What’s better than a top notch food truck that also caters events with special occasion dishes like paella, clambakes, a lobster boil, or whole animal roasts? If said food truck and catering company were also run by a passionate and fun-loving local Tahoe chef, of course! Tommy Adkins, owner and chef at EATS Cooking Company creates fantastic food showcasing the virtue and bounty of Northern California’s food system, with a focus on animal ethics and environmental sustainability at the foundation of all his menus.
Plus, he’s just a really fun and funny guy. As much as we know you’ll love EATS, we think you’ll love a chance to get to know Tommy even more!
What brings you the greatest joy in your life?
Being outside in California, traveling, my dogs and my babies. And my closest oldest friends.
What brought you to Tahoe?
As a child I visited each summer while attending Nike tennis camps at Granlibakken. Tahoe was my favorite place in the world and it was where I felt most at home. I knew then, that when I was old enough to live alone, I would move from ATL to Tahoe….and so here we are!
Tahoe lifestyle: winter or summer?
Summer, OBV!!
If you weren’t a chef, what would you do?
Stunt double for Brad Pit most likely?
What inspires your work?
Beautiful ingredients. Meat from ranches pushing the envelope on animal ethics.
How would you describe the perfect day in Lake Tahoe?
Wake up, go to the back deck. Skate down to Dark Horse coffee, skate home. Go to Moondoones, drink beers and throw the football with family and friends. Come home to BBQ and skate our ramp with said family and friends.
What are you most proud of?
My family and EATS!
Who inspires you the most?
Elon Musk and Dave Chappelle.
What is your life motto?
A comfort zone is a lovely place where nothing grows.
What was the most recent thing that made you laugh?
My son… We were playing in the waves at the beach yesterday and he freaked out and screamed “Dude, I just stepped on a skull”! ….epic.
Working in the wedding and food industries is not for the faint of heart. How do you rest and rejuvenate?
Please see the perfect day response. 🙂
What is something people might not know about you?
My grandfather owned a 10,000 acre cattle ranch outside Sacramento called Rancho Grande. My uncle is Bruce Robb and Robb Drive (in Reno) was named after his father.
Pets: Any four-legged friends in your home?
We’ve got two dogs – a Lab mix named Dumptruck Jones and a terrier mix named Little Lovie Cool Dog.
If you want to learn more about Tommy’s cooking philosophy, the EATS food truck in downtown Truckee, and catering for special events, head to the EATS Cooking Company listing on our vendor guide!