Culinary Connections

Chef based in the Central Valley who passionately features high quality farm-to-table ingredients that are produced in the San Joaquin Valley while using sustainable cooking techniques including "root-to-stem"and "nose-to-tail". Skilled in incorporating seasonal, regionally grown foods into menus for high-end catering menus. Food Waste Prevention Advocate who actively develops programs to educate the community on the issue of food waste. These programs include organizing a free screening of the Wasted! The Story of Food Waste documentary, cooking demonstrations on how to cook with scraps and re-purpose leftovers, and creating The Salvage Social Hour, a fundraiser featuring recipes and beverages featuring rescued and gleaned food to support UC Merced's Bobcat Pantry while also raising awareness of the impact of food waste on the environment and how it can be an option to feed hungry people. -2020 CHESC Award Winner for Energy and Sustainability Award for Sustainable Food Service "Ugly Produce" Rescue and Donation Initiative" -2022 ACF President's Award Winner from the American Culinary Federation Monterey Bay Chapter View all posts by chefmitchv