Experience

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  Wellness in the Schools

  • Liaison

    • 2010 - Present

    As a WITS cook and liaison I have had the opportunity to work closely, in NY public school cafeterias across the city, with School Food kitchen staff, as we collectively take every step possible to optimize the school lunch experience by using the freshest ingredients available. We employ scratch cooking techniques, reduce waste, raise awareness about ingredients and sources of food, we foster respect for the value of healthy eating and we celebrate community. WITS also creates opportunities for liaisons to get into the classrooms to teach basic nutrition and cooking. I have developed curriculum, teaching materials and recipes for school children, colaborated on recipe developement with chefs Bill Telepan, Alex Guarnaschelli, and Michael Anthony, for school events. As a WITS liaison I work closely with many non-profit and city organizations including Grow to Learn, Food Bank For NYC, Edible School Yard, The Cooking Room, Cafeteria Culture, Battery Urban Farms and NYC Eco-Schools.

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  Wellness in the Schools, Fresh from Florida

  • Tallahassee, Florida

  • Liaison/Manager

    • Sep 2012 - Present
    • Tallahassee, Florida

    As the liaison for this pilot program, now in its second year, I work closely with WITS executive director Nancy Easton. Our mission in Florida, as in NY, is to bring scratch cooking techniques to the cafeteria menus. We are in three schools in Leon county and the WITS liaison there direct report to me. I manage and execute every aspect of our Florida program from the NY office, including recruiting, hiring, interfacing with school communities, and kitchen staffs. I travel to Florida 3-4 times a school year to meet with staff, assist in special events, recruit chef partners and volunteers, meet with farmers who contribute produce to the schools and host garden visits. I meet with local culinary schools to recruit their graduates to our program. I visit school gardens and participate in creating harvest menus. I oversee a detailed monthly progress report, vet all submitted recipes, and provide mentoring to the WITS staff. The WITS team works collaboratively to come up with creative school nutritional events and tastings, and create outreach opportunities for the parents. It is an exciting program that is beginning to make an impact in the schools we are in.

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  Deborah Soffel Cooking

  • Owner

    • 2001 - Present

    A vegan cocktail party for celebrity guests in the Hamptons, a gluten-free vegan supper for a family reunion in a Manhattan loft, a Latin inspired ribs and shrimp holiday office party grilled on an outdoor terrace in December: whatever the occasion, Deborah brings her impeccable taste, good humor and sophisticated palate to create a memorable meal that pleases all guests. Gourmet home-style cooking tailored to her client’s exact preferences, every menu is a custom creation crafted with imagination and infused with Deborah’s passion for ingredient driven cooking. Rich flavors, elegant presentations, and budget conscious menus are all attuned to the season, location and occasion. Deborah is available to create your dream meal, help you reorganize or redesign your kitchen, stock your pantry, teach you cooking skills at a comfortable and relaxed pace, meal plan for a family or for a restricted diet or weight loss plan. Easy to work with, passionate about the dining experience, inspired by delicious ingredients, Deborah brings it all to your table.

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  Grapes and Greens

  • http://grapesandgreens.blogspot.com/

  • Blogger

    • 2009 - Nov 2012
    • http://grapesandgreens.blogspot.com/

    a wine and vegetarian menu pairing blog

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  Edible Queens Magazine

  • http://ediblequeensblog.com/htm

  • Blogger

    • 2011 - 2012
    • http://ediblequeensblog.com/htm

    Covered local community events, restaurants and food related activities in Queens NY

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  Artemesia Studios

  • NYC

  • Owner

    • 1995 - 2001
    • NYC

    Multi-media digital design studio

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  Freelance

  • NYC

  • Freelance multi media designer

    • 1982 - 1996
    • NYC