Dudley Market’s Dynamic Duo: Chef Jesse Barber and sous chef Kurt Skelton

Written by VP’s Alex Stowell. Photos by VP’s Edizen Stowell

Head Chef Jesse Barber

Dudley Market’s food is bangin’ and head chef Jesse Barber and sous chef Kurt Skelton are the reasons why!

Chef Barber, the visionary of Dudley Market, is a Culinary School of Portland graduate. Though he eats burgers and ramen, Barber’s resume is steeped in fine dining from Oregon to Napa to NY, as well as local stints at Barnyard, Tasting Kitchen, and the Summit Series, When he is not creating culinary masterpieces, Jesse likes to surf, ride mountain bikes and cites Japanese western Tampopo as his favorite movie.

Local Venice legend Chef Skelton graduated LA trade tech with a degree in culinary arts and has a wealth of experience in the L.A. restaurant scene. Most notably he opened and closed Santa Monica’s World Cafe with a 25 year stint as the head chef. When Kurt is not cooking it up, he goes for ocean swims, listens to Bob Marley and eats sushi.

Dudley Market. Venice, California. www.dudleymarket.com ©VenicePaparazzi.com

Head Chef Jesse Barber

This unique combination of talent has coalesced into the perfect storm inside the kitchen of Dudley Market.

Barber is a force of nature with an obvious passion for cooking. “He is an amazingly talented guy, always finding new ways of putting things together. I am stoked to be on his team” said Skelton.

Skelton, who is a Venice rockstar chef, is the perfect sous for a guy of Barber’s talent level. Watching these guys work in the kitchen together was like watching a symphony in concert where everyone played their part flawlessly.

“Everyday luxury” is how Barber describes the rustic French cuisine that makes up the breakfast, in between, and dinner menus at Dudley Market.

Dudley Market is at about 95% organic says Barber.

Sous Chef Kurt Skelton

“We have a garden in-house, homemade pasta and buy everything we can from local farmers markets,” Skelton says.

As well, Mar Vista bakery “Lodge is where all the bread comes from and we use dairy products from Clover”, a regional organic dairy, Barber added.

The high end ingredients create awesome food! Locally produced eggs in the soft shell crab omelette and croque madame make Dudley Market a destination spot for breakfast. And, they have a full arsenal of cold pressed juice and an in house barista as well Breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. daily and is a definite must try for locals and visitors alike.

Oyster poorboys, Halibut with clams, and NY steak are just a few of the dinner offerings. In addition to menu items, Barber offers a chef’s tasting menu of seven courses daily. Plates might include caviar, bone marrow or whole roasted chicken. It is down right rad! And, there is enough variety to satisfy the adventurous foodie and the traditional taster as well.

The atmosphere is easy, breezy with communal and private tables. The walls are lined with shelves packed with artisan food products for sale like chocolate, duck eggs or nut milk. The bar seating area offers a front row view into the open kitchen where the magic happens. The staff is happy to be there and it shows.

Dudley Market. Venice, California. www.dudleymarket.com ©VenicePaparazzi.com