Q&A with Executive Chef Adam Greenberg
1. What was the first meal you remember cooking and around what age?
Pizzas with my stepfather when I was around 8.
2. What is the most versatile ingredient you have cooked with?
Thyme.
3. Name three ingredients that everyone should always have on hand.
Kosher salt, coriander, thyme.
4. Other than cooking, what are you passionate about?
Sports and music.
5. Do you have a favorite vacation spot? Describe it.
I just went to L.A. and loved it.
6. If you had to compare cooking to another job or activity, what would it be and why?
Racecar driving. It’s fast, you have to think quickly and it can be chaotic.
7. What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Perception is reality” from the corporate executive chef at the Capital Grille.
8. Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, loud and loyal.
9. What is your perfect weekend?
What’s a weekend? I just like to get through good service and make it out alive.
10. Do you have a guilty pleasure (ex. Reality television)?
Ice cream and reality TV. I love Chelsea Lately.
11. What is your biggest pet peeve?
A lack of follow through.
12. Where is your dream place to live?
NYC, but only with enough money to live there comfortably.
13. Is there a time of your life that you wish you could re-live?
I’m happy where I am now.
14. What is your favorite season and why?
Spring or fall. I lived away from the Northeast and I really missed the changing of the seasons. Cuisine is better with seasonal foods and it makes cooking more fun.
15. What was your worst job?
Being a private chef for a family in Greenwich.
16. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas which is ironic because I’m Jewish. I just like everything it represents.
17. It’s a rainy day out. What do you do?
Hang out with my fiancée and my dog. Watch movies, clean, do laundry.
18. Do you prefer beer or wine?
Cocktails. I like Manhattans or anything with bourbon, whiskey or scotch.
19. Do you have a favorite sports team?
Red Sox, Celtics and the UConn Huskies
20. What would be the one thing you’d want everyone to know about you?
I am extremely dedicated to people who have helped me get where I am today. Or, that I am nicer than people may think.
21. What is your favorite meal?
BBQ brisket and collard greens
22. What is your favorite quote?
“The most important ingredient is passion.” I have it tattooed on my arm.