South Florida chef Dario Stephen teaches young people lessons beyond the kitchen

Dario Stephen, known as Chef D, teaches cooking and life skills to students in South Florida through after-school classes connected to Barry University and plans youth cooking camps abroad.

Dario Stephen, known as Chef D, teaches cooking and life skills to young people across South Florida. For the past 12 years he has led after-school classes that focus on cooking fundamentals and fresh ingredients. He visits schools five days a week and sometimes teaches at two schools a day through a program connected to Barry University. He is also planning youth cooking camps in Colombia, Dubai and Sharjah in the months ahead. Key facts: - Dario Stephen has taught youth cooking classes for 12 years. - His lessons include cooking fundamentals, working with fresh ingredients, and preparing dishes such as his southern chicken pisciotta. - He visits schools five days a week and sometimes teaches at two schools in a single day as part of an after-school program tied to Barry University. - Students and program staff describe him as energetic, upbeat, and encouraging. - He emphasizes life lessons such as resilience and the idea that mistakes can be corrected and still produce good results. - Youth cooking camps are planned in Colombia, Dubai and Sharjah in the coming months. Summary: Chef D combines practical cooking instruction with personal-development themes to engage students in South Florida. Program staff say his energy and teaching approach help keep students involved. The initiative will expand internationally with planned youth camps in Colombia, Dubai and Sharjah.