Culinary Connections: Celebrating Local Farms, Seasonal Cooking, and the Power of Regenerative Agriculture

This past week, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Alice Waters Institute (AWI) to UC Merced for an inspiring day of farm visits and hands-on culinary workshops. The focus was clear: supporting regenerative agriculture and educating our next generation of students about the importance of cooking with seasonal, local ingredients. It’s a mission I… Continue reading Culinary Connections: Celebrating Local Farms, Seasonal Cooking, and the Power of Regenerative Agriculture

A Feast of Tradition: Dr. Claudia Serrato’s Impactful Visit to UC Merced

This past week, UC Merced had the honor of hosting Dr. Claudia Serrato, an Indigenous culinary anthropologist and chef, as part of our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Dr. Serrato’s visit brought with it a deep sense of connection to food, culture, and heritage. Her presentation on Indigenous Culinary Heritage left a lasting impression on… Continue reading A Feast of Tradition: Dr. Claudia Serrato’s Impactful Visit to UC Merced

Celebrating a Culinary Journey: I Was Named Chef of the Year by Monterey Bay ACF

I am thrilled to announce that I have been named Chef of the Year by the Monterey Bay chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF). This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the vibrant and supportive culinary community that I am fortunate to be a part of. A Recognition of… Continue reading Celebrating a Culinary Journey: I Was Named Chef of the Year by Monterey Bay ACF

Nourishing Community: Chef Ed Porter’s Culinary Journey at UC Merced

Introduction In the heart of California’s Central Valley, where the bounty of the land meets the spirit of innovation, UC Merced recently played host to a culinary extravaganza like no other. This remarkable event marked the collaborative efforts between UC Merced’s Dining Services and acclaimed chef, Ed Porter from Netflix’s Pressure Cooker and Guy Fieri’s… Continue reading Nourishing Community: Chef Ed Porter’s Culinary Journey at UC Merced

Exploring Black Culinary Legacy: A Journey of Discovery

This Black History Month, I embarked on a profound exploration of the rich tapestry of Black contributions to the culinary world. It’s disheartening to admit that my awareness was not as informed as it should have been about the pivotal role Black individuals have played in shaping the American food landscape. Here are some of… Continue reading Exploring Black Culinary Legacy: A Journey of Discovery

Title: “A Culinary Escape: Rediscovering the Joy of Taking a Vacation in New Mexico”

Intro: After a staggering 14 years without a proper vacation, I recently embarked on a journey that not only rejuvenated my spirit but also reignited my passion for the travel. Join me as I share the highlights of my unforgettable trip to New Mexico, exploring the vibrant cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and finding… Continue reading Title: “A Culinary Escape: Rediscovering the Joy of Taking a Vacation in New Mexico”

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

“Celebrating a Year of Culinary Exploration and Community Impact: A Look Back at 2023”

Introduction: As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve embarked on together through our Guest Speaker Series and successful fundraising events. This year has been filled with culinary delights, meaningful connections, and impactful initiatives that have left a lasting mark on our community. January: Kicking off the year… Continue reading “Celebrating a Year of Culinary Exploration and Community Impact: A Look Back at 2023”