ABOUT CHEF RAYMOND ACUNA

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Chef Acuna is deeply passionate about the transformative power of food. For him, food is more than just sustenance; it's a vessel for crafting unforgettable occasions, rekindling cherished memories, and fostering connections with loved ones. It's a source of comfort, a means of nourishment, and an endless wellspring of inspiration. His culinary journey, spanning from cherished days spent in the kitchen with his grandmother to his formal training in culinary school, has been a testament to this enduring passion for both food and the joy of sharing it.

What began as a humble pursuit of cooking for friends and family eventually evolved into a dedicated mission to elevate his culinary expertise. With determination and zeal, Chef Acuna enrolled at The Art Institute of California, where he honed his skills and gained invaluable insights into cooking techniques, sanitation, food safety, and the unwavering professionalism demanded by the culinary industry. 

Today, a decade later, Chef Acuna stands as a first-generation college graduate, empowered to craft beautiful, wholesome, and delectable dishes. His passion extends beyond the kitchen as he enthusiastically imparts his culinary wisdom to those who share his fervor for food. Whether it's teaching or serving his clientele, he consistently endeavors to create unforgettable, mouthwatering experiences every single day. Drawing from his rich educational background and diverse professional experiences, his ultimate aim is to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real culinary world by bringing practical, real-world applications into the educational setting.

Chef Raymond is pursuing his higher education at the esteemed University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), majoring in Economics. He holds an impressive academic record, having previously graduated from Ventura College with an Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer Degree, earning an exceptional 4.0 GPA.

In addition to his academic achievements, Chef Raymond is a culinary professional with a rich educational background. He graduated from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, where he earned an Associate of Science in Culinary Arts, further bolstering his culinary expertise.

Chef Raymond is dedicated to maintaining the highest food safety and culinary excellence standards. He proudly holds the ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification, accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP).

As a passionate and dedicated culinary enthusiast, Chef Raymond is an esteemed American Culinary Federation, Inc. member, holding the distinguished title of Professional Culinarian Member. Additionally, he is an active member of the California School Nutrition Association, specializing in nutrition. Chef Raymond has also served as a guest writer contributor for Edible Ojai & Ventura County, further showcasing his commitment to sharing his culinary knowledge and insights with the community.

Chef Raymond's journey is a testament to his commitment to the culinary arts and economics. His academic pursuits and culinary achievements have paved the way for a promising future at the intersection of these two diverse but complementary fields.

Working knowledge of the following

• Menu Design
• Catering & Planning
• Project Management
• Meal Preparation
• Inventory Control
• Customer Service
• Team Building
• Special Events
• Kitchen Management
• Purchasing & Cost Reduction 

Cuisines

• Menu Design
• Catering & Planning
• Project Management
• Meal Preparation
• Inventory Control
• Customer Service
• Team Building
• Special Events
• Kitchen Management
• Purchasing & Cost Reduction 

Special Diets

• Gluten-Free
• Nut-Free
• Organic
• Vegan
• Low-Fat
• Four-Day Rotation
• Candida
• Dairy-Free
• Paleo
• Kosher