Culinary Power Couples
In honor of Valentine's Day, we sat down with three of DC's most powerful culinary couples to learn more about restaurant life with your better half. We've also got Bisnow-exclusive video valentines from each couple to you, our beloved readers.
Todd & Ellen Gray: Equinox
How did you two meet?
Ellen was working as a salesperson for Sysco Foods, and Todd was the newly appointed sous chef at Galileo. Ellen was trying to sell Todd on her products, and he kept her coming back with samples. Eventually, he admitted that he couldn't buy any more product from her at Sysco and helped her get a job at a different company that he was more likely to buy product from. After a few months of professional back and forth, they finally went on their first date, and the rest is history.
How has your relationship affected your work?
Our customers enjoy the mom-and-pop feel that comes from our relationship. We both have a clear vision of what we want, because it's easy to be open with each other. We don't have to go through a formal process or walk on eggshells around each other if we want to make changes, which is great.
How has working together affected your relationship?
Our work is so all-consuming, it can be hard to make time for much else. But we really love what we do, so it's worth it. Though our poor teenage son is tired of hearing about the restaurants—he's kind of forbidden us from discussing work in front of him any more.
What are the best and worst things about working together?
Best:
Ellen: The synergy. We're just so in sync with each other.
Todd: Ellen is really smart. She does such a great job selling our business, product, and people. I feel like I have one of the most talented people in the city to do that with, and I'm even luckier to have her as my wife, too.
Worst:
Ellen: We can't give it a rest. It's just too hard to turn off from work. We're always thinking about new ideas, and since we're always with each other, we can discuss those ideas as soon as we have them.
Todd: I try to unplug and turn it off, but Ellen won't let me! We go away for a few days and try to relax, but instead we come back with a new recipe.
