Meet the Manager: Bill Clinton
Yes, his name is Bill Clinton, but not the Bill Clinton you’re probably thinking of. Though he wasn’t President of the United States, he’s certainly president of the kitchen. Bill has been with Sunny Street Café for 5 ½ years, starting as a cook, then kitchen manager, and now general manager. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill a few weeks ago, and took the chance to sit him down and get to know him better. An infectious smile, sly sense of humour, and a great storyteller, Bill is an all out people person. He believes in the power of comedy: “If I can get you to smile, it just might change your day.”
Alright Bill, tell us more.
MEET THE MANAGER: BILL CLINTON
Tell me a little about your cooking background. When did you start?
- I grew up in St. Louis and started working in the kitchen when I was just a kid. I remember standing on a milkcrate helping mom and grandma out. Then one summer I was a Boy Scout cook for my troupe. That was my first “real” cooking experience. When I was 14 I got my first kitchen job, and then at 17 I went to culinary school. I’m always in the kitchen.
What is your favorite ingredient?
- Pasta, definitely. It’s so versatile. You can use it a 100 different ways and still not get bored with it. For breakfast I’m all about eggs. Egg whites topped with spinach and caramelized onions is the best breakfast!
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What do you do when you’re not in the kitchen?
- I spend a lot of time with my family, playing basketball and baseball with my kids. Lately I’ve been working on a lot of home projects and renovations.
What should every cook have in the kitchen?
- Salt and pepper, of course! But really everyone should have a good sautée pan and sharp chef’s knife. With these four things, you’re basically a master.