Philadelphia, PA - Chef Jose Garces has named Chef Tonii Haicks the next Chef in Residence at Volver at The Kimmel Center (300 S. Broad Street).
This award-winning program supports Garces' collective vision to create a diverse, inclusive cultural future in Philadelphia by supporting emerging minority chefs. The residency of Chef Hicks will last from now to March 19, 2023. It features exclusive North African dishes, such as Shrimp Tostada and Salmon Cake, Shrimp Tostada, and Lamb Chops. Hicks will raise funds to build a new commissary building in West Philadelphia and create new jobs as a chef. Hicks can raise at minimum $10,000 from the Garces Foundation, matching the first $5,000 raised. Reservations can be made at www.volverrestaurant.com. You can contact us via OpenTable or by calling 215-670-2303
Garces stated, "I am so thrilled to have Chef Tonii come to Volver for our Chefs in Residency program." She is a true force in the kitchen as well as outside. She is a fantastic cook. I love her ability to play with flavors and infuse every dish joyfully.
Chef Hicks was raised in Philadelphia. Hicks spent over ten years working in the industry and some of the best restaurants in the city. Chef Hicks focuses her efforts on mentorship, culinary education, community engagement and food science, innovation, and the development of aspiring chefs. Hicks holds a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Science degree from Drexel University. She has learned how to transform food from its raw state into a delicious dish. She has learned how important food is and how it can be used. Hicks's true passion is using her art to recognize, educate, and invest in Philadelphia's social justice.
Chef Hicks received a Stone Barns Agriculture Fellowship scholarship in June 2021 to provide fresh farm-to-table food for residents of low-income communities. James Beard House selected Chef Hicks as a Fellow in May 2022 for their 10-week fellowship program.
C-CAP's part-time Program Coordinator is Chef. He oversees student scholarships, job training, and competition demonstrations.
Hicks is looking to the future and has set her sights on opening a commissary building that will educate, serve, and support the Philadelphia community. Although she is still in the planning phase of her vision, Hicks has a clear vision. She envisions a community-driven space open to artists, chefs, and educators--anyone who needs a place to cook and gather.
Hicks stated that he plans to use the money to open a Philadelphia commissary building. It will offer hands-on culinary education to the community and be a space for chefs as well as a space for creators. My goal is to increase the culinary community and create more opportunities and jobs in the market. I want to be able to invest in the building I choose, unlike most Black-owned Philadelphia businesses. It is something I treasure to be able both to own land and provide valuable resources.
Chef Hicks can be supported by diners, arts patrons, and other community members who donate at Volver before they go to a show or online.
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