Departure's Greg Gourdet Craves Asian Food, Late-Night Eats and Dance Parties

We caught up with Greg Gourdet at the Great American Seafood Cook-off, and learned that the Portland chef packs more in a single day than we can usually pull off in a week. His inspirations are as far-ranging as gluten and dairy-free cupcakes, long runs in the woods, late-night dining, Japanese cooking techniques and a good dance party.

What's your food philosophy?

Know what you’re eating,...