Haute Secrets LA: Umami Burger COO Greg Frazer

Gregg Frazer
Gregg Frazer

If you live in L.A., you know Umami Burger, a a gourmet burger chain founded by Adam Fleischman known for its truffle aioli, and you’ll soon know it worldwide now that Sam Nazarians SBE has taken a majority stake in its ownership. COO Gregg Frazer is the guy responsible for making Umami—which currently has locations in California, Chicago, New York Las Vegas and, upcoming, in Japan—run like the well-oiled machine it is. Frazer joined Umami Burger from VooDoo BBQ, where he oversaw the entire operation for the company’s corporate stores and franchise locations as the Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Chef. A long established industry veteran, Frazer’s long career as a chef and restaurant executive has taken him from fine dining establishments such as Le Bec Fin in Philadelphia, to the Four Seasons resorts in West Palm Beach, Florida and Sydney, Australia. Frazer holds a culinary degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and an MBA from National University in La Jolla, California. Here, this burger king shares his insider guide to the City of Angels.

Umami Burger
Umami Burger

Photo Credit: Umami Burger/Facebook

Where were you born?
Philadelphia, PA
 
 How long in LA:
2 Years
 
Neighborhood:
Santa Monica
 
Occupation:
Executive Chef and COO of Umami Burger
 
Favorite Restaurant:
Bazaar by Jose Andres
 
Best Sushi:
Katsuya
 
Best Italian:
Osteria Mozza
 
Best dessert:
Magnolia Bakery
 
Best place for a romantic date:
Pace
 
Best Sunday brunch:
 
Best place for a power business meeting:
 
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?
Mondrian
 
Favorite shopping venue/boutique:
Fred Segal
 
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches:
Beverly Hills Watch Co.
 
Best Spa:
Ciel Spa at SLS
 
Favorite Charity Event:
Make-A-Wish Gala
 
Favorite Cultural Event:
Dia De Los Muertos @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery
 
Favorite Cultural Institution:
Getty Villa
 
Best Steakhouse:
Mastro’s Steakhouse
 
Best Pizza:
DeSano Pizza Bakery
 
Best Lunch:
Umami Burger
 
Best Gym/Athletic Facility:
Equinox
 
Best Massage:
The Raven Spa
 
Best Limousine/Driving Service:
Uber
 
Best Museum/Exhibit:
LACMA
 
Describe your city in three words:
Sunny, Foodie, Celebrity
 
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore:
La Brea Tar Pits
 
All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles:  
Malibu Beaches
 
Best Aspect of Los Angeles:
Weather