Planning the meals for Georgia Tech’s multiple dining halls and supervising the array of other dining options on campus is Rimbold Bordeau, the Institute’s executive chef for the past six years. Born and raised in Port au Prince, Haiti, Bordeau specializes in the French cuisine served at his family’s restaurant. He reflected on growing up in the kitchen, his favorite meals and his time at Tech.
1. When were you first exposed to cooking?
My family owned a restaurant, and they had a farm. I saw how they went from seed to plant to food. I helped with washing dishes, running errands, picking up produce and cooking.
2. When did you come to America?
I came to the United States after graduating from culinary school at the French Institute of Haiti in 1978. I went to the University of Kentucky to study business management, and then I worked at the university for seven years.
3. What brought you to Georgia?
I moved to Atlanta to work at the Georgia World Congress Center as the chef for VIP events. I met a lot of world leaders, celebrities: Gorbachev, Oprah Winfrey, Ted Turner, Bill Clinton, George Bush Sr.
4. Did any celebrity make a big impression?
Chuck Norris. He’s very polite. When I stopped by the table, he bowed. He knew what being a chef is all about.
5. What does it mean to be Georgia Tech’s executive chef?
I’m responsible for all food service on campus, all of the VIP functions, the food at the president’s house. I do 7,500 meals a week.
6. How much interaction do you have with your customers?
I have a good rapport with the students and faculty. I ask them what they want, and I make it happen.
7. What’s your ideal meal if you’re eating instead of cooking?
A perfect meal would be seafood — grouper with steamed assorted vegetables, yellow saffron rice, a green salad.
8. What wine would you pair with it?
I don’t drink, but white wine is good with seafood. A nice, fruity chardonnay would be good, maybe a pinot grigio.
9. Have you been back to Haiti since the earthquake?
I went last year. I still have brothers and sisters there. My family was OK, but my mother passed away from a heart attack two months after the earthquake. I think it was from the stress of all that she saw.
10. What do you like most about your job?
I like what I’m doing and the people I work for and work with. And I like serving people, to use my creativity to make people happy.
Twitter
What a great, enjoyable interview! And thanks for all your work, Mr. Bordeau!
Hello Bordeau i am so delighted that everything is going well for you , incase you are ever in need of an eager employee my number is 404 259 2937 god bless you and your work respectfully Emma wofford ,thanks.