20qs
David Wilhelm
03.31.13
1. If you had to begin a different career, what would you do?
I started out working in the hotel business in Boston and eventually gravitated to restaurants so probably would be involved with hotels again.
2. What’s your most prized possession?
I honestly can’t think of anything I own that I would consider ‘prized’. I’m not much of a shopper or a collector….rather prefer to spend my money doing things vs. buying them.
3. Favorite drink?
Three fingers of Don Julio 1942 in a tumbler with one large ice cube.
4. How does it feel to be returning to the Orange County restaurant scene with the opening of Jimmy's Famous American Tavern?
It feels good to be back doing what I love and what I’ve done for 40 years. Especially with a concept like JFAT which was designed to be a local’s hangout…fun, friendly, social, and relaxed.
5. Fantasy purchase?
Porsche Carrera GT.
6. What can’t you live without?
Strong, dark-roast black coffee each morning.
7. What’s next on your “to do” list?
Get back on the golf course…I had back surgery that has sidelined me for almost a year.
8. Biggest regret?
Not traveling more when I was younger.
9. Cause that you’re most interested/involved in?
Miracles for Kids…it’s a wonderful charity that supports the families of children with life threatening illnesses. My wife is a board member so I’ve been fortunate enough to witness firsthand many of the things that this organization has done for OC families that are really in need.
10. Your dream day in Orange County?
Having lived here for 35 years I’ve had lots of them but my favorite would include golf in the morning, grabbing some sun by the pool or beach in the afternoon and then cooking and chilling with friends and family in the evening.
11. Favorite place for breakfast?
Not much of a breakfast person but when I am I prefer to cook at home. I’m rumored to make pretty decent buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy.
12. What was the best day of your life?
I believe it’s yet to come.
13. Last concert that you went to?
Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart at the Hollywood Bowl.
14. Favorite vacation spot?
It’s a toss-up between Cabo and Hawaii…love the golf, ocean breezes, and warm nights.
15. If you had to live somewhere else, where would you like to move?
Someplace in the western mountains. I really like Park City and I’ve spent lots of time there both in winter and summer and I love it for the extreme seasonal changes and natural beauty.
16. Favorite books?
Vince Flynn’s spy thrillers…I’ve read all 14 of them.
17. Favorite restaurants currently in Orange County?
Bandera, 370 Common, Javier’s.
18. Biggest accomplishment?
I think in a general sense it’s the positive impact I’ve had on the dining scene in OC over the last 25 years.
19. What’s your biggest fear?
I’ve never given any thought to that….I focus on what brings me happiness.
20. Secret most people don’t know about you?
I’m a Midwestern guy who absolutely loves American comfort food.
Blog
Divine Recipes
03.27.13
Our friends over at myHealthyOC.com have an awesome Greek yogurt recipe contest going on. Whip up your favorite recipe using The Greek Gods Yogurt or The Greek Gods Kefir before April 21, 2013, and you could be in the running to win $500!
All you have to do is head over to the The Greek Gods Facebook page to enter your recipe instructions and its corresponding photo for a chance to win or email your entry to socialmedia@greekgodsyogurt.com.
The second and third prizes will win $200 and $100, respectively, and all winning recipes will be featured on The Greek Gods new website (coming soon), as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
So cool, good luck!
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 11.28.25 – Puesto Goes Seed-Oil Free and Launches New Winter Menu
- 11.28.25 – Coastal Holiday Magic at Paséa
- 11.27.25 – American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns to Segerstrom Hall
- 11.26.25 – A New Chapter for Lido House in Newport Beach
- 11.25.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 11.25.25 – French Florist Opens New Boutique in Mission Viejo
- 11.24.25 – HAVEN Honors Taco Asylum with New Taco Tuesday Menu
- 11.24.25 – Festive Holiday Dining at Paseo, Céntrico and Naples in the Downtown Disney District
- 11.23.25 – Musco Center Welcomes Soweto Gospel Choir: Peace
- 11.22.25 – A Luxurious Thanksgiving at The Mayor’s Table
- 11.20.25 – Thanksgiving Getaways: Where to Celebrate, Relax, and Feast in Southern California
- 11.19.25 – Uncle Fluffy Opens Soon at Triangle Square
- 11.19.25 – Thanksgiving Dining in Orange County
- 11.17.25 – Costa Mesa Welcomes Sweetgreen’s New Sweetlane
- 11.17.25 – Sip, Savor, Repeat: Better Buzz Expands in Orange County
- 11.16.25 – A Thanksgiving to Savor at Allegretto Vineyard Resort
- 11.13.25 – McG, Nancy Silverton, and Rick Caruso Team Up for Spacca Tutto at Palisades Village
- 11.13.25 – Philz Coffee Debuts Holiday Menu and Launches First-Ever Rewards Program
- 11.12.25 – Pendry Newport Beach Hosts Annual Chefsgiving Dinner
- 11.12.25 – Sip, Shop, and Give Back with HYPEACH and Working Wardrobes
More Daily Doses
- 11.27.25 – QUA Brings Contemporary Chinese Cuisine to Fountain Valley
- 11.25.25 – Holiday Packages to Help You Look and Feel Your Best
- 11.23.25 – Winter Fest OC Returns November 28 With Expanded Experiences
- 11.21.25 – Wellness That Works: Vida by VTL Boutique Spas + Wellness
- 11.17.25 – Santa Maria Novella Brings Centuries of Craft to South Coast Plaza
- 11.16.25 – HOTWORX Costa Mesa Courtyards Offers 24-Hour Infrared Sauna Workouts
- 11.13.25 – Prairie Opens in Mariners Square: A New Home for Refined, Relaxed Interiors
- 11.11.25 – Mother-Daughter Duo Launch Eugénie Boutique in Newport Beach
- 11.09.25 – You’re Invited to South Coast Plaza’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
- 11.03.25 – Culinary Dropout Opens in Old Towne Orange
- 11.03.25 – Chef Charbel Hayek to Open ILYA in San Clemente
- 11.02.25 – Super Irvine International Market Opens in Irvine
- 11.02.25 – Prime Pizza Opens First Orange County Location in Mission Viejo
- 10.30.25 – Zara Man Opens First U.S. Store at South Coast Plaza
- 10.27.25 – Jack Johnson Headlines Two-Night Coast Film & Music Benefit Concert
- 10.20.25 – Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria Brings Elevated Flavor to Costa Mesa
- 10.19.25 – Fall Fun at The District: Halloween Boo Bash and Cocktail Tour
- 10.16.25 – Luxury Wellness Meets Concierge Medicine at Coastal Wellness MD
- 10.16.25 – Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin Serves Up Michelin-Recognized Northern Thai Cuisine
- 10.16.25 – Chili Chutney Brings Authentic Afghan Cuisine to Lake Forest
