Sabores del Desierto is a vibrant culinary series celebrating culturally-rooted food sovereignty in South Phoenix. Join us to experience unique flavors, empower local chefs, and cultivate a healthier, more resilient community. We're excited to announce our special guest chef, Chef Nick!
Chef Nick grew up on and off the Hopi Reservation in Northern Arizona, living with various relatives as well as in and out of foster homes. Upon graduation from an Indian Boarding School in Riverside California, he was accepted to a four-year university where he studied Information & Computer Science and Environmental Analysis & Design. Nick continued his education with an MS program in Washington and a PhD program at Northern Arizona University. Since graduation, Nick has founded an award-winning University Resource Center, served as an Air Quality Engineer and Water Resource Manager for Tribal Nations. Nick also worked for a nation-wide consulting firm and established his own firm, garnering clients such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Microsoft, assisting with various components of their business, before creating his own brick and mortar business, the Blue Corn Cafe & Bakery.
Nick is the Master Baker for the Blue Corn Cafe & Bakery, located in Historic Downtown Glendale. Within the first year, Blue Corn won the Arizona Retailer's Association's Best Business Award and has recently been voted the Best Bakery in the Valley according to the Phoenix Magazine. Blue Corn has also received an Editor's Choice Award for Best Quiche in the City and is now in the running to be recognized for the Best Sourdough in the State, as heralded by the Mayor of Glendale. Although Chef Nick came from humble beginnings, his aspirations and accomplishments are on the rise by utilizing his scientific background, diverse experience, and unique cultural perspective.
