pizzas from a wood fire oven, all complemented by the freshest local, seasonal, and sustainable fare. The newly renovated bar offers a large selection of locally crafted beer and cider as well as expertly made cocktails including two on draft. At this elegant yet comfortable indoor-outdoor venue, guests are surrounded by cozy patios, fireside dining, and sweeping views. RingSide Hospitality Group, owned and operated for three generations by the Peterson Family, is comprised of RingSide Steakhouse uptown, RingSide Fish House downtown, and RingSide Grill on the East side, and has reigned as Portland’s premier classic dining establishment for the last 70 years with an unparalleled dedication to great service.

Although Chef Schantz works at a premier dining restaurant, he let GolocalPDX in on his favorite, secret spot to dine at on his nights off.

“So, my favorite late night, curb creature watering hole is the Reel M' Inn on Division and like 28th. It's a place I love to hit up for my fried chicken and JoJo's! Either my with my girlfriend on a rare day off, or with a friend late night after work, it's one of my favorite spots for a stiff drink and some of the BEST fried chicken in Portland. Be ready for a bit of a wait, but you can chill, watch some ESPN, and get your drink on in a cool, old school, dive bar!”

RingSide Grill, 14021 NE Glisan St., (503) 255- 0750. Dining room hours, lunch: 11:30-2:30pm Monday-Friday and dinner: Mon-Thurs - 5-10pm • Fri & Sat 5-11pm • Sun 4-9pm.

Related Slideshow: The 12 Best Places to Dine With Celebrities in Portland

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