Irving Zarate

Irving Zarate is an experienced culinary professional currently serving as a fermentation coordinator at The Ecology Center in Orange County since June 2022, focusing on developing a closed loop-zero waste food system. Prior experience includes an internship at Noma in 2021, where extensive work in the fermentation lab was conducted, and roles as sous chef at The Lot city center and kitchen manager at Danville Brewing Co., where responsibilities encompassed food cost management, quality control, and menu development. Additionally, Irving held the position of junior sous chef at Telefèric Barcelona in early 2016. Academic credentials include an Associate's degree in Culinary Arts/Chef Training from The Art Institutes, completed from 2013 to 2014, as well as a high school diploma from Madera South High School, obtained in 2013.