Student Experience: Adam West

“El Centro helped me sharpen my skills as part of the Hot Food Competition Team — landing me ACF culinary medals in Orlando, Chicago, Dallas and Houston. An internship as Chef Tournant, inside the Westin Stonebriar Resort, launched a career that included sous chef at Jeroboam Urban Brasserie, Dragonfly Restaurant, the James Beard House in New York City, Monarch Restaurant in Houston and then a gourmet food truck, Unforsacon Bacon, back here in Dallas. I now helm The Porch — all thanks to the start I received at El Centro.” 

Born and raised in Dallas, Adam West was exposed to food at an early age by his parents, both of whom spent a great deal of time in the family kitchen. In high school, he landed his first kitchen job as a dishwasher and by 18 was working as a line cook at the Fairmont Hotel.

After graduating a year early from high school, an ambitious West enrolled in the culinary program at El Centro.

While still at El Centro, West began an apprenticeship in 2004 as the Chef Tournant at The Legacy Grill inside the Westin Stonebriar Resort in Frisco. He executed daily operations and preparations for the 150-seat resort restaurant specializing in classic American fare. 

After two years with Westin, he took a job as sous chef at Jeroboam Urban Brasserie, an upscale French concept in downtown Dallas.

Though the restaurant closed in late 2006, it opened the door for an opportunity at award-winning Dragonfly restaurant inside Hotel ZaZa Dallas working alongside chef Marc Cassel, also an El Centro culinary alumnus.

In May 2010, West, along with Chef Grant Morgan, enjoyed the prestigious honor of cooking at the renowned James Beard House in New York City.

Later that year, Chef West was given the opportunity to take the helm of the kitchen at Monarch restaurant inside Hotel ZaZa Houston and serve as executive chef.

Upon his departure from Hotel ZaZa, Adam and his family returned home to Dallas and opened a gourmet food truck, “Unforsacon Bacon.”

Currently, Chef Adam is at the helm of The Porch and is building relationships with multiple local farms and ranches.  The Porch Restaurant is located at 2912 N. Henderson, 214-828-2916.

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