Article by Debra Freeman and Fitz
Photography by Fitz
Lead photo of chef and CIV program director in Newport News, Charles Delargy
Over the past few years, the culinary scene in Hampton Roads has grown. The Tidewater area is alive with food competitions, burgeoning restaurants, and the emergence of respected chefs in the seven cities is on the rise. With that in mind, it makes more sense now than ever to take a look at teachers like Chef Charles Delargy at the Culinary Institute of Virginia who help provide the foundation for the next crop of chefs who will move Hampton Roads to the forefront as a gastronomic force in the region.
Spend a few minutes in the teaching kitchen of CIV in Newport News’ City Center with program director Chef Delargy and his students, and one will quickly notice he creates a work environment that is quick paced, intense, and requires focus to prepare upcoming chefs. With over 30 years of experience in the culinary field, Delargy is well equipped to teach students to successfully integrate into restaurant kitchens.
Chef/ CIV Program Director Charles Delargy teaching at the Newport News Campus
Chef Delargy, as a young child, began working in the restaurant industry. As he put it, “when I was a kid, I was working off the books picking beans in the kitchen.” As an adult, Delargy ultimately would come to own two restaurants, including Delargy’s Bistro in Hampton, and a second restaurant in Virginia Beach. While working in Tortuga, an island in the Caribbean, however, Delargy became friendly with a employee and CIV affiliate there who suggested he try an adjunct teacher position at the newly opened school. Delargy remarked, “I didn’t know if I could do it, but I was interested in giving it a shot.”
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Delargy not only took to teaching, but now finds it to be a career of passion; he says, “it can be challenging, but it is gratifying. When I see a student walk out of here using what I taught them, that is the gratifying moment…it’s so rewarding to see students you taught thrive…from some in the industry to even some that come back here to teach.”
Chef/ CIV Program Director Charles Delargy teaching at the Newport News Campus
Delargy “wears many hats” at the Newport News campus, but said ultimately, “it’s about putting the students first,” and that includes imparting realistic expectations about the industry to them. “It’s important students put the TV myths aside…it’s not going to be pretty sometimes. You may be holding a plunger some days. [It’s] not always glamorous, but it’s very rewarding.”
Additionally, he feels that the possibilities for students are limitless. “There are so many avenues our students can go.” And one of the most important lessons Delargy likes to impart on his students is that “cooking is a lot like the military, it’s a small network. You never want to burn a bridge.”
As the area continues to evolve, we will all benefit from the tutelage of Delargy and the skills he imparts on new chefs entering the local restaurant industry each year.
For more info on Chef Delargy and The Culinary Institute of Virginia, visit www.chefva.com
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