All Hans On Deck: Hilton Doubletree Chef Hans Hao

Executive Chef Hans Hao runs a tight ship at the hotel’s “Hot and Wet” BBQ Pool Party. We chatted with him about being German at heart and his pet pooches.

Who gave you the name “Hans”?
Well, I studied in Germany and once went with some friends to Munich for Oktoberfest, where a GM from Burger King told me, “I’ll give you a name, as a gift.” So he gave me the name “Hans,” because he thought my personality was very German. And because my body looks like a strongman’s. I was only 17, so I thought, “Okay, Hans, good name. Easy to pronounce.”

You used to work for Royal Caribbean Cruises. How does cooking on a boat compare?
On the boat, the production galley is like a factory. Every day we were serving 6,000 people, producing over 200 gallons of sauce per day. When you start service, it’s like an army lining up. And in order to maintain food quality, you have to cook it all last-minute.

What was it like to cook for George W. Bush?
It was at the St. Regis. That night, I was in charge of pasta and grill items when 40 room service orders were placed – a combination of rib-eye steaks, spaghetti bolognaise and some salads. One was for Mr. Bush but for security reasons they couldn’t tell us which one, so we had a lot of pressure to make every dish perfect. We were a bit shaken, but he sent a very thankful email to our GM, so it was all okay.

What celebrity do you most wish would turn up at the pool party?
Michael Jordan. He’s just amazing. I don’t have another word to describe him.

What would he be wearing?
The 23 jersey, because 23 is Michael Jordan and Michael Jordan is 23. Nothing can change that in my mind.

Which animal would you invite to swim and play with your guests?
A dog. I have three dogs at my house. They’re very loyal.

Can you bring your dogs to the pool party?
No, they’re not allowed. They’re loyal to me, but maybe not to other people!

Doesn’t eating make pool parties less sexy?
No. Even though we call it a pool party, not many people – almost none – are eating in the pool. All the guests are usually enjoying the sunshine on the green grass, enjoying the beautiful food.

DoubleTree by Hilton’s “Hot and Wet” BBQ Pool Party takes place every Sunday.

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Photo courtesy of Doubletree by Hilton