CONNEAUT LAKE - Keith Dille knew as he turned 14 that he wanted to cook. Not only did he enjoy watching his mom cook, he loved to help her.

Following graduation from Conneaut Lake High School in 199 1, he immediately began a 12-month course at a culinary arts school in Pittsburgh, and then enjoyed interning at the Iroquois Boating and Fishing Club at Conneaut Lake for four months. "I then worked at various places as a chef. from Erie to Florida, and then 'found my home' at Pelican Landing II, Route 18, Conneaut Lake, in September of 2007," he said. '" love my job. It's working with my great bosses, Mary O'Polka and Bill Singleterry, that makes coming to work every day a delightful experience. Everybody who works with me is fabulous."

Dille continued, "It's a fulltime job and I'm always on the go. Doing what I do makes me feel good because, I make peo- ple happy when they come in the restaurant. Our signature Pelican Landing II pasta is a favorite. Everybody who has it enjoys it greatly. Now, me personally, I could settle for a cheeseburger, which are the best around," he laughed.

Actually, Keith would love a cheeseburger three times a day - breakfast, lunch and supper! From time to time he might enjoy a few other favorites. "I don't want to go home and cook. That's what I do for a living! I don't cook one thing at home. If you looked in my fridge you'd only find beer and mustard," he said with much humor.

Born in Meadville on Jan. 16. 1973, this son of Ray and Linda Dille grew up at Conneaut Lake. His parental family eventually became Ray and Sandy Dille, and Linda (Dille) and Don Hittle. His two brothers are Mark, of Meadville, and Mike, of Hartstown.

Keith hopes to be at the job he loves for a very long time. In the few moments of any spare time he has, Keith enjoys spending time with his family and friends and loves being on the lake in the summer and hanging out with them. "I want to thank all of our customers for making us the successful and fun restaurant that we're known for," he said.