Talkin' Food with Scott Hoch

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Scott Hoch, the defending champion at this week's ACE Group Classic in Naples, shares his favorite restaurants, foods and tournament day snacks.

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Q. What food always reminds you of home?

Hoch: Most foods done more than I like.

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Scott Hoch is a part-owner in several restaurants across the country.

Q. What's your favorite restaurant in the United States, and what do you order there?

Hoch: Timpano Italian Chophouse. There are seven of these restaurants around the country and I'm a part-owner. When I go in, I usually order either the Chicken Parmesan or I get a large filet with gorgonzola cheese on the top and reduced balsamic dressing on the side.

Q. Where was your most memorable meal?

Hoch: The first time I ate at our restaurant in Las Vegas. It's a high-end place called Aquaknox and the meal I had was phenomenal. I particularly remember the oyster shooters with Tabasco sauce.

Q. What's the best snack?

Hoch: At home, I eat Cheetos with extra cheese.

Q. What do you normally eat before a round on a "competition day"?

Hoch: I'm normally not big on breakfast but if I play early, I have to eat. I'll go substantial before I play. I'll eat plenty of meats to last me through the round. If I play late, I'll go heavy on the meats and add in some vegetables.

Q. What would we find in your refrigerator today?

Hoch: Nothing special but I am a believer in leftovers. Lots of times I'll go to a restaurant and bring the excess food home. I also make sure I have diet drinks in the refrigerator.

Q. What's the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?

Hoch: When I was on the PGA TOUR, I used to go to Japan at least once a year and I've tried all sorts of food over there. I remember eating tongue at a party. It was cooked and was chewy. When you're in Japan at dinner functions, you need to be courteous to your guests.

Q. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Hoch: Probably someone still alive who was on the Warren Commission. I'd like a straight answer on the Kennedy assassination. I have had the pleasure of eating a meal with former President George Bush Sr. and that was a very enlightening experience. He was able to tell me certain things about the Gulf War that relate to our current situation in Iraq.

Q. Does your family have a favorite food tradition?

Hoch: On Christmas Eve, the Hoch family will serve prime rib and turkey. On Christmas morning, my wife, Sally, will fix breakfast burritos and normally 12-20 people will show up. She's a good cook and really goes all out.