Mastermind: Jeff Powell, Owner of Back Alley Bistro

“Mastermind” is a regular magazine column in which we quiz a Beijing personality on general knowledge as well as on a subject in which they consider themselves to be a specialist.

Contestant: Jeff Powell, Owner of Back Alley Bistro

Specialist Subject: California Cuisine

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

What does the Latin word “alibi” translate to in English?
Alibi? Well, I know what alibi means, for sure … um, “alternative”? No, no no no. I’ll say “excuse.” X

What was the nationality of the composer Chopin?
French? Or no, Belgian. X

What did Sir Tim Berners-Lee from the UK invent?
Um ... motorcycles. X

In geometry, an acute angle is below how many degrees?
45? I was terrible at math. X

What is the smallest breed of dog?
I think that’s a chihuahua. √

SPECIALIST SUBJECT

In what year did Alice Waters open Chez Panisse?
1971. √

Which Food Network chef is an alumnus of the San Francisco restaurant Stars?
Hmm. I probably know this person, because I used to work at Stars, as executive sous chef. Emily Luchetti? No. Jeremiah Tower, the executive chef … no, he’s not on Food Network. He was my mentor, you know. Mark Franz? You got me, I don’t know. I’ll say Alton Brown, but as far as I know he never worked at Stars. X

When did California’s foie gras ban come into effect?
2005? Maybe it was 2007. Yeah, I’ll say 2007. X

Thomas Keller was consulted for which recent animated film?
Ratatouille. Thomas is a good friend of mine! √

What is California’s leading export crop?
Almonds. √

FINAL SCORE: 4/10

Answers: 1) “elsewhere” 2) Polish 3) the Internet 4) 90 5) chihuahua 6) 1971 7) Mario Batali 8) July 1, 2012 9) Ratatouille 10) almonds

VERDICT: After a rough general knowledge round, Jeff bounced back with his expertise on California cuisine, bringing him solidly to the middle of the pack. He tells us he’s going to have to ask Batali about working at Stars the next time they hang out.

Click here to see the September issue of the Beijinger in full.

Photo: Judy Zhou