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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet The Neighbor – Chef Anthony Meidenbauer
By Callie Thomas
Something is always cooking, both figuratively and literally, with 89135 resident Chef Anthony Meidenbauer. There’s never a dull moment for the corporate executive chef and director of culinary operations for Block 16 Hospitality. Whether it’s the burgers and dogs at Holsteins, LBS and Pink’s, the gastropub fare at Public House or the classic cuisine with a contemporary twist at Barymore, you can bet that food is always on Meidenbauer’s brain. But what you may not know is that while he’s thinking about the next menu concept for the corporate restaurant group or overseeing every design detail of their newest eatery, he’s also tossing around ways to assist at the latest fundraiser to benefit charitable organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Shade Tree or coordinating weekly food donations to Three Square Food Bank. The work isn’t easy, but Meidenbauer wouldn’t have it any other way.
This Vegas resident is no stranger to hard work. In fact, it’s been a whirlwind ever since he began his culinary career in town twelve years ago, but Meidenbauer still makes time to lend a hand, donate food and support those in need in the community. Even with a million plates in the air, he still holds true to his belief that it is important to play an active role in making a difference. Over the last year, a lot has happened at work and in Meidenbauer’s personal life (he and his wife are looking forward to welcoming a new baby), and during that time, he’s also made an impact with a half dozen charitable organizations through their fundraisers. The busy chef and entrepreneur stopped long enough to talk with us about his work in the community, give advice on how to get it all done and what he believes is the secret to his success.
It’s been a busy year for you! What’s the actual tally of organizations that you’ve assisted recently?
“This year, we’ve done fundraising work for local charities such as the Nevada Chapter of Make-A-Wish, The Dream Center of Las Vegas, Keeping Memory Alive, Communities in Schools, AFAN, Shade Tree, and we help Three Square Food Bank with food donations.”
How do you determine which organizations you want to assist?
“I have a passion for supporting charities and programs that are local and truly impact our local community.”
Any experiences you’d like to share?
“I get involved in a lot of different ways. I recently participated as one of the celebrity chefs at the poker tournament at Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit, where proceeds went to Communities in Schools. We’ve served small plates from Holsteins at the Black and White Event to support Aid for AIDS (AFAN). We’ve also held a month-long event where all proceeds from Holsteins and LBS Burger’s limited-edition “Billy Burger” and Pink’s Hot Dogs’ “Chili Cheese Dog” were donated to Shade Tree. We also provide weekly food donations to Three Square and I’ve handed out food to the homeless.”
What’s it like to see the rewards of your efforts?
“It’s so great seeing the looks on the faces of grateful people that we’ve touched. It’s important to help those that need it most. It doesn’t have to be through money. It could be as simple as helping an elderly neighbor take out the garbage or cleaning their yard.”
With all that you do, how do you keep all the plates in the air?
“I surround myself with great people and let them do what they do. I have followed this idea my whole life and when you do, you put yourself in a position to succeed.”
Of everything you’ve accomplished, what makes you most proud?
“My family. Recently getting married and a baby on the way are the things that make me most proud and happy on a daily basis. My success in my career is just icing on the cake.”
