Meet Reggie!
Reggie Nguyen joined our team in September 2015 as a Food Rescue Driver
How did you arrive at Lovin’ Spoonfuls?
I first learned about Lovin’ Spoonfuls from Rosie’s Place, my former employer. I worked in the pantry there, so I got to know the company and the drivers really well. I have always admired Lovin’ Spoonfuls, so when an opportunity to join the team came up, I jumped, and now here I am!
Describe a typical work day. How does your job differ from the average truck driver?
I think the biggest difference between my job and the average driving job is that there’s a lot of heart involved in what I do. The day to day routine may be similar, driving from one place to another, picking up food and dropping it off, but the thanks and gratitude I get from both donors and beneficiaries makes each day infinitely rewarding.
What’s the strangest/most exotic food item you’ve picked up from a vendor?
It has to be gefilte fish. It was my first encounter with this dish in my many years of working with donated food!
What are some of your favorite tunes/radio stations that you listen to on the road?
I absolutely love “The World” on WGBH Radio at 3pm. BBC world news at 9am on WBUR is also a must.
Do your friends and family consider you a good cook? Any signature recipes?
Stir fries and omelets is about as far as my culinary skills can go!
What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
Lots of Arizona iced tea and Guiness.
What’s your favorite childhood food memory?
My favorite food memory would have to be going to my grandma’s food stall at the market every morning in Vietnam to get her steamed taro cake with dried shrimp. She would insist that I eat some before bringing some home to mom!
What’s your favorite place/restaurant/neighborhood in Boston?
It has to be Beat Hotel. They have the best burger hands down. An unobtrusive bun and cooked to a true medium rare.
What is your motto?
“You gonna eat that?”
Who are your heroes?
I am torn between Ben Kingsley and Gandhi. It comes down to Gandhi’s humility and Kingsley’s portrayal of a typical Hollywood jerk in his cameo on the Sopranos.