We sat down with chef/restaurateur Suzanne Goin in December (2009) to chat about the opening of her newest restaurant, Tavern, which she describes as a "big, urban, bustling, neighborhood place." Goin and partner Caroline Styne's inspiration for the American-style brasserie was New York City's Balthazar and traditional French brasseries, but with a built-in bakery and take-out shop. When the two found the space on San Vicente Boulevard in LA's tony Brentwood neighborhood, they knew it was the ideal spot for Tavern. "[The space] has great bones and is big; we could do both [restaurant and take-out shop]." Although Goin admits they didn't intend to open in the midst of a recession, they are still bustling—and hoping that 2010 will bring a quick economic turn-around.

Click the play button to watch the full video interview to learn more about Goin's restaurants, inspiration, and challenges.