Romanal Patterson Jr.

Please share a little of your K-12 school nutrition journey.

I am a chef de cuisine with over 20 years of experience in fine dining, catering and as a personal chef; my current position is chef lead for Richland County School District One in South Carolina.

What do you love most about working in this field?

My favorite moments are when I see the expressions on the students’ faces when they try recipes they may not have heard of before and have a positive experience.

Did you eat school meals as a kid?

Yes! My favorite school meal was Thanksgiving lunch.

What keeps you motivated day-to-day?

My motivation comes from the gift of service that is embedded in me. It brings me great joy to help bring a smile to person’s face.

Do you have a favorite meal to cook?

Asian cuisine is my favorite style of cooking. I enjoy using the different herbs and spices to create a smell that will entice anyone to sample the dish.

What would you most like to be remembered for?

I will be remembered as an athlete, a fan of music, a gamer and, most importantly, a chef that loved to prepare colorful and flavorful meals.

If you could pick up any new skill instantly, what would it be?

With AI beginning to impact almost every career field, I would like to gain more knowledge in IT.

Have you ever met someone famous?

I met many celebrities while working at Kevin Rathbun’s Steakhouse in Atlanta. My most memorable moment is when I met Savvy Shields (Miss America, 2017). She said the warm spinach salad that I made was the best she ever had!

If you could spend a day with a celebrity, who would it be?

Chef Emeril Lagasse—His knowledge and experience as a chef makes him a national treasure.

What’s one item you can’t live without?

My headphones. I love music!

Are you more of a morning person or night owl?

I am a morning person. I like to get things done with a sense of urgency.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

I’m not sure I could truly keep one as a pet, but I’ve always been fascinated with big cats like lions, tigers, jaguars, etc.

What is your favorite time of year?

The holiday season (Thanksgiving and Christmas) is my favorite. It’s the time of year when I can feel all the joy, love and happiness throughout the community.

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?

On my days off, I like to work out, watch football, cook, listen to music and relax.