Haute Secrets Boston: Andy Husbands, Chef/Owner Tremont 647 & The Smoke Shop

Andy Husbands quickly became a household name when he opened Tremont 647 and the adjacent Sister Sorel in Boston’s South End more than two decades ago where he serves up everything from mojito marinated tofu tacos and smoked chicken wings to an apple cider brined pork chop and pan seared bluefish with roasted fingerling potatoes,  Since then, he has appeared on Hell’s Kitchen, was a James Beard semi-finalist for “Best Chef” and has been named a “celebrated chef” by the National Pork Council.

There isn’t much the chef/cookbook author and restaurateur hasn’t done, so it was no wonder his latest barbecue restaurant, The Smoke Shop became an overnight success when it hit the dining scene in Cambridge’s Kendall Square last year. Here, barbecue aficionados can get their fill of Memphis, Kansas City, and Texas style barbecue, including pulled pork, 1st place ribs and “the best bar wings” in Cambridge.

We caught up with Husbands recently to find out what he loves most about Boston.

Photo Credit: 451 Marketing

Where were you born: Seattle, Washington

How long in Boston:  Since 1984

Neighborhood: Stoneham (living there now)

Occupation: Owner/Executive Chef of Tremont 647 & the Smoke Shop

Favorite Restaurant: Steel n’ Rye

Best Sushi: Café Sushi

Best Italian: La Morra

Best dessert: Craigie on Main

Best place for a romantic date: Restaurant Dante

Best Sunday brunch: Trina’s Starlite Lounge

Best place for a power business meeting: Porto for lunch

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Hotel Commonwealth

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Uniform

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Shreve, Crump & Low

Best Spa: etant 

Favorite Charity Event: Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation

Favorite Cultural Event: Boston Calling

Favorite Cultural Institution: Boston Center for Adult Education

Best Steakhouse: Grill 23

Best Pizza: Papa Gino’s

Best Lunch: Mamaleh’s Delicatessen

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Back Bay Yoga

Best Massage: Inman Oasis

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber

Best Museum/Exhibit: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 

Describe Boston in three words: Inventive, historic, strong 

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: USS Constitution Museum

All-around favorite spot in Boston:  Savin Hill

Best Aspect of Boston: The people.