Date: September 29, 2020
We are excited to present you with our new series, 5 Questions, featuring interviews with members of our Culinary Council. This first post of the series highlights someone who is near and dear to our hearts –– our very own Executive Chef Ryan Brown.
What is the oddest thing you’ve ever eaten?
This is a good question. Off the top of my head, I would say maybe salted crickets, ants, or a banana in my chicken noodle soup.
What is the proudest moment in your life thus far?
Easily the proudest moment of my life was the birth of both of my children. They continue to teach me so much about life, and I am so happy that I have the privilege of sharing these moments with them.
What was happening at the time you knew you wanted to be a chef?
There was a time in my life when I was working just a day-in and day-out job with no real future. I decided one day at my job that I wanted to go into the culinary field. I love cooking, and I enjoy making people happy through food, so the decision was easy. I made the jump and went full throttle towards my goal.
If you could cook for one person, dead or alive, who would it be, why that person, and what would you cook?
I would say my Opa (grandpa), who was a famous piano player. When I was younger, he was struggling with Alzheimer’s, so I never had the opportunity to chat or enjoy life with him. If I had a chance to cook for my Opa, I would make his favorite meal: Surf and Turf.
What does a hunger-free community look like to you?
This would look like every kid, every mom, every dad, every grandma or grandpa being able to enjoy the food that anybody else can eat. A hunger-free community means sharing happy moments of sitting with your family and conversing over a good meal together. It should not be a privilege to do that; it should be for everyone.