Our Culinary Department offers our members the opportunity to explore food and nutrition through enrichment programming, youth employment, and free meal services. The Gary Comer Youth Center, located in Greater Grand Crossing on Chicago's Southside, is the cornerstone of the Comer Education Campus. The Culinary Department provides services to our members through afterschool programming, free daily meal services, teen and young adult employment, and catering services. On our YouTube channel we share videos with Healthy Hacks, Quick & Easy recipes, healthy snacking, and recipes and budgeting for family meals! On our Instagram page we share recipes and day-to-day moments from our operations. Here on Facebook, we look to share and engage with a community of people that may further benefit from our work and the work of our young people! Our Key Staff:
Chef Gina Bates
Owner and founder of Sweet & Savory Chefs Academy, Chef Gina is a classically trained savory and pastry chef with over 27 years of industry experience. She teaches food education by focusing on basic cooking and baking skills so participants become empowered young chefs. Chef Jon Bates
Chef Jon is the Assistant Culinary Manager of the Gary Comer Youth Center. He's a certified Pastry Chef, with nearly 10 years experience in the industry. Passionate about food and fresh ingredients, he takes pride in teaching proper baking technique and preparing healthy foods. Chef Remy Price
Chef Remy is the Associate Director of Culinary Arts at the Gary Comer Youth Center. She uses her unique background in education, athletics and culinary arts to guide the department's operations.
