Chef / Wine specialist / manager

Byron Halliburton

My Skills

• Certified Sommelier
  
• Professional Manager Certification
  
• Microsoft Office Professional
  
• Menu Design
  
• Recipe Development
  

I grew up in south Louisiana where I learned to appreciate food and the unique culinary traditions that produced it.  In 1994, I joined the United States Air Force and spent the next 20 years sharing my heritage with others and experiencing theirs.  I've had the wonderful opportunity to travel to, and live in, many different cultures around the world.  I've traveled throughout Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East.  The wide variety of ingredients and cooking techniques I was exposed to inspired me to learn more and To share what I had learned.  

I  began my professional culinary career as a caterer with the goal of exceeding my customer’s expectations every time.  I started Bayou Surf Personal Chef Services in Virginia while still on active duty with the Air Force.  The leadership and management experience I gained in the military was invaluable to creating an effective system for catering.  I developed menus and recipes to meet my client’s needs, managed food purchasing and preparation, and led teams to work in a safe and sanitary environment. 

Knowing that cooking and hospitality were what I wanted to do, I thought it was important to get formal training and education.  While working full-time in the Air Force and operating my catering business, I completed a business degree and studied with the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine and Spirits Education Trust where I was certified as a sommelier and received a Level 3 Award in Wine and Spirits with distinction. Enrolling at The Culinary Institute of America was the next step in my formal training.  I am completing a Master of business administration at louisiana state university.    

My background

• Louisiana Native
  
• Air Force Veteran
  
• College Graduate
  
• Business Owner
  
• Well-Traveled