Donald Buscher

Managing Chef, Old Market

With a long family history in food service — his family started in the meat packing industry in 1885 and his father owned a specialty food shop — it’s no surprise Don Buscher is a chef today. Don joined Upstream Brewing Company in 1997 as a line cook and, after taking classes at Metro Community College, Iowa Western Community College and the Culinary Institute of America, became Managing Chef of the Old Market restaurant in 2004. There are many reasons Chef Don loves Upstream — the Old Market’s charm, the restaurant’s fast pace, oh, and the food’s pretty good, too.

What’s the one cooking utensil you couldn’t live without?
8” chef knife

Sweet or sour?
Sour

What’s your signature spice?
Coriander

Who’s your favorite Chef?
Thomas Keller

What’s always in your fridge?
Garlic