Expressions from the Heart by Angela Moonan
The unfolding journey of Kyle Forson: Chef, Forager, Teacher
F
ood is a medium for beautiful expression, allowing the artist to both give and receive. Because of that, it has the power to change lives. It takes a teacher to understand that. At the First Coast Technical College (FCTC) of St. Augustine, Kyle Forson is making a difference. He’s guiding aspiring chefs, restauranteurs, re-inventors, and creators alike to express their passion for food, for connection, for creating. This young, yet wise and accomplished chef in his own right, knows what his students know: That Kyle Forson’s in the exact place he is meant to be.
Beginnings
When Kyle was ten years old he started cooking up his earliest memories of being in the kitchen. His grandmother lived on the same block. An afternoon snack with Grandma was a journey into the pantry, the garden, and his imagination. For a ten year old, learning that last night’s Rice-A-Roni could become fried rice, and biscuits were like playdough on the counter, could be life altering. It was. Kyle’s grandmother won his unconditional trust and attention and the journey into the world of food and all that it could create, began. Mentoring is second nature to Kyle. A graduate of St. Augustine High School, he started as a dishwasher at The Bunnery and
Chef Kyle Forson
Bakery Cafe. As a wide-eyed 15 year old he saw and learned, and still remembers today. He started assisting the cooks by cracking eggs and making pancake batter, and eventually making cinnamon rolls from scratch. Kyle was building his foundation as a line cook. These may seem like small accomplishments, but the lessons he learned about hard work would help him excel. While attending college he
ABOVE: Kyle demonstrating one of the many techniques students learn at FCTC Images provided by FCTC. 12 LovingOurFood.com
