Culinary student finds second passion in volunteering

Christopher Douglas, a student at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, completed more than 600 volunteer hours during the 2009-10 academic year, earning him several awards, including a President?s Volunteer Service Award.Laura Emerson/view Advertisement

Just call him Chef Christopher.

By all accounts, Christopher Douglas is having an amazing ride while studying at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, and it's all by his design. He just didn't think he'd be so celebrated for it.

Douglas, 48, is a 30-year veteran of the carpentry industry who decided to begin a new career path in the culinary world. He's the father of six children ranging in age from 30 to 8 and a husband to Susan. He works full time, attends school full time and volunteers for every possible opportunity the culinary school offers him.

"I've learned a lot of neat tricks," Douglas said. "Just bring it on; I'll take everything you can give me."

During the past year, Douglas completed more than 600 hours of volunteer service. For his accomplishment, Le Cordon Bleu recognized him at a ceremony on the campus at 1451 Center Crossing Road. In addition, he received the President's Volunteer Service Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service, signed by President Barack Obama; the Volunteer Super Star Award from United Way and the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada; the Customer Service Excellence Award from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority; and a certificate of recognition from Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.

"I don't take breaks," Douglas said. "My body just doesn't do that."

About 15 years ago, Douglas caught the cooking bug and frequently watches cooking shows and experiments with culinary techniques on his family. Now, though, his techniques are a little more refined.

During one of his volunteer exploits, Douglas met chef Martin Yan, who was so taken with Douglas' exuberance that he asked him to be his sous chef during a recent weeklong stint in Las Vegas. Yan had a booth at the International Builders' Show in January, when he signed copies of his latest book and performed cooking demonstrations. Douglas worked side by side with the renowned chef the whole time.

"I met chef Yan, and next thing you know, he's introducing me to everyone," Douglas said. "We got along so great."

During their time together, Yan encouraged Douglas and told him that he thinks he will make it far in the culinary world. Then Yan told him he should go by the moniker Chef Christopher.

Douglas plans to take Yan's advice.

Recently, Douglas drove six hours from Phoenix after finishing carpentry work to make it to a volunteer gig at Le Cordon Bleu.

"It's the way I've chosen to do it," he said. "I take something away from each experience."

Ultimately, Douglas said his culinary goal is to host a cooking show and open a chain of restaurants. He's on track to graduate in February and said he has received A's in all his courses this semester.

"He's a great student," said chef instructor James McParland. "He's always willing to help people."

McParland related a story about Douglas and Elizabeth Martinez, a chef instructor at the school, who had some trouble reaching kitchen counters because of her height. Douglas made her a stool to stand on to make her tasks easier.

"He just did it because he could," McParland said.

On working in the culinary industry, McParland said Douglas has a natural knack for it.

"I would hire him to run it if I had a business," McParland said. "Then I would walk away and let him just take care of it. He's got a great mind for it."

McParland said Douglas picks up new concepts quickly and gives everything more than 100 percent effort.

"He always has a smile on his face," McParland said.

He said Douglas never gets tired and that his personality suits the food and beverage industry.

"He goes out of his way to be nice," McParland said, "which is a rarity."

Throughout his volunteer career, Douglas has worked with organizations including Chef for Kids, Three Square, Opportunity Village, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Candelighters-Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada; Assistance League of Las Vegas and the Cultural Diversity Foundation.

"He's spent so much time giving back," McParland said.

Contact View education reporter Laura Emerson at lemerson@viewnews.com or 380-4588.