Industry Insiders: Zeb Stevenson

Talking metal shows, living through one’s 30s, and Atlanta’s unsung culinary heroes with Watershed’s executive chef

By Hilary Cadigan Tuesday December 13, 2016 11:00 PM EST

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Coming up on his two-year anniversary as executive chef for Atlanta’s farm-to-table pioneer, Watershed on Peachtree, Zeb Stevenson has become something of a household name in the Atlanta dining scene. Over the past decade and a half, the Indiana transplant has worked his way up the ladder, hitting the erstwhile Dick & Harry’s, Livingston, and Parish on the way, while also finding time to host blood-themed dinners, roast lambs inside of other lambs, and win Chopped. Here, we catch up with Stevenson on his own accomplishments as well as his favorite culinary gems around the city.

What takes up most of your time these days?

I think it goes without saying that work and sleep occupy the bulk of my time, so I’ll concentrate on the activities that make up the remainder. I go to the gym more days than not, which keeps me feeling good and gives me a positive outlet for stress. I’m sure my kitchen crew is thankful for that. I research new food techniques, I do fun science experiments, I roast coffee, do some volunteer work, go to metal shows and try as hard as possible to keep up with the important people in my life. I also do a lot of air drumming in the car. That’s fun.

What accomplishment are you most proud of to date?

Does managing to live through my 30s count as an accomplishment? It got a little “touch-and-go” for a bit. You know…in pioneer times if you lived to see 40 you were practically ancient. Seriously, though…I think that going from a college dropout traveling aimlessly, living in cars and washing dishes for beer money to whatever it is I am today is a pretty solid accomplishment. I’m pretty proud of that and I’m not done yet.

What do you have planned next?

Did you like that segue that I laid down in the last question? I’ve got some cool things in the works. Some I can discuss – some I can’t. But suffice it to say, you never know where I’m going to pop up. Late night tamales with guest chefs, charity boxing matches, new rock and roll bands, giving vague answers to interview questions…we’ll see!

Okay, now let’s talk Atlanta. Favorite place to eat lunch under $10?

Lotta Frutta ;)

Favorite place to go by yourself?

8ARM for coffee. I never really go by myself because I always end up seeing people that I know.

Atlanta’s best-kept culinary secret?

Travis Carroll and Dish Dive.

Top guilty pleasure?

Xocolatl at Krog Street Market makes a coconut and milk chocolate slushie that is life.

Place that’s closed in the last two years that you miss the most?

4th and Swift for sure. Loved that place.

New place you’re most excited about?

I’m hoping to make it over to Poor Hendrix very soon. Aaron Russell is a highly-talented chef and I’m sure the result will be delicious.

#1 dish in Atlanta you wish you created (but didn’t)?

Slow-cooked cabbage, fermented shrimp paste and catfish katsobushi from Mr. Ryan Smith. Best dish I had in 2016.

Unsung culinary community hero?

Lauren Carey of Peachtree Road Farmers Market/Farmer Fund/everything else she does for the community. She doesn’t do anything for credit or glory, she does what she does because she believes in doing the right thing. We could use a few more like her.

Best food-related nonprofit?

Project Open Hand touches a lot of lives. I’m proud to support them and to volunteer with them.

Atlanta’s next food trend?

Hopefully we’ll see some old-school tableside service brought into the modern arena. Let’s revive the days when going out to dine was an entire experience. A little showmanship goes a long way.