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Zack Shornick

Chef, Writer, Entrepreneur

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About Zack Shornick

Zack Shornick

Hey there!

I am a Chef, Writer, & Educator with over a decade of experience in the Food & Hospitality industry — from serving tables at small cafe chains and crafting lattes at independent coffee houses to running the grill station in a Michelin-starred restaurant and managing the overall operations of the best pie shop in the state.

I look forward to sharing my recipes and expertise with you here on my website, so please feel free to reach out with any culinary questions, comments, or requests here.

– Zack

A Passion For Food

I’ve always loved to eat, but I had very little interest in cooking as a child. My family still makes fun of me for turning a box of spaghetti into a single boulder of mush that one time. Yet, food has always been at the center of my best memories — sneaking a taste of my mom’s tender Passover brisket in the kitchen before carving it for extended family waiting around the table, eating all the leftovers of my dad’s puttanesca cold for breakfast the next morning, my grandmother roasting lamb chops after I mysteriously developed a taste despite her hatred for the gamey meat, or my grandfather and I discussing the merits of dipping donuts into a glass of cold milk while sharing a secret midnight treat.

As an independent Chef, I have experienced years of training in kitchens — from washing dishes at a comfy neighborhood sandwich shop to countless long services on a crepe stone at a popular bistro. I’ve worked early, quiet mornings exploring gluten-free baking at an Ecuadorian cafe, expedited endless weekend brunch rushes, and I’ve had the honor to sweat through late evenings while leading the wood-fired Grill Station at Band of Bohemia in Chicago — the world’s first Michelin-starred brewery. These experiences have allowed me to learn, transform, and develop a balanced culinary voice focussing on flavor, fulfillment, and ethical, sustainable sourcing.

Egg On Toast
  • Zack at the Grill Station
  • Double Chocolate Orange Cookie

Gardening & Sustainability

I recently left life in the city to explore opportunities and traditions in farming and sustainable living while traveling across the country in an up-cycled DIY camper van, searching for the perfect plot of land with my wife.

I discovered my path to the soil through an excitement for food and a desire to return to nature. Having spent much of my time in urban environments, gardening and sustainable living were not part of my everyday life. It was only after witnessing firsthand the abundant waste of common practices while forging a career in Food & Hospitality as a Chef and Restaurant Manager that I turned my attention to supporting green, renewable systems in agriculture and production.

Educator & Entrepreneur

In addition to my work in the kitchen and garden, I have previously run an independent men’s grooming company specializing in all-natural beard & body care and managed a number of small business development & consulting services with focus to graphic design, web development, marketing, and workforce operations. Finding myself at the front of new businesses and young teams many times, I have also acquired much experience assisting with opening new ventures, hiring & training new staff, and recipe & menu development.

I also frequently contract as a Facilitator & Educator concentrating in the use of Improvisational Theatre Techniques and Creative Thinking to help groups of all ages perfect their skills in the Art of Public Speaking, Collaborative Team Building, Productivity, Networking, Sales, Marketing, and more. If you are interested in any of these services, please ask for me at ImproveIt.

Work With Me

I would love to collaborate with you on your next culinary project or endeavor.

Fill out the form below to get in touch and I’ll get back to you soon.

    @ZackShornick on Instagram

    Ginger Almond Stollen . #baking #stollen #christma Ginger Almond Stollen
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#baking #stollen #christmas #homecooked #yeschef #countryliving #dessert #glaze #brandy #enriched
    Early morning snow day with a tall mug of proper E Early morning snow day with a tall mug of proper English-style tea. 
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#snowday #earlymorning #englishstyle #propercupoftea #assam #noreaster #winterstorm #staywarm #hudsonvalley #hygge #organic @harneyteas #localhoney
    Lazy Sunday. Lazy Sunday.
    I’m feeling extremely thankful, grateful, lucky, I’m feeling extremely thankful, grateful, lucky, and privileged this holiday. It’s been a wild, scary year filled with anxiety, fear, passion, learning, exploration, reflection, and action. I’m humbled to be living the life I am in such a time and honored by everyone who has been there for me at my side in person and virtually through all the stresses and unknowns.
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I’m thankful for the endless love and support of my wife, our extended families, and our amazing friends. I’m thankful for my job — owned and managed by a team of thoughtful, passionate restauranteurs. I’m thankful that I can afford to live comfortably without the fear of staying warm or how to find my next meal. I could go on and on as I take this moment to acknowledge my continued privileges. 
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And as I consider my gratitudes this year, I continue to think of those who struggle more than I do: those who still fight for their guaranteed personal safety and their human rights just because they don’t look or love like me. Those who don’t have housing, food, or job security. Folks who cannot afford the medical care they need. Small family businesses that may not last through the pandemic.
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I will continue to think of these groups every time I make everyday decisions. Where does my dollar go when I shop? Who do my actions — or inactions — hurt? Who is affected by my vote? How can I help? — And I hope you will do the same.
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Herb Roasted Turkey Breast, Autumn Squash Ratatouille w/ Caramelized Onion Apple Jam & Glazed Pepitas, Citrus Ginger Cranberry Relish, Kaiser Stuffing, Brandied Poultry Gravy, Whipped Sour Cream Potatoes, Balsamic Pomegranate Greens, Fancied Crescent Rolls, Frizzi 33
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#thanksgiving #givethanks #gratitude #humbled #grateful #family #blacklivesmatter #translivesmatter #vote #loveislove #votewithyourdollar #nooneisillegal #supportlocal #shoplocal #eatlocal #supportfarmers #shopsmall #yeschef #homecooked #thanksgivingfor2 #2020
    Cold Autumnal Sunday Supper — White Wine Cranber Cold Autumnal Sunday Supper — White Wine Cranberry Braised Mutton Shank w/ Parmesan Polenta 🍂 🍁 🐑 
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@willowpondsheepfarm @rhinebeckmkt #mutton #lamb #shank #cranberries #autumn #fall #supper #homecooked #yeschef #supportfarmers #eatlocal #braised #grits

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