Humanizing Chef’s: Nick Linthicum
Name — Nick Linthicum (@chef_the_guy)
Where do you Cook? — Bouquet in Covington, KY, where we do elevated farm to table food in a relaxed, neighborhood setting. (@bouquet519)
Favorite Food — Tacos of any kind.
Favorite Chef — Overall it would be Anthony Bourdain. But more recently I’ve been following the careers of Adam Glick, Brooke Williamson and Timothy Hollingsworth for inspiration.
Favorite Food Memory or Meal — Making sausage gravy and biscuits with my grandma. It’s one of the first things I remember cooking. Every time I make or eat that dish I get teleported back to that time with her and the warmth of that memory.
I first knew I wanted to be a chef when — Becoming a chef just kind of happened to me. I was in and out of taking college courses and the whole time I was doing that I was working in the hospitality industry. Most of the work being in the back of house. I found myself enjoying the kitchen life more than the traditional classroom setting. Being hands on with what I was learning was exciting and fulfilling while working in the kitchen. So I made the decision to drop out of traditional college and join a culinary program while continuing to work in professional kitchens.
If I weren’t a chef, I would be — working as a teacher/coach in some capacity. Then I’d probably do odd jobs in the summertime when school wasn’t in session to stay busy.
My first job was — Lifeguard. I worked as a lifeguard at two locations in my hometown of Circleville, Ohio. One was a child daycare facility and the other was a local country club/golf course.
Why I love my job, in three words — Learn each day.
If I could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, it would be — Bill Murray.
My favorite book is — Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Favorite thing to cook after a busy service- Prefer not to cook after a busy service. Usually some cold pizza or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich does the trick.
Favorite Movie — The Big Lebowski.
Favorite TV show — I’m bad at watching TV shows. I’m the guy that watches a popular show five years after it finishes when I can watch at my own pace on a streaming service that offers all the seasons.
Favorite Song — This is an impossible for me. Next question!
Favorite Band or Musician — Too many to pick just one. It really just depends on the day and what mood I’m in. You can catch me listening to Metal, Soft Rock, 80’s Pop, 90’s Rap, 00’s alternative, country, tecnho, emo and the list goes on and on.
Favorite Place to travel — Outer Banks, NC.
Favorite Hobby — Collecting sports cards.
Favorite Quote — “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Biggest pet peeve — Not being on time/communicating that you’re running late.
My advice to future culinary pros — Be observant, listen and ask questions. Every experience will teach you something along the way. Enjoy the ride!
