Photo credit: Erin Ruthenburg

By William Rock

On behalf of the entire Paul Smith’s College community, I would like to welcome Chef Christopher Griffin to the Paul Smith’s College family. Chef Griffin began the Fall 2016 semester as a new Culinary Arts Chef Instructor here at Paul Smith’s.

Chef Griffin is actually being welcomed back. He is a 2014 graduate of the Culinary Arts and Service Management program, and it is a great honor to have him return to Paul Smith’s as a part of a new era for our culinary program.

Before entering Paul Smith’s as a student in 2012, to pursue his passion for cooking and the culinary arts, Chef Griffin served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from March, 2001 to February 2009. Thank you for your service, Chef Griffin!

Since graduating (Magna Cum Laude), Christopher Griffin went on to work as a line cook at Liquids and Solids in Lake Placid, and was also the Director of Culinary Arts and Education at The Mountain Lake Academy. Most recently, Chef Griffin has been sought after for his private chef and catering services here in the greater Tri-Lakes region.

Shortly before accepting the position at Paul Smith’s, Chef Griffin became a father for the first time. He and his fiancée, Sarah Hart, welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world – Edith Eva Terese Griffin, born July 12, 2016. Congratulations, Sarah and Christopher!

Chef Griffin is passionate about cooking, and loves working with all kinds of foods and techniques from many different cultures. He is especially passionate about Latin American, South Western American, and Asian-style cuisine. He is well-versed at using the local ingredients produced and found in the Adirondack region, as well as many different and exotic ingredients from around the world.

Christopher has a strong love for knowledge. He is passionate about seeking out knowledge, and also about passing his knowledge on to the next generation through teaching. Chef Griffin’s life experience, both inside and outside of the culinary industry, combined with his passion and love for teaching, will make him an excellent and very positive addition to our culinary arts department.

Chef Griffin brings with him enthusiasm, experience, energy, passion, and integrity – all traits that will help our students and our culinary program move ahead boldly and successfully into the future.

Chef Griffin can be found in Cantwell Hall, where he teaches in room 210. During his first semester as an instructor at Paul Smith’s he will be teaching three courses:Pro Cooking Fundamentals I, Pro Cooking Fundamentals II, and American Gastronomy. His office is located in Cantwell 213, and if you’re passing by and you see his door open, he encourages you to stop in and say hi.

Whether it’s just to say “Welcome aboard,” or to talk about food or cooking, or perhaps you would just like to thank him for his service to our country – don’t hesitate to stop in and meet him. I’ve known Chris for some years now and have worked with him. He is a very open and kind person and he loves meeting new people. Please join me in welcoming him to the Paul Smith’s family!