You’ve had an exhausting morning: an 8 a.m. biology class, two papers due by ten and to top it all off, you’re running on about four hours of sleep after hitting up a big party the night beforehand. There’s nothing that you need more at this point than one of Netta Richardson’s iconic breakfast omelets.
Netta, a Pit chef extraordinaire, is famed around Wake for her efficient omelet-making skills and her vibrant, engaging personality. Students flock to her omelet station daily for servings of delicious food and loving encouragement – necessities for making it through the tedious Wake school days.
I wanted to learn more about this lovely lady who has made a big name for herself behind the spatula, so I sat down with her in the Pit to get the full scoop.
Netta is a true Winston-Salem “townie.” Born and raised in the Dash, Netta attended South Park High School and decided to reside in Winston with her husband and children. She took a job with Wake Forest in 1993 … and we couldn’t be happier that she did. Amongst the crowded commotion of the Pit, Netta assured me that the best parts of her days are when she is interacting with students and, of course, when she is cooking up her specialties.
“Seeing Ms. Netta is a great start to the day. She’s always in a good mood,” explained sophomore Alex Davis. “We even hug most days to say ‘good morning!’”
Netta has been whipping up Alex’s favorite omelet for the past year and a half, and this past break she even sent her a Christmas card – a true testament to her caring heart for students.But of course, we aren’t the only thing she cares about.
“I think my favorite part about my job is the omelets,” said Netta.
Well, it’s definitely her expertise, no doubt. And for any omelet virgins out there, Netta suggests “the best omelet in the house, the ‘Winston.’” It’s loaded with all of the trimmings, meaning every single topping you can cram into the little white dishes.
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Netta plays many other roles in her life than just our beloved omelet chef, and her life outside of Wake Forest keeps her extremely busy. As a grandmother of eighteen(yup 1-8), Netta loves spending time with every single one of her grandchildren who live here in Winston-Salem.
And when she’s not at Wake feeding our aching appetites or at home with her family being the world’s most impressive grandmother, Netta can be found at Crusades for Christ Church where she has been preaching as a minister for the past 11 years.
As a highly esteemed Wake Forest chef and lover of all things delicious, Netta loves to explore the culinary options that Winston-Salem has to offer. She counts the fresh seafood at the Mayflower restaurant as her favorite dining experience in town.
From grandmother, to minister, to our very own Rachael Ray, there is nothing that Netta cannot do. So next time that you’re in the Pit looking for that perfect breakfast to get you through the day or just a light dinner to keep you on your new 2012 diet, head over to Netta’s omelet station—she definitely won’t disappoint.
Also make sure to wish her a happy anniversary on February 18th, as she and her husband are celebrating 17 years of marriage. Thank you for feeding hungry Wake students for the past eighteen years, Netta—we love you!
*Photography by Karleigh Ash