At Cathedral Catholic, students have a lot of resources that other schools lack: iPads, CIF-champion sports teams, and now a chef who previously worked at a five-star restaurant.

The new chef, Mr. Dave Buell, has been a part of Sodexo for approximately the last three months. Before coming to Cathedral, Mr. Buell worked at The Addison at the Grand Del Mar, a 5-star restaurant. Mr. Buell left his glamorous job at the Addison to come to CCHS because of the hours. “I wanted a job with good hours, so I could spend time with my family,” he said. Mr. Buell and his wife, who is currently a teacher at Central Elementary School, now both have 9-5 jobs that allow them to spend more time together.

Mr. Buell knew he wanted to be a chef when he had to make his own food while in the army. He loved working with his hands, and he knew cooking was for him. Once he left the army, he started reading cooking books, and he attended culinary school. He also went to business school at San Diego State University.

Before working at the Addison, Mr. Buell worked as a chef at the Sophia Hotel and at the Sheraton Hotel on Harbor Island. He has five years of experience as a chef and hopes to bring even more delicious options to CCHS in the future. “We just released a new steak salad,” said Mr. Buell. Other new options on the lunch menu include Thai peanut noodles, pasta salad, and new varieties of sandwiches. Mr. Buell has also added a new food cart to the campus, which can be found outside of De Sales Hall.

Mr. Buell and Sodexo are trying to add even more items to the menu. According to Ms. Suzanne Place, general manager of Sodexo, they are currently trying to add acai bowls. However, they are facing challenges as to how they would keep the bowls fresh.  “We’re also trying to get more salads, hot tea, and a new cart,” said Ms. Place. Sodexo is also offering a meatless Lenten Menu for students on Fridays during the Lenten season.

With a new five-star chef, healthy menu options, and a Lenten Menu, Sodexo seeks to please Cathedral students and faculty in the future.