Jeffrey Zurofsky
Culinary Program Director
As Culinary Program Director, Jeffrey Zurofsky leads culinary and horticulture therapy programs for young adults at Newport Institute. Jeffrey is the founder of Newport’s innovative culinary programs, with an approach that combines his prestigious culinary background with his nutritional knowledge to create well-rounded, healthy meals for the young people in Newport’s care. This programming was designed to ignite an awareness of personal responsibility towards nutrition and sustainability, as well as highlight the importance of caring for our environment. A large component of this approach aims to instill a sense of nurturing and hope into young adults on their journey to recovery. Jeffrey is dedicated to making the ‘Meal as Medicine’ process an enjoyable, shared experience for young people in the Newport community.
Jeffrey Zurofsky
Culinary Program Director
As Culinary Program Director, Jeffrey Zurofsky leads culinary and horticulture therapy programs for young adults at Newport Institute. Jeffrey is the founder of Newport’s innovative culinary programs, with an approach that combines his prestigious culinary background with his nutritional knowledge to create well-rounded, healthy meals for the young people in Newport’s care. This programming was designed to ignite an awareness of personal responsibility towards nutrition and sustainability, as well as highlight the importance of caring for our environment. A large component of this approach aims to instill a sense of nurturing and hope into young adults on their journey to recovery. Jeffrey is dedicated to making the ‘Meal as Medicine’ process an enjoyable, shared experience for young people in the Newport community.
As Newport Institute’s Culinary Director Jeffrey Zurofsky has been featured in Clean plates and The Counter. He also appeared on ABC News. He uses these platforms to highlight the correlation between balanced nutrition and mental health, and to explain how he utilizes the ritual of eating as part of the Newport Institute integrated treatment approach. He was founder and CEO of ‘wichcraft’, Board Member of Grow NYC and was featured as a Co-Host of Bravo’s Best New Restaurant.
Experience
Jeffrey brings a strong sense of entrepreneurship and an innovative spirit to his role at Newport. He is the Founder and CEO of No Small Plans LLC, a multi-disciplinary creative firm dedicated to creating, advising, and investing in projects that make large-scale social impacts in food, health, wellness, and social justice. Jeffrey is also the Co-Founder and Former President/CEO of ‘wichcraft, Riverpark, and Riverpark Farm, known as one of NYC’s Most Urban Farms.
Jeffrey brings a strong sense of entrepreneurship and an innovative spirit to his role at Newport. He is the Founder and CEO of No Small Plans LLC, a multi-disciplinary creative firm dedicated to creating, advising, and investing in projects that make large-scale social impacts in food, health, wellness, and social justice. Jeffrey is also the Co-Founder and Former President/CEO of ‘wichcraft, Riverpark, and Riverpark Farm, known as one of NYC’s Most Urban Farms.
The foundation for Jeffrey’s culinary expertise began at the French Culinary Institute in NYC. He also worked in Manhattan’s most prestigious kitchens including Lespinasse, Savoy, and Union Square Café, and as opening sous chef at Restaurant AZ, to name a few.
Advice I Would Give My 20-Something Self
The ‘involved by doing’ aspect of cooking makes it the perfect therapeutic activity. Cooking has the potential to redirect your entire thought process, mood, and focus away from negative or stressful emotions in a way that’s fun and natural. Making food with others creates a special connection because the process is central to who we are as human beings.
Credentials
- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Grande Diplome, French Culinary Institute, New York, NY
Selected Achievements
- Municipal Arts Society Livable City Award
- Food Truck Nation Board Advisor, Expo Milan
- “Outstanding Alumni” Recognition, International Culinary Center, 2011
Press Contact Info
For press inquiries, please contact:
media@newportinstitute.com
