All About Chef Vanessa Marquis
Chef Vanessa Marquis, CEC, AAC, is from the Salad Bowl of America, Salinas Valley, California. She attended the Professional Culinary Institute in Campbell, CA. Chef Vanessa Marquis is currently the Corporate Executive Chef/Director of Culinary Innovation at FSC Franchise Co. (The Brass Tap, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, and Newk’s Eatery).
After starting her career at CoredValle, a private country club in Central California, her experience grew in the galleys to include working on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, teaching, private classes, consulting, catering for up to 2,500 guests, and collaborating with Metropolitan Ministries in 2013 to create Inside the Box Culinary Arts Program for aged-out foster children.
Culinary Trailblazer
Chef Vanessa Marquis has served the last nine years on the ACF Tampa Bay Chapter Board and currently she holds the position of President. She has served the last four years on Worldchefs International Chefs Day Committee as the Chairman.
Another title Chef Vanessa Marquis received this year is the Committee Chair for the Chef & Child Initiative for the American Culinary Federation. The committee’s goal is to reach as many children as possible globally, with the help of Chefs, in “Preparing Children for a Healthy Life.”
Her efforts with her husband and fellow Chef, Rene Marquis, are ongoing within the community. The dynamic duo couple received the Humanitarian Medal from World Chefs Without Borders for organizing the first-ever Worldchefs event in the U.S., Americas in Aid-2019. Chef Vanessa says, “Giving & helping is food for my soul.”
Chef Vanessa Marquis’ competitive edge landed her on the student team while in culinary school. She continued individual competitions through her career and in early 2018; she was named to the ACF Culinary Team USA 2020-National Team and competed at the Culinary World Cup 2018 in Luxembourg, receiving a silver medal in the individual category, and a silver with the team to IKA Culinary Olympics 2020 in Stuttgart, Germany. Chef Vanessa Marquis was inducted into the American Academy of Chefs in 2021.
Insights and Advice from the ACF Tampa Bay Chapter President on Pursuing a Career in the Culinary Arts
1. What would be your advice to young people who are considering becoming chefs?
V.M.: Pursue your goals relentlessly. Engage actively and elevate your abilities by seeking
additional tasks from the chef, participating in volunteer opportunities with your local ACF
chapter, joining the student competition team to refine your skills, and dedicating yourself to
cooking tirelessly. Continuous practice is the key to improvement. Never hesitate to seek
guidance from a chef or mentor when needed.
2. Would you encourage young people who have a passion for foodservice to go to culinary school or find a mentor and learn “on the job”?
V.M.: I highly recommend that any aspiring chef consider attending culinary school. While
learning in a kitchen setting is valuable, culinary school offers a comprehensive curriculum
covering a diverse range of subjects including cooking methods, regional cuisine, baking, and
pastry. While it’s possible to become a proficient cook by apprenticing under a chef, attending
culinary school provides the foundational knowledge, discipline, and techniques necessary
to excel and reach mastery in the culinary arts.
3. Having spent many years in the “chef world”, is there one segment that you would recommend more so than another, different tracks to run on such as an executive chef in a restaurant, a corporate chef in corporate dining, a hotel executive chef, a private chef, etc.?
V.M.: This question suggests a biased response as it implies there is a single answer for everyone. However, individuals vary in their culinary journey. The culinary world offers numerous paths and opportunities, and individuals must explore different areas in kitchens to discover their niche. This process takes time, although sometimes it may happen swiftly. Hence, it’s valuable to be a member of the American Culinary Federation (ACF). Being part of the ACF provides unlimited networking opportunities and fosters camaraderie, enabling individuals to meet others and learn from their experiences. Personally, being an ACF member has been instrumental in my journey, as I’ve had the privilege of having several amazing mentors through the ACF.
4. If you were to write a book about your chosen career path, what would the focus of the book be?
V.M.: Mise en place! Preparation is crucial, not just in the kitchen, but in every aspect of life. I cannot emphasize enough how vital it is for young chefs and at-risk youth to understand that having a mise en place mentality is the foundation of success.
Personally, I regret not learning this principle earlier in life. In our household, mise en place is ingrained in our routines, whether it’s keeping our keys in a designated spot, laying out clothes for the next day, or simply staying organized and consistent with our daily tasks to ensure smooth and stress-free days.
But also, “Take time for me.” Prioritize yourself amidst life’s hustle. Whether you’re a chef or juggling multiple roles, time flies swiftly. Engaging in numerous non-profits can be demanding, especially when motivations differ. Despite the rewarding impact, it’s crucial to ensure there’s still space for personal well-being. After all, what’s the value of it all if you neglect self-care? Therefore, don’t forget to nurture yourself and your well-being.
5. Knowing what you now know about the world of chefs, if you had the opportunity to have a restart, what might you do different if anything, and what would you advise people just starting out?
V.M.: I avoid dwelling on “what if” scenarios. I fully embrace the path I’ve traveled, with no regrets. Undoubtedly, I’ve encountered missteps, yet for me, it’s about learning to adapt and overcome. For those starting their journey, my counsel is simple: exert yourself, seek guidance, and embrace your mistakes. When mistakes occur, take ownership and reflect on how to improve. Joining the ACF community proves invaluable, as many will offer support, and you gain lifetime friendships.
