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RECIPE
Easier Baker Oven BY JACOB BETZNER I PHOTOS BY JULIA LEIBY & AMANDA PUCKETT
West 82 is a necessary fueling point for underclassmen and a guilty pleasure for those living off campus. During prime hours, Bobcats attempt to time their stops perfectly to avoid long lines. But who is the man behind the madness? Kevin Hurst gave Backdrop the scoop on all things West 82— extra flavor included. First of all, what exactly is your title, and what do you do at West 82?
I’m the general manager of West 82. I handle day-to-day managing operations of West 82 and the staff, which includes student staff and unit staff, and make sure that they are doing their job –show up for work on time, follow the correct procedures, safety procedures, sanitation guidelines and general oversight and financial responsibilities.
BASIL PESTO CHICKEN SANDWICH Take one of West 82’s favorite deli sandwiches, the basil pesto chicken sandwich, to your own kitchen and avoid the crowd at Baker! But don’t forget to stop by and say hi to Chef Hurst and try all of the other West 82 creations.
Ingredients Sourdough Bread
Mozzarella Cheese
Why did you decide to become a chef?
Basil Garlic Pesto
Grilled Chicken Breast
Where are you from and where did you go to culinary school?
Mayonnaise
Roasted Red Peppers
Basically, my mom cooked a lot at home, and it just always interested me. So, when I got done with high school, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, and since I liked doing it [cooking], it was an area or avenue that I pursued. Columbus; I went to Hocking College.
Personally, what’s your favorite menu item at West 82?
Boy, that depends on the day. I actually like a lot of the specials that we do—the day-to-day specials at the concepts, because usually they’re different, and add variety. I really like, like even today, we’re doing a chili-braised pork at Verde, which is very good, and we’re also doing a blackened fish at the Smokehouse concept, which is fantastic, too. I usually like a lot of things with a lot of flavors and stuff like that.
What do you think is the most popular menu item for students?
I would say probably the burger, a burger of sorts, is probably the most popular. But it varies from day-today. We sell a lot of burritos; those are always very, very popular. And deli sandwiches. The line at the deli is almost always as long as the line at the grill everyday, so it’s really hard to sort of pinpoint that actual favorite.
Directions 1) Take two slices of sourdough bread and spread 1 tablespoon of prepared basil pesto sauce on one slice of bread. 2) Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the other slice and top with mozzarella cheese, grilled chicken breast and roasted red peppers. Prefer warm sandwiches? Simply toast your bread before adding toppings!
So what’s it like when you go to a restaurant? Is it hard not to critique the cooking, or think of ways you might do something different? Sometimes, but I’ve always tried to be open-minded when I go out to eat, you know? I usually go to places that I know the food that they cook, and I know what they do. Obviously, some places have their certain things, like, BW3’s is primarily wings. I wouldn’t go to BW3’s to get a salad, you know? That’s not their forte. What they do best is wings. So, I don’t really critique them on things that they probably aren’t really known for. And it’s different if I’m going to a high-end restaurant as opposed to a diner. Expectations are always a little bit different, too.
Do you see yourself moving anywhere different in the future, or are you happy with where you are?
Probably not, I’m very happy here. I’ve got a family and children. Ohio University is a great place to work.
What are some things you do when you’re not at work or outside of cooking? I spend time with my family. Go on bike rides, hike and travel. I travel all over the country.
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backdrop | Spring 2013
In Samoa, it’s a crime to forget your own wife’s birthday.
In London, England, it is illegal for a city cab to carry rabid dogs or corpses.
www.backdropmag.com
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