St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen Welcomes New Chef

It's tricky business replacing a popular chef. After three years in the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen, Chef Mandy is now Sister Amanda, a novice with the Sisters of Mercy. 

On May 24, 2013, the guests, volunteers and staff celebrated Amanda Carrier's service to St. Vincent de Paul Middletown in bittersweet fashion with a cake, song and even a few tears. Mandy's can-do, creative spirit and the way she'd rise to the challenges of providing delicious meals with flexibility and improvisation would sorely be missed.

In a ceremony held July 6, Amanda "Mandy" Carrier was received into the Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community as a novice.

The St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen on Main Street in Middletown has welcomed its new chef, Jeremiah Rufini. Jeremiah's culinary expertise blended with his social service training and experience provides just the right ingredients to carry on our meal program with passion and panache.

He comes from City Steam in Hartford. He is a graduate of Manchester Community College and Lincoln Culinary Institute.

Jeremiah has over seven years of experience in kitchen management and an associate's degree in social service. "Jeremiah is a perfect fit for us," says Ron Krom, executive director. "What a find — a person who can prepare a great meal who also enjoys welcoming our guests and working with volunteers in a soup kitchen setting."

Jeremiah is excited to have this new opportunity at SVDM and is undaunted that the menu/food supply is ever-changing. "I don't plan for more than two days ahead because you never know what is coming in." The kitchen might get an unexpected load of fresh vegetables or sudden donation from a restaurant. "I can't always buy what I want, so I have to be more creative with the menu. I really enjoy the challenge and think I am a better cook here." 

The soup kitchen is open Monday to Saturday for breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m. and lunch from11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All are welcome.