Hallie McGonigal, Registrar

The turn in the road that led to the Culinary Center of Monterey came about because I saw Chef Mary Pagan on a television program discussing the Center's many interesting culinary activities. I wanted to know more - - -

Thanks to my mother, my love of good food started early and after college, the three years spent in France and traveling about Europe insured my becoming a “foody”. In France I worked in the American Embassy and taught conversational English to French students in Saint Denis a little city just outside of Paris. When back in the United States, I taught English and French at Point Loma High school in San Diego. Funny how often good and interesting food kept creeping into lesson plans. My students loved it.

A few years later I made a career change, although not into the culinary field, but in its own way, furthered my appreciation for many kinds of food. I had always loved aviation and decided to pursue a career as a pilot. To condense many years and make the story short, I have flown jets as a commercial pilot for 24 years. The last 17 years of this career I was the Chief Pilot and Aviation Department Manager for the J.M. Smucker Company in Orrville, Ohio. Aviation means travel and travel means eating in many countries and tasting new and wonderful foods. All pilots have a “little black book” of cities and the best restaurants.

I am now retired from aviation and thanks to the television program where I first saw Mary Pagan and heard of the Culinary Center, I have a new career working with students in the Culinary Arts Program and am enjoying the very fine culinary community in Monterey.