The concept was simple but ambitious: a multi-course dinner cooked with local craft beer from Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Co., paired intentionally with each dish, and built around upcycled and imperfect ingredients. But we didn’t reveal the “imperfect” part until the very end. Guests enjoyed creamy mac and cheese made from cheese ends and topped with toasted… Continue reading A Dinner That Celebrated Craft Beer, Community, and Low-Waste Creativity
Tag: travel
Beyond the Kitchen: How Chefs Can Be Educators in Every Community
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
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”
A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and National Recognition
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 highlights has been our collaboration with Chef Ed Porter, which resulted in the creation of his award-winning short film, The Food That… Continue reading A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and National Recognition
Chefs Are Athletes Too – Just in Aprons, Not Jerseys
I’m writing this with a heating pad on my back, full of ibuprofen and an ice pack on my shoulder—battle wounds from another long day in the kitchen. As I limped through service today, I started thinking: if chefs had trading cards, they’d probably look a lot like athlete profiles—minus the million-dollar contracts. We may… Continue reading Chefs Are Athletes Too – Just in Aprons, Not Jerseys
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
Recognizing Hardworking Colleagues and Bringing Exciting Guest Speakers to Our Town
Celebrating a Banner Year at UC Merced Dining 2024 has been an exceptional year for UC Merced Dining, marked by national recognition and prestigious awards. Our dedicated team’s hard work and innovative approaches have been acknowledged on multiple fronts. First, we proudly received a Silver Award at the National Association of College and University Food… Continue reading Recognizing Hardworking Colleagues and Bringing Exciting Guest Speakers to Our Town
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
Culinary Connections 