He often seems rather quiet and unassuming, whether he’s working his magic in the kitchen or delivering a lovingly crafted lunch to a grateful guest. Still, even though he may not say much, rest assured that Evan Gates is right where he wants to be.
We’ve been fortunate to have Evan in the Brewstation kitchen since this summer, though this is by no means his first foray into food.
“I grew up in a kitchen,” he says, explaining that his father’s business, Al Gates and Son Catering in Hermosa Beach, California, stoked his early love of all things cooking.
“Food has always been a love of mine.”
He’s been in Oregon a little over two decades, during which time Evan learned the ins and outs of corporate food culture at places like Red Robin, Chili’s, and others. These restaurants taught the value of value itself, of running an efficient, clean operation. Such lessons find their way into his work even today.
“I like to help make sure we make the most use of everything we’ve got,” he said. “The bottom line is that I want to help make sure that (owners) Dale and Emily get a return for what they’re putting out of pocket. I take that to heart for myself too.”
He’s known Emily since a stint at Stacy’s Covered Bridge years ago, and you may also recognize him from Coast Fork Farm Stand, another recent gig that put him close to the source of deliciousness.
“To work in a produce market was a dream come true,” he said. “Growing up, whenever we went to produce or flower stands, my father told me to ‘Give them love, because they’re giving you what you need to make something beautiful.’”
Some of the beautiful things Evan makes here at the Brewstation include fantastic soups, and he’s been grateful to learn to cook with spirits and beer, and to learn the finer points of baking from Dale and others.
“I like it here,” he said. “There’s a professionalism, but also a certain sense of freedom with food. I like being able to come in here and get different ideas. There are always challenges because you never know how many people are going to walk in. But it’s always a good time.”
Listing his other ‘assets,’ Evan describes himself as handsome and single, with a small terrier that loves to climb trees.
“I’m a little shy and awkward, but I warm up real nice,” he says.
