Here's one to shatter preconceptions: When I was in the Navy we had a Mess Specialist (who was a no-bull gourmet chef, btw). If the description were lifted from "Blazing Saddles" it would be "very black and very kilted". His last name was MacLeod.

I'd go through the senior NCO line at chow hall and my mouth would water at some of the stuff this guy could pull out of his hat. Omellettes, mongolian BBQ, whatever, all the time. And it was by request! Just like a resteraunt.