Chef Alphonse

Teaches at The Chopping Block Lincoln Square

Chef at The Chopping Block since: 2022

Favorite class to teach: Pasta Workshop & Flavor Dynamics  

Training/education: Bachelors in Culinary Nutrition with a focus in Research and Development from Johnson & Wales, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach

Cooking since: I was a kid but professionally started at the age of 13 in camp kitchens. Going on 11 years of cooking professional now.

Favorite childhood food experience: Having family dinner every night no matter what was going on was always something to look forward to and enjoy.

What made you want to become a chef? My original intention was to become a astronomer but due to placement issues, I switched to food centric studies, later to learn that there is more science in food then I originally thought.

What is your signature dish? Many people have asked me this and truth be told, I don't have one. I'm very much a mystery basket kind of person. Hand me your pantry, and I'll make something that tastes good, and if it doesn't taste good then at least we'll have a good time and get a few laughs throughout the experience.

What are the 5 ingredients you can't live without? Salt, Butter, Cream, Eggs, Flour

What do you love about cooking? The science that goes into it. Understand why and how something reacts the way it does and how to manipulate it to what I want it to do.