ECC Hosts Internationally Renowned Chef and Alumni Zach Laidlaw for Live Culinary Demo

Elgin Community College (ECC) welcomed back one of its own, internationally renowned culinary chef Zach Laidlaw, for a live culinary demonstration on Thursday, March 20, at the college, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill. Laidlaw, a Burlington, Illinois native now residing in Kapalua, Hawaii, is a top three finalist from Next Level Chef season 3 with Gordon Ramsay and currently serves as the executive chef and vice president of Experiences at Hua Momona Farms & Foundations.

Laidlaw, who earned degrees in both Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management from ECC, engaged with ECC culinary, pastry, and hospitality management students during his demo, where he walked them through preparing and plating a four-course meal. The dishes, which included beetroot with microgreens, butternut squash agnolotti with oyster mushrooms and truffle espuma, red snapper with a fennel and radish salad, and roasted corn crème, showcased Laidlaw’s expertise and dedication to quality culinary artistry.

“I feel truly blessed in this profession,” Laidlaw said. “If you are dedicated and have that drive, you can push yourself to excellence. Be that sponge. Take in as much as you can. Your hard work pays off.”

The live demo featured large screens around the room to give students a close-up view of Laidlaw’s techniques as he prepared the dishes. Throughout the session, Laidlaw engaged with the students, answering questions and sharing valuable insights into the culinary world. One student asked, “What are some pastry techniques that help with culinary?” Laidlaw responded, “Develop both your sweet and savory skills. Learn all techniques. It helps you grow as a chef.”

“When preparing a dish, you want to think of the textures. It’s boring to have just one. I used to jot everything down, and then I’d execute it and turn it into a dish later.”

The demonstration sparked lively discussions, with students eager to ask about Laidlaw’s experiences and career. “Would you be open to an opportunity to let ECC students intern with you?” one student inquired. Laidlaw replied, “Yes, absolutely. I would love to work with ECC.” He emphasized the importance of learning how to grow and harvest food, referencing his own farm in Hawaii.

Laidlaw also reflected on his Next Level Chef experience, stating, “The whole experience – being selected was a win alone. They found me. Gordon Ramsay is the goat. He is one of the greats and legendary.”

During his visit, Laidlaw spoke about the importance of understanding the business side of culinary arts. “Learn the business side of things. The hospitality side gives you a better understanding of the back and front of the restaurant,” he said. “I also wish I would’ve learned more Spanish. Math is helpful, too. Recipes are all math.”

Later in the evening, Laidlaw’s culinary creations were served at a sold-out community dinner, where 100 diners enjoyed the four-course meal he had demonstrated earlier in the day.

“Zach’s visit was an incredible opportunity for our students to learn from an internationally recognized chef who has made significant contributions to the culinary world,” said Kimberly Rother, ECC’s instructional coordinator and professor of culinary arts and hospitality. “His passion for both the craft and the business side of culinary arts will inspire many of our students as they continue their journeys in this field.”

Laidlaw’s visit was a memorable experience for all involved, leaving ECC’s culinary students with invaluable insights, inspiration, and the opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s best.