Restaurateur Spotlight – R.J. Melman
Posted by Emily Byram on Thursday, November 17, 2011
The culinary community is the backbone of so much of the work we do. Whether it’s planning culinary events that raise critical funds, teaching programs that show low-income families how to shop and eat on a budget, or even lobbying on Capitol Hill on behalf of hungry kids, some of our most dedicated volunteers and advocates come from the restaurant industry.
We want to introduce our network to more of these individuals, so we’re continuing an ongoing interview series that features Q&A with the culinary community. We’re featuring a restaurateur this month – R.J. Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants– who was recently awarded our Restaurateur of the Year award at our annual Conference of Leaders. R.J. is the co-chair of the planning committee for Taste of the Nation Chicago.
How did you become involved with Share Our Strength?
I was originally recruited by Mindy Segal of Hot Chocolate Restaurant. She asked me to come to a meeting. That meeting turned into me becoming the co-chair of Chicago’s Taste of the Nation.
Why is ending childhood hunger important to you?
It is an amazingly large problem, but also a solvable one. I am very pragmatic, and this is a cause that has a real cure. With that cure comes great benefits as well — improved education, helping the future of America. It is an enormously important issue that really has no partisan objections, which makes it an easy cause to get behind.
What’s the best meal you’ve had in recent memory?
Hakkasan restaurant in London — start to finish it was a great dinner with family and friends.
What is your favorite aspect of being in the restaurant industry? Least favorite aspect?
Favorite is twofold. The people I get to meet — both customers and employees. Second is working with food. Least favorite — maybe the hours — but I am long over that!
What advice would you give on how to prepare healthy, low-cost meals at home?
I always prep ahead to the next meal. That way when I am time crunched, I can quickly crank out dinner or breakfast — i.e. I make oatmeal for the next day the night before — that way I can just heat it up and eat. It saves me time, instead of waiting 20 minutes in the morning for the oatmeal to cook.
What is your favorite childhood food memory?
Eating with my mom at my dad’s first restaurant — RJ Grunts. I still love the cottage fried potatoes there. They are my favorite.
We know that you get called upon to give back a lot and are thrilled that you’ve chosen to support Share Our Strength. Are there any experiences that inspired you to get involved in the fight against childhood hunger?
It came from not understanding how great the problem was. When I heard about the staggering numbers, getting involved seemed like a no-brainer.
Do you have any advice to chefs and restaurateurs looking to give back?
November 17, 2011 | 0 comment(s) | Tags: chef spotlight, chefs, no kid hungry
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