Head Chef And Owner Of Octane Gives Us Grilling Tips For The Fourth

If you're going to fire up the grill this weekend, take a listen to our chat with one of the best chefs in Rockford first.

I'll be honest, I've had the opportunity to talk to some pretty famous people since I've gotten into radio but was probably the most nervous I've been heading into this interview.

His name is Patrick Alberto and he's the owner and head chef at Octane in downtown Rockford. We are honestly spoiled here in Rockford with the current food scene and in my, very humble opinion, Patrick is putting out some of the best food in the area.

Octane has been a downtown staple for about 20 years so you might have been there before. If you haven't been there since Patrick took over, it's time to make a return visit.

The menu is unlike anything else in town with a little Filipino influence. Their chicken adobo of pork lumpia (Filipino eggrolls) would be right at home in any Filipino household.

Take a look at the eggrolls and make sure you order some when you go.

There's also a really cool, laid-back vibe to the whole place. You can tell it's a fun place to work just by the descriptions of the staff on their website.

He calls himself Optimus Prime, there's a Tiger mom in the mix, a dogecoin enthusiast. To quote Jake Blues, this place has everything.

Big, big thanks to Patrick for hopping on the show with us. As a former restaurant guy myself, it's awesome seeing someone rise up from dishwasher to head chef and achieving the ability to basically do what he wants.

I can't wait to try the pancit and look forward to the bao truck finally hitting the city later this summer.