Morning routine: Sam Talbot

This week: Sam Talbot, the powerhouse chef behind Imperial No. Nine at the Mondrian SoHo, dished on his morning routine.

Q: What’s your favorite breakfast to make when you’re in a rush versus when you have some time?

A: My absolute favorite breakfast — whether I’m rushing out or spending the morning reading the paper — is of scrambled eggs with almond milk and stracchino cheese.

Q: Do you hit local markets in the mornings?

A: On Wednesday and Friday mornings, I hit the Union Square market – they have tons of great farmers there, but without the weekend crowds. On weekends, I’ll go to the Sheridan Square farmers’ market. This past week, I saw the first concord grapes come in, and I’m excited to bring some back to the kitchen soon.

Q: Do you ever go to a regular old grocery store in the morning?

A: I’m definitely no market snob. I’ll hit up big grocery stores, farmer’s markets and local bodegas in my ’hood.

Q: You’re an avid surfer. Do you hit the a.m. waves now that summer’s over?

A: I surf as far into the fall as I can get away with – usually until it’s freezing out.

Q: Do your two dogs play into your morning routine?

A: My mornings really revolve around my dogs Tank and Stella – the loves of my life.