Chef Deborah Scott may hail from Virginia, but she’s certainly no stranger to the San Diego culinary landscape. Overseeing four kitchens throughout the greater San Diego area, she’s watched the food scene grow alongside the city for the past 25 years.

“Once I got to San Diego, like many people, I didn’t want to leave,” says Scott, who sees herself as part of San Diego’s growing transplant population. “So many people come here to visit and just don’t want to leave – and I get it, I was there. It’s a pretty amazing place. I think everything about this city is unique and special.”

For Scott, one of those unique factors is how the food scene has evolved alongside the city. “Everything has changed throughout the years,” explains Scott. “The tallest building used to be the El Cortez. Now, you can’t even see the El Cortez.”

But for Scott, it’s not just the population and the infrastructure of the city that she’s seen develop. Scott has also watched as San Diego’s culinary landscape has matured, shifting the focus from processed foods to fresh ingredients.

“Now people [in the restaurant industry] are realizing more and more to stay away from processed foods,” says Scott. “Their pantries are shrinking.”

Scott believes this strategy improves flavors of dishes, and has left more room for creativity in the San Diego food scene.

“Now, it’s just about real, good food with great ingredients, and creative preparations that match the flavor of the food,” says Scott. “And I think that’s the key to having a great dish.”

It’s this key that’s the foundation of her local fame. Scott’s loyal following of enthusiastic diners love her original dishes, like the Crusted Brie appetizer from Indigo Grill, which has gained a cult-like popularity in San Diego.

Chef Scott's Crusted Brie from Indigo Grill

“It’s an unusual dish in that all the flavors come together to make it very well-rounded,” says Scott. “It’s just been a hit for people … and it’s just one of those dishes that’s been associated with me.”

Hungry to try the Crusted Brie, or want to taste Chef Scott’s other beloved masterpieces? Tap into the UberEATS app, search for Indigo Grill, and order to explore the fresh and delicious flavors of Chef Scott.