Chef Parker Brings Crafted Burgers and Shakes to Downtown Disney
Written By: Chef Whitney Aronoff
Photographed By: Niki Cram Black Tap Downtown Disney
The expression that we “eat with our eyes” is certainly true in the case of Black Tap. You may know this cult eatery more from the photos you’ve seen on social media than by its name. Lucky for us, they’ve brought their culinary delights to SoCal, so we can taste it all for ourselves.
Black Tap got its start in the Soho district of New York City in 2015. After expanding across Manhattan, they’ve now made their way to the West Coast. Known for their award-winning burgers and colorful CrazyShake milkshakes, their newest outpost is embracing a California vibe.
Corporate Executive Chef Stephen Parker is leading the team at their Anaheim location in Downtown Disney. We caught up with the chef to find out how Black Tap is crafting burgers, wings and beverages in its new SoCal spot while staying true to its NYC roots.
Chef Parker was drawn to the restaurant industry at a young age. After receiving his Master’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Fairleigh Dickinson University, he spent 300 days in Switzerland, broadening his cooking repertoire. Upon his return to the Tri-state area, he started working for Chef Michael Fiore at his restaurant in New Jersey.
In 2015, he had an opportunity to consult with the Black Tap family. One of the burgers he developed for their first Soho location is still on the menu today: The Greg Norman burger, named after one of golf’s greatest and most colorful players.
“I loved developing this burger. It was the first great burger I found and loved. It’s all about the combination of Australian Wagyu beef, fresh arugula and a creamy house buttermilk with dill,” says Chef Parker.
This burger is so good, it won The People’s Choice Award at the annual NYC Wine & Food Festival’s “Burger Bash” three years in a row. You can find it on the menu at all 16 locations (Zurich, Switzerland is opening soon).
Since joining Black Tap in his current role, Chef Parker has worked tirelessly to develop new and exciting items for the menu. “We are a modern American diner, or luncheonette. We want our restaurants to feel familiar, comfortable, but cool. That trickles down to our menu too.”
Black Tap prides itself on providing delicious menu items that can meet a variety of dietary preferences. “We like to be a place for families and people of all ages. A spot where you can find something you enjoy eating, whether your five or 65,” says Chef Parker.
And when it comes to Black Tap’s new Anaheim location, one word rings true: CrazyShake. Black Tap has perfected a ridiculously delicious milkshake loaded with candy and whipped cream to create decadent works of art.
In efforts to adapt to modern culture, Black Tap introduced a new vegan menu. Try The Vegan Burger, The Vegan Burger & Quinoa Bowl, and Chef’s favorite, The Vegan Nashville Hot sandwich. They’ve even added a vegan shake, after 2 years of testing for the best vegan ice cream with dairy-free whipped cream and frosting.
“We really care about the quality of our ingredients,” shares Chef Parker. “The style of our food and our cool downtown ambiance may get you through the door, but it’s the taste and deliciousness that will keep you coming back. That’s why we take recipe development and testing very seriously,” explains Chef Parker.
Black Tap continues to craft not only unique bites, but a reminiscent and authentic experience for all. So the next time those cravings hit, skip the drive-through and indulge in one of Balck Tap’s award-winning burgers and Insta-worthy CrazyShakes! Black Tap Downtown Disney
Black Tap
1540 S Disneyland Dr, Ste 101
Anaheim, CA 92802 Black Tap Downtown Disney
657.276.2498 Black Tap Downtown Disney
