Restaurant Connection: Al Paris

Bio: 54; Philadelphia native; married 25 years, with a son, 23, and a daughter, 21.

Philadelphia restaurant connections: Pomodoro, Marabella's, Circa, Rococo, Oberon, Guru, City Grill, Zanzibar Blue, Mantra, Pat Bombino's, City Tap House.

First Philly chef gig: Lily's in New Market, 1976.

What's new? He's executive chef and partner in the just-opened Heirloom (8705 Germantown Ave., 215-242-2700, www.heirloomdining.com), which specializes in new American regional cuisine - hearty meals in an intimate Chestnut Hill setting, he said. "It's a wonderful space and has a great, informed clientele."

The other partner: Is Robert Bynum, restaurateur behind Warmdaddy's, Green Soul and Relish. They also worked together with Bynum's brother, Ben, at Zanzibar Blue. "We've been friends for about 20 years now."

Why a BYOB? "We wanted to put the total focus on the food."

Farm-to-table: Paris is big on local produce and wants to grow his own. "We plan to partner with Maple Acres for a patch this spring."

Favorite ingredient: "Right now, it would be Berkshire pork belly. It's so flavorful, full of texture."

Prized kitchen skill: "Being able to forecast the work for the day."

TV chef fave: Emeril.

Heroes: Inside the kitchen, legendary French chef Paul Bocuse; outside, "it would have to be Alan Watts," the Zen Buddhist philosopher and writer.

- Alexandra Olivier

Learn more about Philly-area restaurants and chefs at The Restaurant Connection, philly.com/restaurantconnect.