Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate McLean.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I like food. No, I think I love it. Which is why I became a chef. From being floored to eat peanut butter and honey Ritz crackers in the high chair to thirty years later the tasting menus of 11 Madison Park and Per Se back to back, food is something that will constantly be on my mind.
I started cooking in college. A pizza and burger joint, high volume, called The Sink in Boulder, Colorado. That’s where I was bitten by the line cooking bug; the preparation, anticipation, the hype during service and all of the curveballs that entailed. Seattle, Hawaii, France, Houston I worked my way up and past the quicksand of garde manger because we all know if you kick ass at garden manger the boss rarely wants to move you up. Hot apps, sauté, grill, pasta, sous chef, executive chef, I climbed and climbed. It rained, it poured, the sleet and the snow, but I climbed on because I am strong and because I have faith.
A year and a half ago, I took a big breath, checked my faith again, still there, and jumped out of the kitchen to see what else this beautiful city, this beautiful world has to offer. I’ve spent that time writing about the amazing people, food, and drinks that can be found in Houston and beyond. For so long, I’d thirsted for knowledge about wine, liquors, service, the other side of this industry that has me by the heartstrings. I indulged myself and will continue to do so.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I love challenges. I love it when it’s hard. I love it when people doubt me, I can see it all over their face. And then I work hard, I am relentless, fire unquenchable and I do my best to make things happen. I am not alone. I couldn’t have done any of this by myself. I have faith in God. He is who tells me where to go and how to be.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Currently, I bartend at a little Italian Enoteca tucked away in Bellaire called Enoteca Rossa. I write vigorously for the Houston Press and a few other publications. I cover food, dining, wine, beer, spirits, and anything that grabs me, really, like bogus Vogue diets from the ’70s. I’m especially excited about breaking news. I think I’ll try more of that in the future. With the help of GOW Media, along with my lovely co-host and one of the owners of Enoteca Rossa, we just recently launched a podcast called “Pre-shift with Kate and Brossa.” It’s available on iTunes, Spotify, and Podcast Arena.
What were you like growing up?
I was curious. My interests would change as I sifted through the joys of this and that. I loved sports and competition whether it was neighborhood street hockey or Varsity soccer. If it’s fast, I love it. I have a lot of friends from all different walks of life. I love people, especially the ones that make me laugh.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @preshiftpodcast
- Facebook: Pre-Shift With Kate and Brossa
- Twitter: @timeforpreshift
Image Credit:
Julie Soefer on the professional one
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