Chef Frank Proto Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate: Valentines Day Parent/Student Class with Epicurious Chef Frank ProtoCS02
When WCE interviewed Chef Proto, he said, "I was a dishwasher, a prep cook, a line cook — I did everything. I always wanted to be a chef, though. I know that’s kind of weird — kids usually want to be firemen or policemen or lawyers. I don’t know where I got the idea but I always wanted to be a chef. I come from a family that cooks."
Chef Proto worked in restaurants most of his career. He left the restaurant world to pursue a career in education, teaching culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC. Cooking & food have always been a passion for Chef Proto and he loves to share his knowledge with his students. He is excited to start his third year as the Family and Consumer Science (FCS) teacher at Middlebrook School. While most people would say FCS is a cooking class, Chef Proto sees it as a life skills class with cooking.
Being able to pass along 24 years of knowledge and experience to a new generation of chefs keeps Chef Proto motivated. He keep his team inspired by listening to their ideas, letting them experiment with new methods, and empowering them to make decisions.
Chef Proto said, "Some of the best lessons I’ve learned throughout the years have come from making mistakes. Mistakes should always be an opportunity to learn and grow. I consistently tell my students that it is ok to make mistakes as long as you use them to get better at your craft".