Sam Talbot is a chef, author, philanthropist and television personality based in Brooklyn, New York (He was raised between Charlotte, North Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina). Talbot’s genuine approachability, natural charisma and profound knowledge of food and healthy living allow him to float effortlessly between the worlds of food, fashion and entertainment.
His style is rugged with a polished edge- functional clothing is key with his busy lifestyle- part outdoor lover / part chef, it’s always effortless and on the go.
Diagnosed at a young age with Type 1 Diabetes, Sam lives every hour with a deep understanding of the impact of food on life and life on food. This unique perspective has become the driving force in all of his projects and has put him at the forefront of the sustainable living movement, seeking to break down walls between the way we eat and the way we live.
Talbot is the founding Executive Chef of The Surf Lodge in Montauk, New York and during his time there it became a nationally acclaimed culinary destination. He also opened Williamsburg Café and introduced Southern food to the neighborhood. He then went on to work with Morgan’s Hotel Group, opening Imperial No. Nine, a chic sustainable seafood restaurant at the Mondrian SoHo, all while championing his philanthropic causes and publishing his first book, The Sweet Life: Diabetes without Boundaries (Rodale). He was a semi-finalist on season 2 of Bravo’s Top Chef – was voted “fan favorite” and subsequently named one of People Magazines “Sexiest Men Alive” in 2012.
In 2015, Sam is launching several exciting ventures that are close to his heart. From a new restaurant in Camden, Maine (The Pig and Poet) to stylish and rugged aprons that pay homage to his grandmother (Sam & Beatrice), Sam looks forward to expanding his portfolio and exploring new territory while remaining true to his culinary roots. In addition, Sam recently created the delicious and locally sourced menu for West Village coffee shop and general store, The Elk, and is excited to be one of the founding forces behind Beyond Type 1, a non profit organization focusing on inspiring the Diabetic community to live their best lives.
His personal style:
Jeans: Old ones. My old Rogan jeans are my favorite; nobody makes denim like him anymore that is meant to fit a guy my height. Being 6’6 is a blessing but buying jeans can suck.
Shirts: I live in my Save Khaki T shirts. I also have some old hemp tee shirts that I bought in Japan years back. I bought a ton because they were the best things I have felt on my skin. I pull out a few new ones each year. There’s no brand name that I know of since I actually bought them from a woman who sold ramen, but they’re the best tee shirts a guy could ask for.
Pants: No pants.
Suits: I go to a small tailor in Soho who makes suits for a small group of customers in New York and LA.
Shoes: Boots mainly- I buy them on EBay from all over the world. Size 14s. They come smelling awful like tripe got stuck in them. I take them to a guy in Brooklyn who fixes them up- new sole/new man! Always stick to under $50 and my boots are the shit. My grandfather used to say that what makes a man is his shoes, his watch and his scent. He really meant boots, but you get the idea.
Accessories: Cartier Calibre, Sam and Beatrice aprons, Beyond Type 1 blood drop trucker hat, old turquoise jewelry and my Saint Christopher pendant.
Outerwear: I buy my outerwear at my favorite stores in Brooklyn. My winter coat is the best thing I ever bought– $50 from Stella Dallas. No brand name – just an old military down coat that is priceless to me.
Favorite Cologne: Never give up the scent. I’ll help a guy out always but to figure out what a woman finds sexy on a man is something you need to work out for yourself!
Your favorite App: Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch App- Helps me search sustainable seafood and find the most environmentally friendly options.
Favorite piece of technology: The new artificial pancreas they developed in Australia to monitor insulin levels in diabetics. It’s amazing to see lives being transformed with technology.
Next tech purchase: Who knows!
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