Chef’s Table: Where Culinary Skills Build Lasting Connections

As part of Youth With Faces’ Earn & Learn initiative, the Chef’s Table experience provides culinary students with paid, real-world experience following Food Handler certification and weeks of hands-on lessons in the kitchen. This unique event is more than a meal—it’s an evening centered on connection, growth, and pride.

Under the guidance of Culinary Program Manager Chef Alexis Rojas, students showcase not only their technical skills but also their professionalism and confidence. Students take the lead in hosting a multi-course dining experience for their loved ones and juvenile department staff. From preparing each dish from scratch to designing a beautiful dining space, every detail reflects their hard work, discipline, and creativity.

This quarter, students thoughtfully curated the menu and theme: Season of Growth: A Spring Culinary Celebration, reflecting both the season and their journey through the program. The meal began with a roasted beet salad featuring arugula, goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a citrus-honey vinaigrette. For the entrée, students prepared herb-roasted chicken served alongside sautéed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, and a rich cream sauce. Dessert brought a sweet finish with shortcake topped with strawberries, blackberries, and house-made whipped cream, complemented by sparkling citrus-infused water. Each course showcased not only technical skill, but also the care and intention behind every detail.

What makes Chef’s Table truly meaningful is the space it creates for connection. For many juvenile staff and loved ones, the evening offers a powerful opportunity to witness firsthand how far these young men have come—seeing their growth, confidence, and capability come to life in a tangible way. Throughout the night, students share their journeys with pride, transforming the dining room into a place of encouragement, reflection, and celebration.

The experience culminates in a heartfelt tradition: students sitting down to enjoy dessert with their guests, reinforcing the relationships that are so critical to long-term success. Chef’s Table reflects Youth With Faces’ commitment to equipping justice-involved youth with the skills, relationships, and opportunities they need for a brighter future—one shared meal at a time.