The Eat Sheet: 'Undercover Boss' Star Rick Tigner, Kendall-Jackson President, Takes THR’s Inaugural Taste Test

Rick Tigner runs Kendall-Jackson, the billion-dollar Northern California vintner, and on Sun., Jan. 29, he goes incognito on CBS reality show Undercover Boss as “Jake,” a Texan grocery store manager intent on making a mid-career transition into the wine business. On the eve of the episode’s airing, the company president takes THR’s inaugural Taste Test, and suggests five favorite restaurants in his neck of the woods.

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RICK TIGNER’S THR TASTE TEST

Current Fixation
“Calamari—all different styles.”

Known For Cooking
“Turkey fry. It’s dangerous. That’s why I do it.”

Destination Dinner
“Cyrus or French Laundry.”

Go-To Take-Out
“Carl’s Jr. No. 3 meal. The Western Bacon Cheeseburger.”

Adventurous Bite
“Chicken feet, when in Japan.”

Simply Won’t Eat
“Mayonnaise. Sea urchin.”

Favorite Snack
“Doritos and a Diet Coke.”

Dietary Regimen
“Eat, drink, sleep.”

Pet Peeve
“People eating with their fingers.”

Guilty Pleasure
“Dove bars.”

Last Meal
“A turkey dinner with all the trimmings: turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, cranberry sauce, German chocolate cake, peanut butter, chocolate ice cream… and Kendall-Jackson vintner’s reserve chardonnay!”

Tigner’s Five Favorite Restaurants in Santa Rosa and Beyond

1. Petite Syrah: “Great chef, small plates, great service.”

2. Jackson’s: “Fun, always a party.”

3. Stark’s Steak & Seafood: “Classic steakhouse.”

4. John Ash & Co.: “Best chicken dish and wine list.”

5. Zin Restaurant & Wine Bar: “Great fried green beans, friendly service.”