Famous chef serves good will

Famed Food Network Chef and American River College alumni Guy Fieri brought his distinct flavor to the Sacramento region on April 25 and 26, receiving recognition at the California State Capitol for his "Cooking with your Kids" initiative. He also hosted two evening charity events with ARC culinary arts students volunteering their time and cooking skills.

Fieri, the owner of five local restaurants, hosted the first of his two "Evening with Guy" events on April 25 at Sacramento's Tex Wasabi's.  The event sold-out with 120 people paying $100 for a ticket to watch Fieri prepare a five-course meal, tell anecdotes and even put-on an impromptu version of his NBC game show "Minute to Win It."

Behind the scenes, ARC culinary students toiled in the kitchen prepping food hours before the first guest arrived.  ARC student Michelle Tabarango who is pursuing her A.A. in culinary arts describes how, "What Guy's doing with nutrition in school is near and dear to what I'm doing." Tabarango takes care of a special needs young adult who requires special nutrition.

The following evening's event at Johnny Garlic's in Roseville attracted a sold-out crowd of 130 people.  Once again, ARC culinary students were there and ready to work hours before Fieri took the stage.

The Head Chef of all Fieri's restaurants Keith Breedlove describes the contributions made by ARC's chosen volunteers saying, "Having them here has been great.  They are hard working, diligent, and have stayed on top of things.  They saved our butts. Really!"

Fieri, a longtime support of ARC, stated that, "I am a big fan of the school and you guys have got really one of the great and fantastic culinary arts programs in the state."

Maria Diaz, age 41, is the eldest student in the program who plans on graduating with her A.A. degree this upcoming spring. When asked why she chose to pursue cooking she exclaimed, "I'm from Puerto Rico! I've always cooked."

Diaz even co-owns "M.R. Catering" with fellow student Rey Navarro also graduating with her A.A. next spring. Navarro has an both an "11 year-old and six year-old who love watching Fieri on "Minute to Win It" and his Food Network programs."  Navarro, smiling proudly, revealed that her, "Six year-old has control of my kitchen.  He even has a chef's uniform and wants to someday become a chef."

Before the sun went down on the "Evening with Guy", Fieri made it a point to acknowledge the contributions of ARC's volunteers prompting a hearty round of applause by those in attendence.