Chef Bio: A native New Orleanian and Regional Executive Chef of Ski, George McClain Jr. has been chasing the thrills of cooking since the mid-2000s. Now 36, George enjoys a new role with SodexoLive as a fixer, mentor, manager, and chef. Current and Previous Experience: In New Orleans, when looking for good food, they say throw a rock and pick a spot. But when it comes to pastries and dessert, the conversation – and my culinary experience – it starts with beignets. One of my first big breaks came when I became the Fry Cook at the historic Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter. From there, I honed my skills at places like The Roosevelt Hotel and New Orleans and Denver convention centers. Now, I try to bring that ability to create beautiful experiences through food with Southern culinary flair to the northeast to my SodexoLive family. Life can be challenging, but there are a few things that can cut through tough moments and bring a smile to people’s faces. One of those is excellent food. It traverses languages, cultures, and differences. After Hurricane Katrina, I saw how many of my friends, family, and neighbors were left with nothing – except the opportunity to share laughs, tears, memories, and dreams of rebuilding over a good meal that would – if only for a moment – give them comfort and assurance that things just might be ok. I wanted to give people that feeling. I love that they can come with the joy of a first experience or the weight of the worst day ever, and I can be a small part of a memory they hold dearly. With so many experiences – not just in different locations but with unique chefs and servers from across the world – I like to think of my cooking style like a good pot of Gumbo. There are the core bits that I specialize in, which are rooted in Cajun, French, and Italian foods, and there are the small moments of spice that add personality, like the love, laughter, and so much more that I’ve shared with people from San Francisco to New Orleans and even Eastern Europe. Together, those keep me curious and adventurous because we constantly learn through community and creation. Soccer and people are my passions. I support Manchester City Football Club and enjoy sharing their success with close friends who support rival clubs. I also enjoy the people in my life who pour into me and keep me going, including family, friends, strangers who share their cultures, and especially my partner, Emily, and her daughter, Ava.