Passion Turned Into Profession…

Chef Fred’s Story

“Hello my name is Fred. I am the Chef at Machodoc Creek Cafe.

I am excited to get to know everyone and along with Jeff and Marsha welcome everyone to the Café. Jeff and I had talked about what he wanted (vision) for the café, I wanted the position.

Let me take a moment to tell you why (I can ramble now). I am asked where I started out cooking, especially from cooks and chefs I have worked with. And I say, “a truck stop”. Yes, truck stop. Moving forward, later I was able to obtain a clearance from the Executive Chef at New England Culinary Institute in Vermont to move into the accelerated program at the school.

The culinary school asked me to intern at an establishment in northern California called Domaine Chandon in Yountville, California. Now other interns that were sent were either sent back or fired. The Chef was a French tyrant. I wanted the position. I have worked in great cities, Napa, San Francisco, and Hershey Pennsylvania.

The Dahlgren community is making me feel welcomed more than ever before. We welcome you to stop by the Cafe, say hello, and try some great food.” – Chef Fred Leach