This is the second edition of a new regular feature, Chef’s Corner – shining the light on those who help shape Delaware North’s vast culinary team.
We recently caught up with Scott Green, Delaware North Sportservice’s executive chef at First Niagara Center, home of the National Hockey League’s Buffalo Sabres. In his role, Green oversees a culinary team that is responsible for all-things food and beverage at the arena, including in the concessions, clubs and suites.
Green began his culinary career in 1999 as a cook and apprentice at The Wigwam Resort. In 2002, he joined the Delaware North Sportservice operations at Comerica Park in Detroit. He held numerous titles at the stadium and continued to grow his culinary experience.
In 2007 Green accepted the role of executive chef at Fairgrounds Gaming & Raceway (today known as Hamburg Gaming) and quickly became noticed as one of the top chefs at Delaware North. Since that time, Green has frequently assisted with major company events across the United States.
Words that describe you
Energetic, innovative, fun and dedicated.
Words that describe your food
Vibrant, artistic, innovative and crisp.
Favorite moment at Delaware North
My most memorable moment at Delaware North is probably taking home a silver medal at the 2008 Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany. It is arguably the largest and most rigorous culinary competition in the world.
The challenges of being a chef in a facility such as First Niagara Center
Multiple kitchens and multiple levels.
Your favorite foods
I love fresh produce in peak season from local farmers.
Your least favorite foods
Raw mushrooms…I like them cooked, but just can’t deal with the texture in the raw form. I’m also not a fan of produce that is picked unripe and out of season.
Hardest cooking lessons
Gaining back cooking confidence after over-cooking steaks for a VIP event several years ago…I had to own up and fess up to the mistake as it was in my hands. You have to learn from your mistake, move on, but not accept failure again. I believe one of the best learning tools can be making a mistake and then understanding how not to make that mistake again – turning it into a positive. The feeling of disappointing yourself and others will make you want not to feel that way again.
Cooking or other heroes
First and foremost is Delaware North Corporate Chef Roland Henin, who has always been there for me – whether it’s career development or just stepping in to pull me out of a jam. And then my peers; it has always been a pleasure to work with other chefs in our company at different high-pressure events such as All-Star Games, the Super Bowl and various Delaware North events.