Pat Bates
Sous Chef
Pat’s journey in the kitchen began when he was just 18 years old, demonstrating an early passion for the culinary arts. At one point, he took a break from cooking to dive into the world of computer science, showing his diverse interests and capabilities. However, his love for creating enjoyable meals and his longing for the camaraderie of the kitchen drew him back to his true calling—cooking.
Pat places high value on teamwork and collaboration, believing that working in sync with his colleagues not only improves the quality of the food but also fosters personal and professional growth. Over the years, Pat has had the opportunity to work with a variety of talented chefs in different establishments. His experience includes working at Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian and collaborating closely with Chef Dean Boskovich at Cielo Culinary Experiences. These experiences have shaped his culinary skills and philosophy, which he now brings to Gan Shan.
For Pat, cooking is more than just a job; it is a way to connect with people while being mindful of waste. His approach to cooking is deeply influenced by the family meals he enjoyed while growing up, which instilled in him a love for East Asian cuisine. One of his favorite dishes to prepare is Mapo Tofu, a dish that holds sentimental value and reflects his culinary style.
He finds immense motivation and fulfillment in the culinary industry, where he can see himself and his team grow. One of his key principles is minimizing waste in cooking, a value that guides his daily practices in the kitchen.
Reflecting on his past, Pat fondly remembers grilling with his dad and his early days working at a food truck. These experiences have shaped his skills and appreciation for the importance of providing people with enjoyable meals. Pat's ability to merge his diverse experiences into his cooking makes him a unique and valuable asset to Gan Shan.
In his own words, Pat emphasizes the significance of teamwork: "What's important to me is working as a team, working with people, and watching them grow as I watch myself grow."
This philosophy is evident in his day-to-day operations at Gan Shan, where he works diligently to create a cohesive and dynamic team environment. Whether inspired by the memories of home-cooked meals or motivated by his professional experiences, Pat's culinary journey is marked by a constant drive to excel and a profound dedication to his craft.
Pat places high value on teamwork and collaboration, believing that working in sync with his colleagues not only improves the quality of the food but also fosters personal and professional growth. Over the years, Pat has had the opportunity to work with a variety of talented chefs in different establishments. His experience includes working at Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian and collaborating closely with Chef Dean Boskovich at Cielo Culinary Experiences. These experiences have shaped his culinary skills and philosophy, which he now brings to Gan Shan.
For Pat, cooking is more than just a job; it is a way to connect with people while being mindful of waste. His approach to cooking is deeply influenced by the family meals he enjoyed while growing up, which instilled in him a love for East Asian cuisine. One of his favorite dishes to prepare is Mapo Tofu, a dish that holds sentimental value and reflects his culinary style.
He finds immense motivation and fulfillment in the culinary industry, where he can see himself and his team grow. One of his key principles is minimizing waste in cooking, a value that guides his daily practices in the kitchen.
Reflecting on his past, Pat fondly remembers grilling with his dad and his early days working at a food truck. These experiences have shaped his skills and appreciation for the importance of providing people with enjoyable meals. Pat's ability to merge his diverse experiences into his cooking makes him a unique and valuable asset to Gan Shan.
In his own words, Pat emphasizes the significance of teamwork: "What's important to me is working as a team, working with people, and watching them grow as I watch myself grow."
This philosophy is evident in his day-to-day operations at Gan Shan, where he works diligently to create a cohesive and dynamic team environment. Whether inspired by the memories of home-cooked meals or motivated by his professional experiences, Pat's culinary journey is marked by a constant drive to excel and a profound dedication to his craft.