Humanizing Chefs: Alec Thomas

Name — Alec Thomas

Where do you Cook? — Copper & Flame

Where are you from originally? — Fulton, New York

Favorite Food(s) — Anything spanish, really. The flavors that come
out of every spanish country never seem to leave me disappointed.
Not even in the slightest. If I had to choose, likely

Favorite Chef(s) — Joël Robuchon

Favorite Cincy Restaurant(s) (Past or Present) — Zundo, Soul
Secrets, Christine’s, Sotto, Eli’s

Favorite Food Memory or Meal — My favorite memory of food will
always be the annual visits to Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In on Lake
Ontario with my family during the summers. The fish sandwiches and
coneys were always superb. The nostalgia I get when I visit as an
adult is the best.

I first knew I wanted to be a chef when — I don’t think I ever
remember not wanting to be one, I always watched food shows on TV
and asked for kitchen utensils instead of toys as a kid. It was
just always a thing.

If I weren’t a chef, I would be — I was actually almost a
Neuropsychologist. I left college when I realized where my true
talents were.

My first job was — Subway! Sandwich Artist!

Why I love my job, in three words — Art. Creation. Family.

If I could have dinner with anyone, past or present, it would be –
My grandfather. The past 3 years have been vacant without him.
I’ve accomplished everything he said I would, but not until he
passed.

My favorite book is — Sleeping Beauties by Owen & Stephen King
Favorite thing to cook after a busy service — a bowl of cereal. No
exaggeration.

Favorite Movie(s) — Across the Universe

Favorite TV show(s) — One Tree Hill

Favorite Song(s) — Broadripple is Burning by Margot and the
Nuclear So & So

Favorite Band or Musician(s)- Taylor Swift, Ray LaMontagne, The
National, MGMT

Favorite Place to travel — Charlotte

Favorite Hobby(s) — Most people wouldn’t see it as a hobby, but
going to concerts for sure.

Favorite Quote — “Brevity is the soul of wit” which is said by
Polonius in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Biggest pet peeve — Waffle irons. They will always get you.

Your motivational quote for other cooks/chefs — There is always
another door to open, another door to turn, and more people to
please. The one constant is you and your ability to stay afloat,
grow, and move through the obstacles.

My advice to future culinary pros — Keep your temper in check.
Always. There is never a reason to raise your voice or use your
power to make those trying to grow feel small.