“the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.” -Joan Didion

about chef natalie

good communities start with good neighbors–and as a neighbor, Chef Natalie wants to foster a healthier, happier hood… personally. a passionate, lifelong learner, she believes in sharing her knowledge and skills with aspiring culinarians and curious, committed apprentices… provided they’re hardworking, drama-free and have a serious passion for making the world a better place.

chow to the core program

chow to the core apprenticeship program (cttc).

Founded by Chef Natalie young and developed in partnership with core academy organization, chow to the core (cttc) is an internship designed to provide social support, skills training and a structured working/learning environment for at-risk youth, transitioning adults and others whose circumstances are out of sync with their drive to achieve–for themselves, their families and their communities.

A firm believer in backing up good intentions with hard work, Chef Natalie launched chow to the core. in January 2016.

program overview.

With equal emphasis on developing and applying necessary skills, cttc aims to help good kids transcend challenging environments

Based at Chef Nat’s “Chicken and Chinese Joint,” chow. participants will receive training in all aspects of food prep, production, and service, including implement skills, cooking classes, one-on-one mentoring and occasional field trips and/or workshops. as they perfect their skills, apprentices will be asked to shadow different staffers, providing practical, on-the-job experience in a wide variety of positions.

Upon completion of the program, graduating apprentices are encouraged to apply for full-time employment, with Chef Natalie (eat, chow, bite) or the employer of their choosing.

what’s your part to be a part?

Essay-talk about why you want to be in the program and how you would be a positive candidate to the program, as well as how you can give back to the community in your own way.
One-on-one with chef
Dedication- at least 6 months to 3 years max
Show-up on time, be honest, have integrity, show loyalty, and most of all, care about what you’re doing
The buddy system: kids helping kids

everybody eats: the chow manifesto.

rockin’ good food is the heart & soul of chow. it’s our essence the driving, good time drumbeat behind everything we do; what makes chow special. unique. inviting. (yet still totally badass.)

it’s what inspires us. and what goes into every bite we serve. here are just a few key ways chow rocks—from source to kitchen to you:

we celebrate diversity. because it takes all kinds of people to make a world —and a restaurant.

why mix southern-style food with chinese food? how about why not? labels are for leftovers. chow is for people—all people, all the time (even late at night).

we care about our community. because good neighbors make great customers.

ready to have your mind blown? the entire planet is our ‘hood. and at chow, neighbors are always welcome (the nice ones, anyway), regardless of color, creed, sexual identity/orientation and even geography. ya hear that, suburbanites? c’mon down!

we give you options. because not everyone has the time to dine out.

we understand. that not everyone always has time (or inclination) to enjoy a leisurely dining-out experience. for those of you who prefer to chow on-the-go, we salute—er, support—you, by offering tasty items for take-out, around the clock.

we love. because the best ingredients and a whole lotta love make the best chow.

we believe. in making the world a better place, one dish (or more, we don’t judge) at a time. how? by using the freshest, most sustainable ingredients possible— so whatever you choose to chow down on, your meal will always be fresh, responsibly sourced and consciously, carefully prepared.

learn more about the program