Sarah, Chef-in-Training

Sarah and Chef Tinan. Pictured by Sprouts Chef Training

Sarah Robinson, a Ground Zero Girls regular, and active member of City of Dreams has just completed her 6-month internship with Sprouts Chef Training.  Sarah was selected from a long list of candidates and placed within the bustling kitchen of Niku Steakhouse, a Michelin Star restaurant in San Francisco’s Design District.  She learned alongside sous chef Tinan Thariath, an experienced chef of the Omakase Restaurant Group.  From the French Laundry to Lazy Bear, Niku’s kitchen staff brings expertise to the menu and to interns like Sarah.  

Sarah’s internship comes at a time of exploration in her life.  At 16, Sarah is determined to experiment with all of her passions, cooking being one of them.  Pushing away from cycles of regret she has witnessed in her neighborhood, her involvement with Ground Zero Girls has encouraged an open-minded approach to her career choices and hobbies.  She has expressed her pursuit to inspire others in her life to reach for bigger dreams and try something new whenever possible.  This lesson is one of the main themes of our Ground Zero program.  

At Niku, Sarah told us of her blossoming friendship with Chef Tinan and the hardest skill she learned–extremely fast dicing!  History is Sarah’s favorite subject, and she recognized its role in the industry over the last 6 months: 

“I never knew the restaurant industry was so in depth with history; somehow history has an impact on the restaurant's food or what they decide to serve.” 

Sprouts Chef Training serves as a launch pad for new culinary generations.  The program introduces the culinary world to high school students through weekly immersion and mentorship.  When asked what she is walking away with now that the internship is complete, Sarah said, 

“The program impacted my perspective on cooking by teaching me that it’s fun to do with others and being able to show leadership and teamwork.  My favorite part was making my own hours and having an important role in the internship.”

Sarah’s favorite meal at Niku? “My favorite meal was these fried blocks of potato with a smooth Green sauce.” 

Now, Sarah is off to explore more of her interests and hopes to put her new culinary skills to use someday.  

Thank you to Sysco Natural for sponsoring Sarah’s journey and to Chef Tinan, the Niku staff, and Sprouts Chef Training for the welcoming guidance and support for a Bayview youth.