Ketchum Grill in Sun Valley, Idaho: Meet the Chef

Jun 1

Why Ketchum Grill Is a Must-Visit Restaurant in Sun Valley, Idaho

We sat down with Executive Chef Brittany Pracna of Ketchum Grill in Ketchum, Idaho. A historic setting, lively atmosphere, and exceptional food and wine set the stage, but the finishing touch at Grill Magic is its people—dedicated staff, trusted purveyors, and supportive friends and suppliers. The restaurant is guided by the Valley’s finest team.

Ketchum Grill in Ketchum, Idaho: Meet the Chef

Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

Well, being a chef, let's start from the evening. I get home from the evening and put on a classic B-horror flick to wind down. When I get up, I love spending the morning with my one-year-old daughter and putting on some punk rock.

Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

I’ve got a couple favorites, Julia Child was an inspiration to start this path, Anthony Bourdain inspired my perspectives, but working for Ella Brennan helped me understand what it takes to run a restaurant and make it something special. My advice to aspiring chefs? Make it fun, if you’re not having fun cooking it degrades the creation. Also, go team! Nothing works in a kitchen without the team.

Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

I have some team awards, but I’ve avoided trying to bring attention to myself when I believe a chef depends on a team to create the culinary experience we strive for.

What do you typically cook at home?

Cook at home? Ha! In all seriousness, breakfast. I truly enjoy a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.

What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

I try not to follow trends; I love to create something in my unique manner. One of the overarching focuses on food right now, though it's not new, is developing dishes from locally sources. When I can shake hands and joke around with the person harvesting the food we are serving it changes everything for me.

What drink do you enjoy most?

Drink I enjoy the most? Probably my latte in the mornings, latte all day!

Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?

Being in Ketchum, Idaho, we cook for lots of celebrities, some we can talk about and others we can’t. It’s part of the appeal of being a chef in the Sun Valley area, the expectations are to be world class, while being able to live in a mountain community. The celebrity I am most proud of cooking for is one of my favorite chefs, Ella Brennan.

What’s Your Instagram So Readers Can Follow You?

I don’t spend time on social media, but a follow for @ketchumgrill will keep you up to date with what we’re creating here.

What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? AND did you like it?

Though it's not necessarily strange, I once had roasted rattlesnake and caramelized onions. I would not choose to eat that again.

Why should readers visit Ketchum Grill?

Visiting the Ketchum Grill is a special experience for the atmosphere. I obviously pride myself in the food we create, we care so much about the quality here; but when you walk into the Grill the smell of the fruit woodfire welcomes you into a space you can’t confuse it with anywhere else in the world. You’d have to experience it to really understand.

BOOK A TABLE AT KETCHUM GRILL

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Emma Robertson