ELI BARNHILL

LORD OF THE PREP DEPARTMENT

THIS IS ELI.  He was born in Aberdeen, WA and has lived in various places, up and down the west coast.  He went to high school in Yamhill where he formed life-long friendships playing midnight games of Capture the Flag. Since then, Eli has moved away three different times but always finds himself back in McMinnville, this time with a handful of roomies, 3 cats and a dog.  His return always comes down to one thing:  

“I’ve never felt more welcome in a community.”

Eli has a broad spectrum of restaurant experience, starting at a Quizno’s when he was 18 and working everything from fast food to grocery to coffee.  He now manages the prep department at Community Plate where he claims to love all the learning and the challenge.  

ELI HAS THIS TO SAY ABOUT COMMUNITY PLATE:  “I love my job.  I still love it after two years. This is the first time I’ve ever been able to say that.”

 When not at work, you can find him at a bevy of favorite, local hang outs:  The Oak, Pura Vida, 411, Molcajetes (taquitos!) and Thai Country. However, you’re just as likely to see Eli in his finest form on stage at the Gallery Theater.  He acts, dances, plays ukulele, and sings show tunes at the top of his lungs.  Most recently, he charmed as Uncle Fester in Gallery’s production of The Adams Family and previously played a convincing Lord Farquaad in Shrek entirely while kneeling, since his 6’+ frame would hardly measure – um – down to Farquaad’s stature!

FIRST COOKING JOB Quizno’s | Kent, WA
SPECIALTIES Makes a killer tater tot casserole
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT Pura Vida, The Oak, Thai Country
IF EATING AT COMMUNITY PLATE LOVES the Turkey Sandwich
YOU CAN FIND HIM On stage at Gallery Theater
SPECTACULAR TALENT Master of the crochet hook
HOBBIES Singing, drawing
LOVES Taquitos from Molcajetes