An Interview with Chef Kevin Gillespie

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Photo Credit: David Christensen Photography

We’re thrilled to partner with award winning Chef Kevin Gillespie and his team at Nàdair for a delicious G&G meal kit. Read our interview with Chef Gillespie below and learn more about the unique cuisine of Nàdair.

Tell us how you got started in the culinary world! Did you always know you wanted to work with food?

I started cooking by watching my Granny cook every day for our extended family. I was set to go to MIT but after touring the school, I realized I didn't want that. So I went to Culinary School in Atlanta.

What are some of your biggest inspirations when it comes to cooking and creating new recipes?

My inspiration changes from time to time but it almost always involves leaving my present situation. Daydreams, imagination, vacation and travel of any sort make me want to run back to the kitchen and come up with new stuff.

Can you tell us about your newest restaurant, Nàdair?

Nàdair is very personal to me as it draws inspiration from my years of cooking in Atlanta and the Pacific Northwest and my time spent with family in New England, Scotland and in the American South. We call it "refined, reimagined Scottish dishes and the bold flavors of woodfire cooking I'm known for." We have a three-course, fixed-price menu with multiple options within each course. We are located on the edge of Zonolite Park, a beautiful and quiet trail with gardens and streams.

What has it been like to see the Atlanta food scene change over the past 10+ years?

Like most things in life, the food scene has had its ups and downs. I'm happy to see more owner/operators opening restaurants that are personal to them but I also see the challenges like what we are seeing happen on the West Side.

What are a few of your favorite spots to hang out around Atlanta? (for dining, drinking, listening to music… anything!)

I really like Round Trip Brewing Co. I'm a fan of German style beers, just like my dad was. They have a chill atmosphere and a shady patio that allows someone with fair skin like me to sit outside!

Can you give us your number one piece of advice for home cooks?

Know the difference between following a recipe and being married to a recipe. Instead of saying "I'm going to make xx tonight" and then going to the store to buy all the ingredients, which may or may not be in season or available, go to a farmers market and see what's fresh and then decide what to make. You can easily look up recipes on your phone while you're there.