When Grosse Pointe Yacht Club’s Executive Chef, Colby Newman, almost lost his wife to a rare heart condition, he relied on his culinary team and club members in a way he has never had to before and now pays that forward with a clearer focus on work-life balance.
About The Author
Colby Newman
With a background in classic French and Italian cuisines, Colby Newman, Executive Chef of Grosse Pointe (Mich.) Yacht Club, brings his unique culinary style to Michigan. Prior to his current position at Grosse Pointe YC, he was the Executive Chef of Amarillo (Texas) Country Club.
The Benefits of Gender Balance in GPYC’s Kitchen
It’s not someone’s gender that determines what role they play in the kitchen at Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. It’s their work ethic, ability and drive. The food coming out of clubs and restaurants is evolving. So are the chefs and kitchen environments we are creating in. With the long hours, late nights, and a high-stress work…
What I’ve Learned in My First Year as Executive Chef of GPYC
In his first year at Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, Executive Chef Colby Newman made great strides, but he has new goals for the year ahead. I don’t know where the past year went, but it has come and gone. The week of the Fourth of July marked my first year with Grosse Pointe (Mich.) Yacht…
How My Instagram Posts Impact Our F&B Operation
Social media has had a huge impact on Grosse Pointe Yacht Club’s F&B operation since Executive Chef Colby Newman came on board and started posting pictures of his food. With only 650 followers on Instagram, I’m far from “instafamous.” But creating an account several years ago where I post only pictures of my food has…
Refreshed and Ready to Return
After his club’s annual shutdown, Grosse Pointe YC’s Executive Chef Colby Newman is eager to get back in the kitchen and share his love of food. I was right. Even though I got a lot accomplished, our annual club shut down here at Gross Pointe (Mich.) Yacht Club went way too fast. Before the shutdown,…
How I Plan to Make the Most of Our Annual Shutdown
Grosse Pointe (Mich.) Yacht Club’s Executive Chef Colby Newman plans to recharge, clean and reorganize the club’s kitchen, strategize with his staff, attend the Chef to Chef Conference and do some major R&D. I’ve never worked for a club or restaurant that shuts down for an extended period of time each year. At my previous club (Amarillo (Texas)…
Until We Hire a New GM, Communication Will Be Critical
Gross Pointe YC’s Executive Chef Colby Newman has found that strong teamwork will be critical to success this busy holiday season. With just a few weeks left in my first holiday season at Grosse Pointe (Mich.) Yacht Club, I’ve learned that the holiday season here is not nearly as crazy busy as our summer season. When your club’s main…
My First Big Menu Change
Inspired by Detroit’s unique seasonality, Grosse Pointe (Mich.) Yacht Club’s Executive Chef Colby Newman created a new menu featuring highly composed dishes. It’s been almost four months since I started my new position as Executive Chef of Grosse Pointe (Mich.) Yacht Club and I’m finally to the point with my both staff and members where changes…
What It Means to Be a Club Chef Mentor
Colby Newman, Executive Chef of Grosse Pointe (Mich.) Yacht Club, strives to provide his employees with the skills, knowledge and support they need to become the best possible cooks so that if they choose to move on they are more than prepared. When I was working my way up in the kitchen, it was important…
Making an Impression at Grosse Pointe Yacht Club
As the newly appointed Executive Chef of Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, Colby Newman is learning about his new staff, their skills and capabilities, as well as his members and their likes and dislikes. When I was young, it was easy to pack up the few things I owned and venture somewhere new. I was eager…
It’s Time to Start a New Adventure at a New Club
Colby Newman has spent the past three years as the Executive Chef of Amarillo (Texas) Country Club. He recently accepted the position of Executive Chef at Grosse Pointe (Mich.) Yacht Club and he’s excited about all the future holds. The day my wife told me she was pregnant was the happiest day of my life.…
Why Club Chefs Are Not Sell-Outs
Colby Newman, Executive Chef of Amarillo (Texas) Country Club, has found that being a club chef is more challenging and rewarding than being a restaurant chef. Most culinary students dream of working in a Michelin Star or James Beard award-winning restaurant once they graduate. I certainly did. Never did I think or even consider becoming…
How a Guest Chef Taught, Inspired, and Motivated Us
Amarillo (Texas) CC’s Executive Chef invited Chef Martín Rios, of Restaurant Martín, to the club for its first ever Guest Chef Dinner. The experience was so valuable for that the club has decided to continue the series with more chefs from around the country. As I’ve said in the past, Amarillo is not necessarily an ideal…
Making a Name for Amarillo Beyond the Club
By collaborating more with local chefs, Amarillo (Texas) Country Club’s Executive Chef, Colby Newman, hopes to help grow the local culinary scene. When people think of Amarillo, Texas, there are a few things that come to mind. Palo Duro Canyon is one. The cattle and their “smell of money” that fills our city is another.…
Kung Pao Chicken Tacos
Ingredients: 1 lbs. Chicken breast, sliced thin 1 EA Red Bell Pepper, julienne 1 EA Green Bell Pepper, julienne 1 EA Yellow onion, julienne 1 Cup Green Onion, chopped (green and white parts) 1 Tbsp. Ginger, minced 1 Tbsp. Garlic, minced 3-4 EA Dried Chili Peppers (optional) 1 Tbsp. Sugar 1 tsp. Chili Paste 1…