Randall Braud is the Executive Chef of Not Your Lola’s in Dallas, Texas, with a new concept Tagay coming soon. He is  bringing his Filipino heritage to the forefront of the culinary zeitgeist of the city. He opens up about his Texan grandfather inspiring him to cook. Randall is finding his way, having not been exposed to his Filipino culture in his youth. We talk about clashing with a tough Serbian chef and balancing ego and mutual respect and love for food. And we get to talk to Micah Lauderdale, one of Chef Braud’s #UnsungHospitalityHeroes, who is an avid promoter of the Dallas culinary scene...and the reason we got Randall onto the podcast.

Facebook - /notyourlolas/

Instagram - @whiskeydingo @notyourlolas

Where were you born / raised?

Born on the beautiful island of Guam where my dad was stationed in the Navy when he met my mom. My dad, originally from Irving, Tx, retired in 1987 and we moved to the Dallas area. I grew up and went to school in the suburbs surrounding Dallas.

First job in the industry?

I worked at a local McDonald’s for a short period of time in high school but got hired as a prep cook at Friday’s and found that cooking was fun and I enjoyed the “hard work” I thought I was putting in. My first independent kitchen was a couple years later at a Cuban place called Sipango’s in the Knox/Henderson area of Dallas.

Proudest moment of your career?

A former chef told me after an event, while making the two fingered hand motion of “I’m watching you”, “I see you Randall Braud! I see the amazing things you’re putting out there and the hard work your putting in work with your food. I see you and I’m proud of you!”

Something most people don't know about you?

I played cello throughout elementary all the way til senior year high school.

Food and/or drinks staples in your house?

Rice, coffee, annatto oil, garlic, shrimp paste, fish sauce, Valentina’s hot sauce.

Words to live by?

Basic b*tches stay home

Nominate one of your #UnsungHospitalityHeroes

Micah Lauderdale. A former chef, he’s basically a cheerleader/promoter of anyone in the industry that’s doing great things. He’s always putting an event on blast or sharing someone else’s accomplishments.