New York City’s Natural Gourmet Institute has a policy of openness, and their forward-thinking food values attract a diverse range of students, fostering a community that, as CEO Jonathan Cetnarski puts it, “is very synergistic with the LGBTQ community at large.” Below, we spoke with two alums about their careers, and how a “health-supportive” culinary education has enhanced the work that they do.

On March 11, 2013, Dr. Rob organized another “Fare Share” cooking event with the medical resident doctors from Lenox Hill Hospital at the Natural Gourmet Institute (NGI) in NYC. The goal was to teach medical residents how to cook a healthy vegetarian meal for themselves, and hopefully pass these skills onto their patients.

“Alignment” can be defined as an “integration or harmonization of aims.” I use the term here more specifically to describe an interconnection of events that could not have happened to me otherwise, if I was not honest, open, aware and – most importantly – authentic with myself.

On October 15, Natural Gourmet Institute had the privilege to host Dr. Robert Graham, his wife Julie Graham (a certified holistic health coach), and 13 residents from New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital for a special, hands-on evening of healthy vegetarian cooking.

Colin Zhu recently graduated our Chef’s Training Program. If you’re talking about an integrative approach to health, he’s one of those people who walks the walk. Along with his Natural Gourmet credentials, Colin is a Doctor of Osteopathy (now in his residency), a certified health coach, and a competitive runner.

Our Chef’s Training grad Colin Zhu was kind enough to report to us on NGI’s recent collaboration to teach a nutrition class with NY Coalition for Health School Food at PS 184 in Chinatown.