Fonze
Alphonse (aka Fonze) grew up in northeast Pennsylvania then moved to Providence, RI where he completed a bachelor's degree in Culinary Nutrition with a focus in R&D. While in school, he worked at a farm to table American bistro as well as a variety of other culinary establishments (yacht clubs, hotels, stadiums, catering, etc.). He moved to Chicago to intern at a marketing culinary agency. During the pandemic, he shifted toward personal culinary consulting while also opening two restaurants in Chicago as Executive Chef. He also traveled to Amman Jordan to aid a restaurant chain in redeveloping their menu specials and working toward opening ghost kitchens. He now works as a Chef Instructor at The Chopping Block and as a R&D chef for large corporations. In his free time, he is usually reading up on new cooking techniques, cooking meals with friends, exploring alternative fields of science, enjoying the outdoors, or binging a TV show.
As a professional chef, I have always been fascinated by the history and evolution of different culinary traditions. One such tradition that has captured my interest is the history of pasta. This ...
Despite its relatively simple appearance, there are centuries of tradition and unique flavor combinations packed into a simple Mexican dish. From endless varieties of fresh and dried chilies like ...
Over the last year, I’ve begun to explore the world of alcoholic beverages and how those flavors/techniques can be used in other mediums. I’ve discovered many amazing things while also tasting some ...
Throughout my whole life in kitchens, there has always been one thing I’ve wanted to own. It wasn’t a sharp knife, fancy equipment, or even custom-engraved diamond plated knife steal that also ...
When you hear the word “cooking” what comes to mind first? Is it the clicking of the stovetop as you turn on the flame? The smoky smell of the grill as you hear the sizzle of the food touch the ...
Did you think using vinegar to make pickles was the only way to do so? Think again as we traverse down an alternative method that provides results that have more flavor and better texture than ...
Koji - what is it? I had never heard of this word until a few years ago. From time to time, I would hear about it from the depths of the kitchen walls as it was quickly tossed into a mix or coated ...
Growing up in Northeast Pennsylvania, I was surrounded by an abundance of delicious and authentic Italian food. I also grew up in an Italian family where if it wasn’t pasta for dinner then there was ...
For those who love shellfish, I've got the scoop for you. Let’s talk about all you need to know when buying shellfish. I’m sure like me, when you first thought about cooking shellfish you have no ...
Growing up, I ate more ice cream then I probably should have - a gallon a week to be exact. For others, ice cream may have been reserved as a treat, only eaten on special holidays or occasions such ...
