Chayutphong, also known as Peem, has known since he was six years old that he wanted to grow up to do something related to cooking.
Raised in a family who owns a restaurant in Thailand, Peem would help out in the kitchen as a boy and experiment with the many spices offered in Thai cuisine. This is where his inspiration to become a chef originated.
It is no surprise that Peem was extremely touched when his host family gifted him an o
pportunity to attend a cooking training at Benihana restaurant in Beaverton, OR.
“I could not have received a better gift! My host family knew my passion for cooking and they were so nice to offer me the chance of a lifetime to train with other chefs. I am so thankful to my host family!” exclaims Peem.
At the chef’s training, Peem learned different ways of cooking rice and vegetables, and enjoyed being with people who share his passion for cooking. Peem is a fan of spicy food, though his host family is not. He enjoys cooking for his host family, and was planning to prepare a chicken wrap with special seasoning for them that evening.
Peem’s host mother, Linda Determan, says that their family has shared many wonderful moments with Peem while watching cooking shows together.
“My greatest happiness came from seeing Peem’s passion for cooking. Watching him cook those wonderful dishes for us was amazing. I believe he wi
ll accomplish his dream of becoming a wonderful chef one day!”
Peem says that has learned a great deal from his experience on the PSE program that has helped him to grow and mature as an individual. He has made many great friends, has a fantastic relationship with his host family, and will miss them all when he leaves after he graduates this year.
“My dream is to become a chef one day in modern cuisine,” says Peem, “I love to incorporate different flavors and am good with cooking meat and fish.”
We wish this future chef all the best in his culinary adventures.