Confessions of Matthew Biette

Matthew Biette, director of dining services at 2,400-student Middlebury College in Vermont, wants superpowers, can’t resist hot dogs and had to wait for someone to die for a catering event.

Q. What is the best part of your job?

I get to work in the food industry and have a family with time to spend with them.

Q. What is the worst part of your job?

When I am stuck at the desk.

Q. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Raising two great children.

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

We catered a funeral reception and were trying to time it around the person’s death. It was kind of strange, waiting for a death for business to happen.

Q. If you weren't in foodservice what would you be doing?

Playing somewhere.

Q. Which talent would you most like to have?

Superpowers! Wouldn’t it be cool to be able to get places quickly and avoid flight delays?

Q. What is your greatest fear?

That my reoccurring dream of not finishing college is true.

Q. Which living person do you most admire?

My dad. He’s still going strong at 82.

Q. What is your favorite meal?

One favorite is too hard, but the meal should consist of great cheese, pâté, wine, fresh vegetables and be enjoyed with family and friends.

Q. What is your guilty pleasure?

A hot dog—not the all-beef kind—natural casing with a variety of “meat” in them.

Q. What will people always find in your refrigerator?

Something frozen from the garden—could be herbs or vegetables. Or maple syrup.

Q. What food fad do you wish had never started?

Any diet trend. Eat less, exercise more.

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

Subway.

Q. Are you a morning or evening person?

Up with the sun—it makes a certain noise when it rises. I’m up at 4:30 on a summer morning.