Chef Darren Zesch

Chef Instructor, Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management, Culinary Arts

chef instructor darren zesch
Location: Online Programs
Favorite Dish: Tacos

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

Dr. Seuss

About

Chef Darren has held the roles of Executive Chef and Sous Chef and is passionate about teaching the art of food and cooking. His professional experiences range from local country clubs, restaurants, and hospitals to being a Chef Instructor/Director of Education at an area culinary school.

His other passions are enjoying the outdoors with his family and friends.

Certifications & Affiliations

  • Certified Executive Chef 2009-2019
  • Certified ServSafe® Proctor
  • ServSafe® Certified

Professional EXPERIENCE

  • Executive Chef - The Boulevard, St. Charles
  • Retail Manager - Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, MO
  • Executive Chef - St. Luke's Hospital
  • Director of Education - LeCole Culinare, St. Louis, MO
  • Sous Chef - Westwood Country Club

Dish Examples

Paella

Lakeside seafood fun!

seafood paella in large cast-iron skillet

Salsa

Salsa goes with tacos, and tacos go with everything!

various salsas guacamole in multi-color dishes with chips

Education

  • Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts, St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, MO

Special Interests

Fishing (bass, striped bass, and crappie), bowhunting (whitetail deer), barbecuing, and charcuterie.

Request More Information
Campus of Interest*
Program of Interest*

By clicking the "Send Request" button, I am providing my signature in accordance with the E-Sign Act, and express written consent and agreement to be contacted by, and to receive calls and texts using automated technology and/or prerecorded calls, and emails from, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts at the number and email address I provided above, regarding furthering my education and enrolling. I acknowledge that I am not required to agree to receive such calls and texts using automated technology and/or prerecorded calls as a condition of enrolling at Escoffier. I further acknowledge that I can opt-out of receiving such calls and texts by calling 888-773-8595, by submitting a request via Escoffier’s website, or by emailing [email protected].

Get the Essential Culinary School Planner & Checklist

We’ve compiled a checklist of all of the essential questions into one handy workbook: Career options, academic plans, financing your education, and more.

Get the Workbook
Campus of Interest*
Program of Interest*

By clicking the "Get the Workbook Now" button, I am providing my signature in accordance with the E-Sign Act, and express written consent and agreement to be contacted by, and to receive calls and texts using automated technology and/or prerecorded calls, and emails from, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts at the number and email address I provided above, regarding furthering my education and enrolling. I acknowledge that I am not required to agree to receive such calls and texts using automated technology and/or prerecorded calls as a condition of enrolling at Escoffier. I further acknowledge that I can opt-out of receiving such calls and texts by calling 888-773-8595, by submitting a request via Escoffier’s website, or by emailing [email protected].

Close the banner Is Culinary School Right For You?
Take This Short Quiz
Is Culinary School Right For You? Take This Short Quiz