staff profile

Becky Pierce - The Original

In April of 1992 we interviewed and hired many people to staff this untried (indeed unnamed) restaurant and it’s amazing now to look back and realize that, among the gems, a significant number of that first group proved themselves miserable human flotsam: liars, thieves and drunkards who despoiled and disparaged this place, contributing mightily to our near-demise before we even had a chance to catch on.

But we also hired Becky Pierce. As she often works behind the scenes currently (our bar areas are now more visually obscured than they used to be), long time Eldorado guests will remember her primarily from her stints at the host stand. Her shiny, blond hair; limpid eyes and youthful physique belie the fact that she has raised two (now grown) daughters with her husband, Danny, in nearby Elizabeth.

In addition to being absolutely reliable and executing the tasks required at our bar with care and consistency, Becky has covered many, many shifts at a moments notice and worked stations that were not her favorite without complaining. She remains, to this day, mysterious; often holding her cards close but periodically surprising the hell out of you with wry wit and candor that cuts right to the heart of things.

And the thing is: after nearly seven years of helping us it is remarkable that Becky is basically moonlighting at Eldorado. Her “real” job has been working with especially needy children in local schools. Here, Becky has often provided a patient, non-judgemental ear and a kind word to many a young, depressed staff member and has always brought her island of calm to this often phrenetic place. We are very lucky.

- Chef Jim Terry

Chef's Notes

news

Eldorado receives Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence

The Wine Spectator is the most influential wine publication in the nation if not the world. Each year they honor restaurants world wide for creating outstanding wine lists. After being cheerfully badgered for a few years by Doctor Randy Busch of Dubuque to submit our list, we relented and sent in the required materials last April. In the September 30th issue our award was announced and it was noted that, soon after, Chef Jim Terry was seen screaming and jumping about the restaurant, brandishing the magazine at anyone who would pay any attention at all. A mind is a terrible thing to lose but he has reason to be rather excited. The Spectator does not hand these awards out freely.
Randy, thanks for the encouragement!