Beyond the Plate: Honoring Roots, Passion, and Purpose in the Kitchen

Cooking has always been more than a skill or career path for me, it’s a passion, a creative outlet, and a deep connection to my roots. From a young age, I discovered that food was a powerful medium for expression, with endless possibilities in flavors, textures, and presentation. When I step into the kitchen, I feel a sense of freedom and purpose, with each dish like a canvas where I can craft something unique. One of my earliest and most cherished memories is cooking alongside my father. He taught me not only the techniques but also the importance of love, dedication, and sharing in preparing food for others. Those moments with him ignited my passion for food, setting me on a journey to become a chef and carry forward a legacy of connection through food.

Attending the Culinary Institute of America was a pivotal step in transforming this passion into a professional path. Earning my bachelor’s degree in Food Business Management provided me not only with culinary expertise but also with the business acumen to navigate the restaurant industry. The program challenged me to think beyond the kitchen, giving me the skills to manage a restaurant and realize my vision for creating memorable dining experiences. One of my favorite experiences from college was the time I spent in Napa, California, learning about the farm-to-table movement. Being surrounded by the vineyards and farms, meeting farmers, and seeing their dedication gave me a profound respect for the journey of each ingredient. This experience deepened my connection to food and inspired me to incorporate sustainable, farm-to-table practices into my culinary philosophy, honoring the land and the people behind each ingredient.

My Mexican heritage is at the heart of my culinary inspiration and creativity. Growing up surrounded by vibrant flavors, rich spices, and the colorful traditions of Mexican cuisine, I learned that food is more than sustenance. it’s a celebration of culture and community. These traditions taught me that food can tell a story, evoke emotion, and create connections. My heritage continues to influence my cooking, and I’m passionate about sharing its depth and beauty in ways that honor the culture while also exploring new interpretations. Incorporating these traditions into my dishes allows me to bring part of my identity to the table, blending the past with the future of food.

Ultimately, my vision is to be a restauranteur who pushes the boundaries of the dining experience and challenges how people perceive food. I want to create spaces where each meal offers a fresh perspective and sparks curiosity, inviting diners to see food as an art form, a story, and an experience. Through my work as a chef and future restauranteur, I aim to change the way people connect with food, transforming each meal into a memorable journey that reflects my passion, my roots, and my commitment to honoring both tradition and innovation in the culinary world.

-David DeGroat

Sous Chef