Reader Restaurant Awards' Big Personalities: Brian Reimer

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 Brian Reimer of Maison Boulud had to say.

What one item of clothing best sums up your personality? How?
My clogs, I would have to say. I spend more time in them than anything else I own. They are always black and must be comfortable.

When you were a kid, what job did you think you would grow up to do?
I grew up in a rural city; my father is a farmer of sorts. I always knew I wanted to see things grow, be it an herb in the garden or helping to rebuild a fence. How things would go wrong or seamlessly right, each would always teach me something new.

What single value do you try to instill in your staff above all others?
Understanding what the guest wants. The feeling of knowing you can turn someone around to have a wonderful evening on a bad day.

What’s the one thing that makes your restaurant differ from all others?
Teamwork, a sense of family. It’s amazing to be able to watch your staff grow with you. My sous-chef, for example, has been with me over four years. To see someone continue to get better is a wonderful feeling.

What would you tell Colonel Sanders if you met him?
“Love to get that spice blend ... ah wait, I think I just found it on Google Alert.”

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

Maison Boulud 布鲁宫法餐厅 Ch'ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (6559 9200) 东城区前门东大街23号

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