Phantom Gourmet: G Bar And Kitchen In Swampscott

SWAMPSCOTT (CBS) -- Chef Gregg Brackman started working in restaurants when he was just 13 years old.

"Cooking, mopping, washing floors, doing dishes," says Brackman. "I pretty much have done every position in the restaurant industry."

And all that experience is on full display now that he owns his own restaurant, G Bar and Kitchen.

Located in Swampscott, G Bar is small but stylish, with cool lighting, lots of mirrors, an intimate bar, and a fishbowl-like kitchen, where you can usually spot Gregg tending to his dishes and keeping an eye on his customers.

"That's kind of like the cockpit, if you will, and the mirrors kind of work with each other," says Brackman. "I can see every single seat from that kitchen. And of course that's the ultimate joy, to see an empty plate or a happy face or an ooh or an ahh."

And it's usually nothing but smiles with food like this.

"I like to call the cuisine modern American, meaning there's a little bit from kind of a world wide perspective," says Brackman. "There's a lot of Italian influence. There's some Asian influence. There's some French influence."

So you'll find housemade pasta, cripsy duck with hoisin, and a tender filet mignon all on the same menu, and all perfectly executed by a chef who simply loves what he does.

"I truly feel blessed," says Brackman. "We opened at the pit of the economy in 2007 and we've maintained to have a great loyal customer. We've been busy. We fill the restaurant every single night. And it's just been a great adventure...and I truly feel blessed."

Watch Phantom Gourmet on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 and 11 a.m. on myTV38.