Patrick Dahms is executive chef at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, a 1,200-room hotel in downtown San Diego.
RESUM & #201;
– & #8201;Name: Patrick Dahms.
– & #8201;Company: Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
– & #8201;Title: Executive chef.
– & #8201;Education: German “Abitur” majoring in history and English; chef’s three-year apprenticeship, culinary school.
– & #8201;Birthplace: Lubeck, Germany.
– & #8201;Age: 39.
– & #8201;Current residence: San Diego.
– & #8201;Family: Wife, Kristina, and 7-year-old son, Tyler.
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
Essential business philosophy: There is no success without passion.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Either work or play, never idle.
Guiding principles: See the vision, communicate the vision, execute with excellence.
Yardstick of success: Talent accumulates around you.
JUDGMENT CALLS
Best business decision: Joining the opening team at the Bayfront.
Worst business decision: Opening my own restaurant just before 9/11.
Toughest business decision: Closing my restaurant.
Biggest missed opportunity: Who knows?
Mentors: Fred Mensinga, executive chef at Hilton Anaheim, and Hans-Guenter Harms, executive chef at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, Germany.
Word that describes you: Stubborn.
TRUE CONFESSIONS
What you like best about your job: I occasionally get to work with food.
What you like least about your job: I don’t get to work with food often enough.
Most important lesson learned: Becoming a father makes you a better leader.
Person most interested in meeting: Anthony Bourdain.
Three greatest passions: Food, travel, beverages.
First choice for a new career: Food/travel journalist, Mobile/AAA tester.
PREDILECTIONS
Favorite quote: “Delay is the antidote for anger.”
Most influential book: “Lord of the Rings,” by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Favorite status symbol: Don’t have one yet.
Favorite restaurant: Too many to list.
Favorite place for business meetings: Vela restaurant at the Bayfront.
Favorite vacation spot: Barcelona, Spain.
Favorite ways to spend time: Scuba diving, skiing, eating, cooking for friends.
, Andrew Schweizer