January’s Employee Spotlight is Ryan Krystoploski, he is someone who I have a great bond with. Ryan first joined EVOO in 2010, soon after we moved to Kendall Square; while he was still in culinary school and not yet old enough to drink. Ryan had a brief reprieve from working with us, he was a sous chef in a north shore Italian restaurant, fortunately for us he decided to EVOO was the place to be. He was very green, with limited experience in real food cookery. Through his hard work, perseverance, and some guidance Ryan has become a very good cook. Ryan is hard-working, conscientious and well liked by his co-workers.
One of Ryan’s best attributes is how much he cares, he really wants to do a good job; making great food, keeping the kitchen clean and organized. He helps us strive to ensure every guest has a great experience.
Ryan, even with his poor taste in music, think adolescent female pop, is a pleasure to work with. He has become a big part of the core team here at EVOO. His efforts are greatly appreciated, I look forward to watching Ryan grow as a cook and as a person.
As is the new custom, Steve Kurland, EVOO / Za general manager and co-owner came up with the following list of questions for Ryan to answer.
January 2018, Spotlight Questions
How long have you worked at EVOO and in which jobs? On and off for about 5 years, starting off as the fry guy going to culinary school and worked my way up to lead line cook with aspirations to be sous chef one day.
What’s your favorite food item on our current menu? I’m a big guy so I always go for the studded beef tenderloin. In late summer, when we have the heirloom tomatoes I like to substitute the vegetables for a creamy tomato and onion salad; delicious!
What have you learned working at EVOO? I could write a 15 page paper on what I’ve learned at EVOO. This place has taught Me how to care, cook, plant, think, and become an overall better person. This place has helped me reach goals I never thought I could obtain. The best part is I’m still not done learning, even after knowing Pete for seven years!
If you received $1,000,000 tomorrow, what would you do with it? Tell Peter [McCarthy-chef/owner] and Randy [Platt-sous chef] I’ll be back in a month!
What’s the last book you read? I am currently reading It by Stephen King.
What was your favorite class in high school? My favorite class in high school was Art and Animation. I took 3 years of that class and enjoyed every minute of it.
Do you have a pet? I personally do not, but the rest of my family does. Combined they have 5 dogs and one cat. My sister’s puppy Max is my best bud though.
What do you do on your time off? I try to stay active as well as visit new restaurants and catch up with family and friends. Life is too short to let it pass by.
What was your first car? ‘91.5 Acura Integra 3 tone crapbox; drove that bad boy to the ground.
Do you speak any languages other than English? Thanks to my friends in the back kitchen and prep room, I can carry on a conversation in Spanish.
What is one thing you are passionate about? I’m passionate about cooking and I can attribute that to Peter, Randy, and Anthony [Mazzotta], the old sous chef. They continue to show me what it means to be a chef and not a plain old line cook.
What’s your favorite song right now? Anything but Wilco…[Peter’s favorite band-always on the EVOO music playlist].
Don’t diss Wilco or I will post photos like this.
Ryan is looking for an apartment in the Medford, Somerville area, if you know of any availabilities, comment to this blog.
EVOO Restaurant 