Ricky Clark Loves Spicy Food and Wishes Desserts would Stop Tempting Him

Confessions of Ricky Clark

Ricky Clark loves spicy food and wishes desserts would stop tempting him.

Ricky Clark loves banana pudding, hates politics and considers himself an old hippie.

What is the best part about your job?

Getting to meet so many people and go so many places. I am definitely a people person.

What is the worst part about your job?

Politics. I work for the state.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

I think it was becoming involved in my associations, ACFSA and ANFP. That is what has brought me to the Silver Plate Award. No one would have ever known about all the contributions I made to the industry if I didn’t get out of the box and get involved.

What is the most unusual foodservice/catering request you have ever received?

Marijuana. A Native American offender approached me to say that he needed to have marijuana. Of course I asked, why? He said it was a religious practice and that he had to have it every day. I let him know that I would check in to that right away.

If you weren’t in foodservice what would you be doing?

Music. I love my natural learned music ability, whether it’s playing the piano, the guitar, or the organ.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To sing. I once could sing but had to have a nodule removed from my vocal cord and since then have not been able to.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would make myself about 20 years younger so I could experience so many of the things I’ve already experienced all over again.

What is your greatest fear?

Loneliness. I never want to be without people all around me.

Which living person do you most admire?

My uncle, who was my pastor for 30 years or more. He was an awesome person and always seemed to have the right answer for all my problems.

What is your favorite meal?

I like it spicy. Preferably Mexican or Cajun. Heat it up and bring it on!

What is your “guilty pleasure?”

Banana Pudding.

What will people always find in your refrigerator?

Bottled water and cheese. I love both of them

What do you consider to be the most overrated foodservice trend?

What is the weirdest food you have ever eaten?

We had Vietnamese neighbors once and they brought us a dish when we moved in. It was like a pastry, very white, puffed with a combination of meats and vegetables inside but mostly air. I don’t know what it was but it was interesting!

What are your words to live by?

Treat people right—you’re one of them.

If you had a time machine what historical event or era would you visit?

Woodstock. I’m an old hippie.

What would be your dream vacation?

For me and my family and my friends to have our own cruise ship and sail the oceans, porting when and wherever we wanted.

If you could eat dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be?

My grandmother, who died on my birthday four years ago. She was 95 and I loved her dearly.

Who is your favorite celebrity chef?

Emeril Lagasse.

What is your most treasured possession?

My daughter was born weighting 1 pound, 13 ounces and had to have special clothes knitted to fit her. They’re all in a box to be framed.