A Day in the Life of a Chef: Compass Day at JWU Charlotte, NC

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Compass Day at JWU Charlotte, NC

What fun today! I was invited to talk about my sector with some JWU students today to promote the Independent School career choice. Some students aren't really sure the direction that they want to go after graduation, or were not aware that we offer co-op internships every semester. This was a great opportunity to share info about what I do as well as hang out with future chefs of America! Was a blast. Here are a couple pics I took today:

Got to meet the Lee Brothers in person today, was a suprise!

Busy for lunch:

Dipping Sauce for Lumpias:

How to cook rice in a cooker:

Rolling Lumpia:

About me...

I'm very passionate about food; eating, creating and working around it! I love this crazy food-service industry and all the insanity that comes with it. No matter what kitchen I find myself in, I always feel in my element.

I grew up in a blue collar New Hampshire mill town with a mother who loved to cook more than anyone I knew. She taught me a lot. Not only how to read my first cookbook, but about passion for big flavors. Creating food wasn't just a chore for her, it was an escape and a journey.

My dad, occasionally, would take us out to eat. We had so much fun grabbing some fried clams at the local "Clam Box" or "Golden Rod". Driving around in that old '71 Dodge Duster with the windows rolled down on our way to eat at our neighborhood diner "Lenny's Lunch" was exciting!

Today, I make people smile for a living with culinary creations that spawn from a deep desire to feed ones soul. I'm convinced that I couldn't be more fulfilled doing anything else. Supporting my local farmers is great too!