Q&A with Chef Howie “Bulldog” Kleinberg

What is your name?

Howie Kleinberg

What was your very first cooking experience?

Helping my mom prepare Thanksgiving dinner when I was 5.

Who taught you how to cook?

I have learned from professional chefs I have worked with throughout my career.

Why do you like to plan and make meals?

The instant gratification of seeing someone come in and have a great experience in the restaurant. To be able to be back there cooking, and then come out to the floor and have people shake your hand and tell you that they really love your place and your food. There are plenty of jobs where you work just as hard but you don't have that appreciation and you don't get that face-to-face recognition with your clientele

What advice do you have for kids to learn to cook?

I would tell them to get with the best people possible to work with and not worry about how much money they're going to pay you. It's more important to focus on the knowledge you can get from them. Be a sponge. Ask 100 questions and don't stop fighting until you get where you need to get.

Why do you like zisboombah?

In a world where it is so easy to go to a drive thru and eat junk food, ZisboomBah teaches kids to stop and think. Think about the food you are eating and how to make healthy choices.

What is your favorite food?

Casual foods like burgers and barbecue.

How long have you been a chef?

15 years-I started working in kitchens as a part time job in college. I fell in love with the profession and my part time job turned into a full time career.

Where do you work now?

Executive Chef and Owner of Bulldog Barbecue and Bulldog Burger. Bulldog Burger is set to open in February 2011.

What thought process do you use when making a meal?

I think about who I am cooking for and I always make sure it a great experience for whoever is eating my food.

If you have kids, do they like to eat your food?

No kids, just dogs!