The Ramada Plaza Omaha offers comfortable guest rooms, fitness and business centers and outstanding guest services and a wide range of dining options that make them the perfect choice for travelers as well as for local events such as weddings, banquets, company meetings and conferences. They are home to CoCo Key Water Resort, which provides a tropical vacation without leaving the city! Beau Meadows is the Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Director at The Ramada Plaza.
How did you get started in the business? – I have always been interested in cooking. My father tells me stories of how I was cooking pasta and attempting to make marinara sauce when I was 5 years old.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Being the Food and Beverage Director and Executive Chef of a large hotel is very challenging. I am also introducing a new menu and concept in the restaurant inside the hotel, which is very challenging and exciting!
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I think my most important achievement is the ability to teach and mentor young professionals. We are creating food, and I encourage cooks and aspiring chefs to open their mind, be confident and don`t be afraid!
Tell me a little about your family. – I have a beautiful wife and a 5 year old son, Beau Jr.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Beginning my career as a chef. Operating at a high level requires a lot of time, effort and passion. Also, after my son was born it changed my entire outlook on life. I did get good at cooking mac & cheese though!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Hang with Beau Jr.—he actually enjoys talking food!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I used to do amateur comedy before I pursued my culinary career.
What are you the most proud of? – Mentoring and working with young professionals. Teaching passionate people is very personally rewarding. When food is prepared correctly and with passion and love, it can be very intimate and personal.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? – Do not take life or myself too seriously! Life is too short to sweat the small stuff.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – INCREDIBLE!!!
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – X-ray vision…seems like it would be fun!
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Making people laugh and smile is the greatest talent of all. I possess that talent but I think the world in general could use a little more of that!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Pilot! I love to fly.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Alex Cross Series by James Patterson. I’m a sucker for suspense thrillers.
What is your favorite movie? – I don’t really have a favorite movie, but I love comedies.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Railcar
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Mohammed Ali. He is a personal hero of mine.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – You can email me at beau.meadows@ramadaplazaomaha.com or visit the Ramada Plaza website at ramadaplazaomaha.com.