Academy of Culinary Arts Notable Alumni
Since 1982, the Academy of Culinary Arts has been educating some of the biggest, brightest and most talented hot foods and baking & pastry chefs right here at Atlantic Cape Community College. Many of our graduates have gone on to have successful careers owning their own restaurants; working in hotels, casinos, country clubs and cruise lines as executive chefs and cooks; creating culinary dishes for families and individuals as personal chefs; and more all around the world.
The Academy of Culinary Arts is proud to boast that our students typically receive an average of 2-3 job offers upon graduation. Here are just some of our notable alumni:
Chef Kyle is a native of Dennis Township in Cape May County. Early on, he developed a passion for fishing, farming seasonal ingredients and the culinary arts. At the Academy of Culinary Arts, he earned accolades for his food and presentation skills.
Chef Douglass, chef/owner, MIDA Boston, is a Food & Wine Best New Chef 2020; a James Beard Foundation Semi-Finalist; Best Chef Northeast and Best of Boston 2021: Best Chef; General Excellence, Boston Magazine. Chef Douglass is known for his deft technique with hand-made pasta, generous hospitality, and a smile and spirit that light up the room. He is committed to making a difference in both the kitchen and the community.
Chef Mike was named “One of Philly’s most visible seafood chefs” by Philadelphia Magazine. His Two Fish restaurant was named New Jersey Monthly’s Top 30 Best Restaurants in 2018. His Bella Vista’s Little Fish restaurant was named Third Best Restaurant in the County by Bon Appetit. Chef Mike’s dish of famous Japanese Sea Bass was named one of the top 10 Best Dishes in the city by Philadelphia Magazine.
Chef Deb began her career aboard a 204’ private motor yacht traveling around the world for three years while cooking for a crew of 18, and visiting more than 40 islands and countries. She had the honor of cooking for President Bill Clinton and international dignitaries during the first Summit of the Americas in Miami in 1994.
Chef Mike’s career highlights include being chef/owner of Adachi in Birmingham, Michigan; chef/owner of Alta Strada in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia and Washington D.C.; chef/owner of Casolare in Washington, D.C.; chef/owner of Cavatina in West Hollywood, California; chef/owner of Nama in Washington, D.C.; chef/owner of Tico in Boston and Washington, D.C.; chef/owner of The Riggsby in Washington, D.C.; and author of “It’s About Time: Great Recipes for Everyday Life.”
Chef Marvin’s career highlights include being owner of MAD Flavor a food and hospitality consulting business; author of "The New Low-Country" and "Home Plate Cooking;" Emmy Award-nominated host of “Home Plate;” guest chef at the James Beard House; judge for the “Southern Living” Cook Off; celebrity chef at the Pillsbury Bake Off, Miami Wine & Food Festival and Charlotte Shout.
Chef Bill, who is a certified hospitality educator (CHE) and certified master baker (CMB), is currently an associate professor of Baking and Pastry Arts with the Culinary Institute of America and a member of the Sir Hans Sloane Chocolates Board of Directors.