Chef Heather West, Schafer's

Heather West, 33, is executive chef of Schafer's in Port Jefferson, where she also lives.

What would people be surprised to hear you like to eat?

A chicken parm or eggplant parm hero -- anything Parmesan. I like simple. I never get invited to dinner parties because people are too scared to cook for me. I'm like the easiest person.

If you could, which food would you ban from all restaurant menus?

Egg white omelettes -- or really any make-your-own omelettes.

Which Long Island restaurant would you take a chef friend to?

Almond in Bridgehampton, The Trattoria in St. James, BBD's in Rocky Point and Bliss in Setauket.

What's on your kitchen playlist?

Anything country, Michael Bolton, Whitney Houston, Kelly Clarkson, The "Frozen" soundtrack. My guts have been singing "Let it Go."

What's the new kale?

Shaved and raw Brussels sprouts

What's the last great meal you had?

A corned beef sandwich at home with my husband for St. Patrick's Day. I don't go out that often.

Electronic devices at the table: Love them, ban them, don't care?

Hate them. Come to eat, not check your Facebook status.

How do you dream up a dish?

I do my research. I look at pictures. I put everything into consideration -- the weather, the day of the week. I was an art major, so it always has to have color and it always have to have an acidity that hits me in the back of my mouth on the jawline. And has to look the way it sounds on the menu.

How do you handle staff romances?

Rarely does it work out. I'm surprised that there's not more reality shows about kitchens, because restaurants are so dramatic. There's always drama no matter what. There's always a relationship and it almost always ends badly. It's highly entertaining.

What's your worst kitchen nightmare?

Burns and cuts. I was walking on eggshells the week before my wedding. I actually burned my arm.

What did your mother say about your becoming a chef?

At first she wasn't sure because it wasn't really popular then. When they found out I wanted to go to culinary school, my mom was, "What do you want to do that for?" It was 1999. Now, everyone wants to be a celebrity chef. But now she's my biggest fan, besides my dad.

Who's your culinary hero?

Julia Child.

What's your favorite cooking tool?

Global knife.

What's your go-to pizza place?

Colosseo in Port Jefferson Station for white pizza, Carnival for grandma, regular and salad pizza.

What do you think of reality cooking shows?

To be honest, I love "Hell's Kitchen." However, I'm the bitter alumnus. [West won season 2.] When I was on the show, it was a lot more about cooking; now it's very drama-filled. I love Gordon Ramsay but it's becoming the same show every season because he's always going to get mad, chew somebody out. I've learned more from "Top Chef" because you can learn from what they're doing.

Other than where your restaurant is located, which town on Long Island has the best food?

Babylon and Huntington -- they have the most restaurants you can go to and kind of hop.