Mitchell Vanagten, executive chef for UC Merced’s Lakeside Catering , has been named Chef of the Year by the Monterey Bay chapter of the American Culinary Federation.
The award from the chapter, of which Vanagten is vice president, recognizes members for exceptional community service and promotion of the culinary craft, and demonstration of a high standard of expertise and leadership in the workplace.
Vanagten — known affectionately on and around campus as Chef Mitch — is a fixture at UC Merced since joining the university as an executive chef in 2005. In addition to managing kitchen staff for UC Merced dining facilities and for Lakeside, the university’s catering service, Vanagten directs menu planning and teaches staff new culinary skills.
