Columbia Dining Love Story: Onicka and Charlie
This Valentine's Day, meet Columbia Dining's own love birds: Onicka Baird and Charlie White.
Columbia Dining staff members Onicka Baird and Charlie White. Photo by K. Hernandez
Not only are Onicka and Charlie two of Columbia Dining's most well-known and talented members of the culinary team – they're also partners of 24 years. Says Charlie, “We’re not just husband and wife, we’re best friends.”
Who they are
Charlie White is the Head Short Order Cook at JJ’s Place, the popular Columbia Dining grill. Onicka Baird recently moved from Ferris Booth Commons to serve as the First Cook/Baker at the Café in the Business School. They’ve both been part of the Dining team for over 20 years.
How they met
It was 1998. Fates aligned: Charlie was hanging outside his mom’s place in Brooklyn one day and Onicka passed by. Although she initially gave him the brush off, she was smitten too and left a note with her phone number. He called her, they went on a few dates, and the rest is history. They have 3 children and 1 grandchild.
The best part of working together
While Onicka and Charlie don’t work together at the same dining location, it’s helpful that they can relate to one other’s day. But Onicka says, “we try not to take our job home with us.”
Onicka and Charlie on stage at the 2019 Battle of the Dining Halls. Photo by I. Epstein.
Favorite Columbia memory - #FerrisForever
Onicka and the #FerrisForever team faced off against Charlie and the #JJsFam team in the 2019 Battle of the Dining Halls with Chef Alex Guarnaschelli. While JJ’s Place got the fan favorite, the Ferris team took home the champion’s belt and Onicka took home bragging rights.
Who does the cooking?
As two accomplished members of the Dining team, they share cooking responsibilities. Sunday family meals are the highlight, with Southern-inspired fare like mac and cheese, collard greens, and baked chicken. Working in different roles in the kitchen for Columbia Dining, they like to teach each other. In her new role at the Cafe, Onicka is perfecting her baking skills with muffins and brownies.