When most people think of a chef as an educator, the image is often limited to traditional culinary training—knife cuts, sauces, mise en place, or plating techniques. While those skills remain foundational, I believe the role of a chef as teacher can, and should, reach much further. Food is one of the most universal entry… Continue reading Beyond the Kitchen: How Chefs Can Be Educators in Every Community
Tag: chef
How I Turned a Simple Idea into a Low-Cost Fundraising Model That Keeps Giving Back
Eight years ago, a Facebook memory reminded me of something that still makes me smile—and still inspires how I approach fundraising today. It was my very first successful event for UC Merced’s Bobcat Pantry, supporting food-insecure students. The concept? Simple. Effective. Low cost. We called it Pints for a Purpose. For $10, guests received a… Continue reading How I Turned a Simple Idea into a Low-Cost Fundraising Model That Keeps Giving Back
“From the Central Valley to the National Stage: A Year of Recognition and Collaboration”
As we move toward the close of another academic year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve had at UC Merced Dining—and what a year it has been. One of the standout moments was our collaboration with Chef Ed Porter, which resulted in the creation of his award-winning short film, The Food That… Continue reading “From the Central Valley to the National Stage: A Year of Recognition and Collaboration”
Dinner and Movie with Chef Ed Porter
On November 8, UC Merced hosted an unforgettable evening celebrating local agriculture, community, and culinary excellence. The Dinner and Movie with Chef Ed Porter brought together campus supporters and UC Merced chefs for a night of storytelling and seasonal flavors that highlighted the unique richness of the Central Valley. The evening began with a private… Continue reading Dinner and Movie with Chef Ed Porter
Inspiring Change: Why I Started My Recent UC Merced Speaker Series
Greetings, UC Merced community! It is with immense excitement and a vision for positive transformation that I share the inspiration behind the upcoming speaker series at our beloved campus. Motivated by a desire to bring the same caliber of guest speaker programming to UC Merced that is often experienced in larger, bustling cities and campuses,… Continue reading Inspiring Change: Why I Started My Recent UC Merced Speaker Series
Culinary Connections 