Veteran LA Chef Govind Armstong Finds Wellbeing in Family and Community | Eater LA
"An oceanfront, high-profile seafood restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier where Govind Armstrong has served as executive chef since 2017, leading a team of about 12 cooks and chefs and juggling family life as a married father of three. Armstrong discussed preparing for one of the busiest service periods of the year (Valentine’s Day) while he was home nursing sick twins, and the operational pressures he faces: rethinking how to make the business profitable and sustainable, having to cut back on staff, and worrying that proposed tariffs could affect a vital import—Canadian lobster. He described the broader endurance required in the trade: "Every chef’s life is an almost daily struggle, no matter the intentions. Being with someone who understands [in this case, Govind’s wife Julia) is huge. Being with a family that gets what you do is great, but I still want to figure out a better way to divide my time." On leadership and kitchen culture he said, "Growing up in this business, I did not want to become the ‘yelling, screaming, banging, throwing stuff around’ kind of chef. Even in my position, I’m not afraid to ask for help. But you see some chefs destroyed in this line of work. I try to find my zone, stay there, and be consistent." He described good days (products arriving on time; collaborative dish development with strong execution) and bad days (vendors sending wrong product; staff calling in sick) and emphasized his continued commitment: "I still love this game and solving problems." He also described his personal recharge practices—dropping what he's doing to spend time with his kids and gardening: "We just installed another raised bed at home and that’s the most therapeutic and fun. It definitely brings me joy, and it reaps benefits." On support systems, he noted partner and family support and a network of mentors: "Julia gets it. She understands me... My mom has always been the biggest supporter. My coworkers have always been positive. I have a lot of mentors whether it’s — Wolfgang, Brad Johnson, Susan Feniger, or Mary Sue Milliken — I can just pick up the phone." - Mona Holmes
