Reader Restaurant Awards' Big Personalities: William Bolton

This year we initiated the "Restaurant Personality of the Year" category as a nod to some of the people who make Beijing's dining scene what it is. We thought it'd be fun to have these personalities "interview" each other, so we invited each of the 13 nominees to contribute questions, and tossed a few in ourselves for good measure. Here’s what William Bolton of Chef Too had to say.

What one item of clothing best sums up your personality? How?
Khaki pants. Classic, fits well, easy to wear and goes with most other things. Only thing is, they’re easy to get soiled.

If you were a superhero, who would you be?
Astro Boy … is he a superhero? Why Astro Boy? He’s still cool after such a long time.

What’s the first lesson you give to new staff? Why?
Go check, check again and when you think everything is OK, go check again.

What’s the one thing that makes your restaurant different from all the rest?
Authenticity. Anyone can make a grilled cheese, but very few can make it like Mom did – unless you grew up eating them and making them.

Do you look to hire people who have the same personality as you?
The most important trait I look for in my staff is heart. You can teach skill but you can’t teach personality.

Check out the full list of who the readers chose in the Beijinger Reader Restaurant Awards here and here.

Chef Too 美西西餐厅 Opposite of West gate ( the 3rd gate) of Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang District (6591 8676) 朝阳区朝阳公园西门（3号门）对面

Click here to see the April issue of the Beijinger in full.