Bernie Williams, known for his achievements as a center fielder with the New York Yankees and later as a jazz guitarist, recently took on a new challenge in the kitchen. Williams joined Chef Adam Sobel at Bourbon Steak at Essex House in New York for an episode of MLB’s “Off the Plate.”
Williams recalled his early days in Minor League Baseball, saying, “I remember being a young Minor League player; first, second year in the Minors. There were four or five people to an apartment. We didn’t have money to go out and eat every night, so we just went to the grocery store to get a whole bunch of stuff. I was appointed the cook for the group. Whether it was good or bad, we would have to eat it, no matter what.”
Williams noted his preference for Latin American cuisine due to his upbringing: “I grew up in Puerto Rico, so I am more partial to Latin American cuisine,” he said. “I finally learned how to make rice, baked beans, a little pork shoulder.”
During this feature, Williams worked alongside Sobel as a sous chef preparing Nova Scotian lobster pasta—a dish Sobel described as one that could impress guests at home.
Sobel is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has trained under well-known chefs such as Gunter Seeger, Charlie Trotter, Daniel Boulud, Guy Savoy and Michael Mina. He also appears frequently on television.
Sobel shared his connection to baseball and Williams: “If I could do anything,” Sobel said, “there’s two things. One would be to hit a 99 mph fastball and then play guitar like Derek Trucks. That would be my superpower.” He added about meeting Yankees players: “I don’t really get star-struck — [but] Bernie is my favorite Yankee,” Sobel said. “I get to cook for amazing, incredible people all the time. I cooked for Barack Obama’s 20th [wedding] anniversary.
“But the only time I was left speechless at a table because I got starstruck was with Derek Jeter. I don’t know what happened to me. He’s amazing.”
Williams played rhythm guitar during their time together before dinner was served for Sobel and Yankees radio broadcaster Dave Sims.
