Culinary Arts
Welcome to my page! My name is Kevin Roecker and I am one of two Culinary Arts Instructors at Woodruff Career and Technical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Most people, including my students, call me Chef Kevin or Chef K. Along with teaching the approved curriculum, I try to impart real-life experiences and situations to our inspiring culinarians at Woodruff Career and Technical Center
A little about me. I grew up in East Peoria and have been in the Food Service and Hospitality Industry since the late 1970s. I have been involved in almost every aspect of the restaurant business. Early in my career while working in area restaurants, I was also attending Illinois Central College and received my Associates Degree in Business Administration. After a several years of managing a large nursing home kitchen and moonlighting for a small, private catering business, I decided to bring all of my hands on culinary work, knowledge and experiences together by attending the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. I graduated with honors in 1994. I then spent some time on the East Coast and upstate New York before returning to Peoria, IL. Since then, I have worked at local restaurants, a private club, hospitals, an upscale nursing home, my own restaurant, a winery, and various consulting jobs. I took a brief hiatus from working and managing these types of operations and worked in food service sales. I was contacted about teaching Culinary Arts at Woodruff by a former co-worker who knew that Woodruff was looking to expand their culinary program. While I have little classroom experience, I have worked with high school aged students who have gone on to work for Charlie Trotter, became the Executive Chef in a Naval officer's dining room, and another who eventually started an event planning business in Las Vegas. I also teach part time for Illinois Central College's America Culinary Federation certified Culinary Arts program.
Fun fact: I got to meet Julia Child. It was for about 10 seconds but a ten seconds I'll never forget. If you don't know who she is/was you've got some homework to do. For a more entertaining version of Julia Child's story, watch the movie Julie & Julia. Meryl Streep's portrayal and mannerisms of Mrs. Child were so incredibly accurate, that to this day I do not know how the motion picture industry snubbed her for an Oscar that year.
When I am not instructing culinary arts and restaurant management, I have a side business and a hobby both named CKC which are Chef Kevin Catering and Chef Kevin Cellars. One may also find me picking up shifts at friends' restaurants when they are short staffed.
My personal interests include hiking, cycling, kayaking, camping, smoking foods, wine and beer making, road trips/travel, and remodeling my 101-year-old home.
I place great value in my small immediate family and core group of friends.
Some of my favorite quotes are:
“In spite of food fads, fitness programs, and health concerns, we must never lose sight of a beautifully conceived meal.” – Julia Child
“Just because I cook this way, doesn't mean I eat this way (referring to fine dining). I like a burger on the grill just as much as the next guy” – Culinary Institute of America Instructor Peter Michael - Certified Master Chef, Certified Culinary Educator
“One can never learn too much. The more one knows, the more they seek to learn. - Unknown
While there have been many accolades over my 40 years in the culinary arts, I feel these to be my greatest achievements:
Graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York.
Was on a panel to set parameters and protocols for what can be called a rose’ wine produced in Illinois.
Winner of double gold, 4 gold, one silver, and two bronze medals at the State of Illinois/Illinois Grape Growers & Vintner’s Alliance State Amateur winemaking competition 2019-21.
First place/People’s Choice in The Whiskey City Chili Cook-off 2017
First Place/People’s Choice in HOI Professional Chef’s Association Chili Cook-off 2019 and 2020
Established precedence for USDA labeling requirements for heat and eat meals distributed by RMH Foods, Morton, IL
Have current Serv Safe Food Manager’s License and Allergen Training.