FLIK Independent School Dining

We can't let Chef Appreciation Week conclude without saying a huge 'thank you' to our corporate culinarians, our regional and district chefs! These talented and dedicated individuals make it all possible! No shortage of passion and personality in this group... Adam Byrne, Alexandria Howren, Mark Geis, Adam White, Robert MacClure, Ryan Sonson, Andrew McClure, sebastian M., James Yoma, Lee Ewing, PC I, CFM, CRP, CRS, CRM, Matt Albertario, and Julio Viera. 👨🍳 👏 #chefappreciationweek ♥ Sari Feltman Philip Juaire Nancy Walker Lorin Stein Don McNeil, Jr. Courtney Hill Flik Hospitality Group

Meet Chef Joseph Mirra: Chef Joseph currently serves as the Executive Chef at The Peck School where he "exemplifies the Flik standard in daily menus, food safety, special events and catering." His colleagues say, "He is a great mentor and developer of teams. He delivers innovative menus and experiences. He established a monthly teaching kitchen in coordination with DIAB and has a great relationship with the community at large." Thank you for all you do, Chef! 👨🍳 👏 @ Meghan Lukeman Don McNeil, Jr.

Meet Chef ASIF SARKAR: Chef Asif currently serves as the Executive Chef at St. Lawrence Seminary High School where he "leads his team to create amazing food. Also shared by his colleagues, "His menus are creative, authentic, and innovative. He is great with the clients and students. He developed a culture dinner where students from different countries worked with him to create authentic meals from their home culture which were served to the entire school. He runs a clean and safe kitchen. He helps at other accounts when needed and with recruiting. His passion for food and learning is second to none." #chefappreciationweek Thanks for all you do, Chef! 👨🍳 👏 @ Lindsay Feucht Autumn Battin-Flores Don McNeil, Jr.

We love our chefs and certainly don't mind a little quirkiness! 😜 #chefappreciationweek

Meet Chef Juan Acosta: “Chef Juan Acosta is the Executive Chef at Oakwood School in North Hollywood. When he is not in the kitchen, he is teaching cooking classes with the school's culinary club or referring soccer matches. Chef Juan became a chef because he has a passion and love for food.” #chefappreciationweek 👨🍳 👏 @ Oakwood School, Lorin Stein, Javier Ruelas

Meet Chef Ryan Messina: "Chef Ryan" is the Chef Manager at Prince of Peace Christian School in Carrollton, Texas. "Chef Ryan demonstrates and represents what FISD is all about. She has the highest of standards and is always in touch with her operation. She has a 'will win' attitude and it inspires her staff. Her team is happy, and morale is high. This is a reflection of Ryan and her management style." Chef Ryan has played a major role in helping Prince of Peace achieve status as a Certified Center for Excellence. Thanks for all you do, Chef Ryan! 👩🍳 👏 @ PRINCE OF PEACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Lorin Stein, Javier Ruelas

Meet Chef Jackie Thomas, the Executive Chef Ravenscroft School in Raleigh. A recent message from a Ravenscroft parent to the school's administration serves as testimony to his culinary and kitchen leadership abilities: “I wanted to take a moment to share some delightful feedback from my child, who is in first grade this year. He has been raving about the lower school lunch and recently exclaimed, 'The food here is even better than Daddy’s and whoever is in charge needs a raise!' Every day he is excited to tell us all about lunch and how it is his favorite part of the day. It’s safe to say that the lunch program has truly won him over. I wanted to extend our heartfelt appreciation to whoever is in charge of the cafeteria and the lunch program. The effort and care that goes into providing such delicious meals has clearly made a big impression.” Even more praise and thanks for Chef Jackie One of Chef Jackie's colleagues recently said, "Chef Jackie has the best outlook on life and lives his life by taking care of himself and being the happiest guy in the room. He doesn’t have bad days because his bad days are behind him. Jackie grew up in New York City in the foster care program and he lives every day as a blessing. He is passionate about making food that is healthy and wants to share. He has a knack for remembering your specialty dietary need and strives to provide. Chef Jackie is part of a wonderful team at Ravenscroft School that celebrates food, cultures, and associates that work tirelessly to provide for the community." #chefappreciationweek

Meet Chef Kenneith Mendez: "Chef Kenny" is the Executive Chef at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando. He is originally from Mameyal, Dorado, Puerto Rico. "A passionate surfer, Kenny began his culinary journey in a Chinese restaurant. From day one, he fell in love with the kitchen's rhythm and mechanics, fueling his ascent through the culinary ranks. Kenny has worked in different restaurants in Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Kenny joined FISD at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Downtown Orlando as a sous chef and was promoted to executive chef within a month and a half. Despite initial challenges, Kenny led his team to success, likening them to the Chicago Bulls of 1996 for their unity and excellence. Feeding off one another, never letting anyone fall behind. Another wonderful thing that he loves about the kitchen life is how all different cultures, traditions, races, and countries come together as one. To Kenny, it's such a beautiful thing to witness, like poetry in motion. Kenny has associates from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Mexico, Brazil, Honduras, Colombia, Jamaica, the United States, and Puerto Rico." Thank you for all you do, Chef Kenny! #chefappreciationweek

Meet Chef Jacob Ihara: "Chef Jake" is the Executive Chef at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta. He says, "In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym and playing around with new foods in my kitchen and dining at as many different restaurants as possible. Asian food has always been near and dear to my heart as I’m half Japanese and have very fond memories of the meals I had as a kid with my grandparents. I love to re-invent different cuisines and cook with a French/Japanese methodology and flavor profile. Some of my favorite chefs are Eric Ripert and David Chang." Thank you for all you do, Chef Jake! #chefappreciationweek

Chef Andrew Mitchell goes above and beyond to delight the hungry, growing boys at Collegiate School in New York City. Chef Andrew's colleagues say: "He is the kindest person that you can ever meet!" [He is] extremely dedicated to providing excellent and delicious foods for the Collegiate School Community!" "[He is] always Excited to come to work!" "[He is a] great Leader and loves feedback!" Thank you for all you do, Chef! #chefappreciationweek