An Interview with Chef Vern Hickman

The Treasure Valley has benefited greatly from an influx of talented chefs from a number of vibrant culinary scenes, as well as from plenty of home grown talent. But it’s also a comfort to know that there are indiginous efforts, such as Boise State University’s culinary arts program and Life’s Kitchen, that are cultivating the next generation of great Gem State chefs.

Today’s podcast interview features Chef Vern Hickman, who heads up the culinary arts program that is just one component of Meridian’s Joint School District 2 vocational/technology program. Chef Hickman shares the vision of his program, the story behind the state-of-the art kitchen facilities where his high school students train, and the lure of a culinary career that has been created by the popular media in cable shows like Iron Chef. You’ll also discover that another local culinary celeb played a major role in Chef Hickman’s kitchen — but we’re not going to give that away. You’ll just have to listen.