Chef Jeff visits IS

3/21/09

Students from the Hospitality and Tourism classes at the San Diego School of International Studies hosted an appearance by the best-selling author and host of Food Network’s award-winning show, The Chef Jeff Project. Hospitality and Tourism teacher, Charos Maull, invited Chef Jeff to keynote a Regional Occupational Program (ROP) internship program seminar held Saturday, March 21.

Chef Jeff capitivated the Hospitality and Tourism students with his life story: A one-time San Diego Unified School District student, Chef Jeff served nearly a decade in prison for selling drugs. He met a prison cook who inspired him while he was incarcerated; Chef Jeff reinvented himself through his new-found passion for cooking. As the first African-American named chef de cuisine at a major hotel in Las Vegas, he is determined to succeed and help others along the way. Chef Jeff encouraged the students to make the most of internships and mentorships during their high school years and beyond. Following his presentation, Chef Jeff signed copies of his books and posed for photographs. Students in the school’s culinary arts class treated Chef Jeff, his wife, staff, and invited guests to a brunch featuring Chef’s favorite foods: Friendly’s Fried Chicken and waffles. He looks forward to returning to San Diego in the future to serve up another helping of advice.

For more information, contact Charos Maull at cmaull@sandi.net, Angela Croce at acroce@sandi.net, or Virginia Eves at veves@ sandi.net.

Tony Burks, Ed.D.

Executive Director

Office of Small School Innovation (ossi)

School Improvement Officer

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