Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Chef Adam West was exposed to food at an early age by his parents – both of whom spent a great deal of time in the family kitchen. In high school he landed his first kitchen job as a dishwasher and by 18 was working as a line cook at the Fairmont Hotel. After graduating a year early from high school, an ambitious West committed himself to starting his career in restaurants by enrolling in the culinary program at El Centro College in Dallas. In addition to studying, West sharpened his skills by participating on the school’s Hot Food Competition Team. Through competition he has been awarded ACF culinary medals in Orlando, Chicago, Dallas and Houston. While still at El Centro, West began an apprenticeship in 2004 as Chef Tournant at The Legacy Grill inside the Westin Stonebriar Resort in Frisco, Texas. He executed daily operations and preparations for the 150-seat, resort restaurant specializing in classic American fare. Following 2 years with Westin, he took a job as sous chef at Jeroboam Urban Brasserie, an upscale French concept in downtown Dallas. Unfortunately, this restaurant closed in late 2006, but opened the door for an opportunity at award winning Dragonfly restaurant inside Hotel ZaZa Dallas. Working alongside great Dallas chefs, Marc Cassel, Graham Dodds, and Tim Bevins, West provided inspiration for the seasonal menus, coordinated menu execution, preparation of specials, and menus for special events.
In May 2010, West along with Chef Grant Morgan enjoyed the prestigious honor of cooking at the renowned James Beard House in New York City. Later that year, Chef West was given the opportunity to take the helm of the kitchen at Monarch restaurant inside Hotel ZaZa Houston and serve as Executive Chef. It was in Houston that he honed his skills to become the chef that he is today. Upon his departure from Hotel ZaZa, West and his family returned home to Dallas and opened a gourmet food truck, “Unforsacon Bacon.”
Currently Chef Adam is at the helm of The Porch on Henderson Ave and is building relationships with multiple local farms and ranches. This opportunity has given him an amazing venue to display his culinary talents as he evolves the menu towards a more sustainable and ingredient driven style.
Chef Adam West
The Porch Restaurant
2912 N Henderson Ave.
Dallas, TX
(214) 828-2916