SHORT TAKE: 8 Questions for Local Chef Steven Lukis

By Jimmy Scarano

Steven Lukis is chef of Wildfire Restaurant in Tysons Corner. He lives in Falls Church City, and will host a tasting at the City’s wine shop, Red White & Bleu, on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 2 p.m.-7 p.m. The theme is: “What do you drink with your turkey?”

Lukis and much of his staff worked at a Wildfire location in Chicago and were brought to Tysons in 2007 to head up the local branch.   

Q. Every chef has a different “how it all began” story. What’s yours? Was it a dish or single moment that let you know you wanted to cook for a living?

A. When I was 10 years old baking Christmas cookies with my mom. We always tried to make the perfect butter cookie.

Q. Chefs are notorious for late-night eating.  What are some of your favorite late-night spots in the Falls Church area?

A. Dogwood.

Q. Where do you shop in Falls Church when you’re getting food for your home?

A. Whole Foods and Red, White & Bleu.

Q. What sort of food do you like to cook at home?  Heck, do you even have time to cook at home?

A. Caribbean and Chinese.

Q.  As an avid cook, there are certain ingredients I always gravitate toward.  What are some of your favorite ingredients to work with?

A. Great breads and cheeses.

Q. You’re sitting down to eat at your own restaurant.  What do you order?

A. Items that are the least ordered to see if something is wrong with the dish.

Q. You’re a transplant from Chicago, which is regarded by many as the best eating city in the country.  How does the DC area stack up?  Be honest, we can take it.

A. It crushes Chicago in seafood but lacks in dog joints.

Q. And finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask the quintessential chef question:  What would your last meal be?

A. Crusty sourdough bread, fresh butter, and carbonara pasta.