DMACC Alumni Early Achievement Award
Caleb Crossett
AAS Culinary Arts 2019
Chef, Castor Corvallis
Corvallis, OR
Currently the Chef at Castor Corvallis in Corvallis, Oregon, Caleb Crossett is a 2019 graduate of the Iowa Culinary Institute. Caleb's life has been dedicated to feeding others.
He began cooking at the Marriott in Coralville at the age of 15. From there he moved on to pursue his degree at the ICI, working at Cheese Bar in Des Moines while he completed his studies. His instructors note his passion for “foraging," or finding wild edibles like mushrooms to use in his cooking. This enthusiasm has served him well. As an emerging talent on the local food scene, just since 2019:
Caleb has been selected for a Marge Anderson Scholarship -- which includes participation in the renowned French Chef Exchange…
He has earned 1st place Judges Choice at the Des Moines WineFest Pork and Pinot Pairing contest…
And was featured at the Young Chefs Dinner Series with Chef Diego at Proof DSM.
Caleb worked under ICI grad and fellow Marge Anderson scholarship winner Chef Brett McClavy at Cheese Bar. While there he gained extensive experience in working with a variety of high-end ingredients, gained knowledge in developing menus, and aided in the hosting of several large-scale events.
Combined with his schooling – which he is quick to note was one of the most cherished times of his young life – Caleb's technical excellence and flair for the delicious helped him land his current position in Oregon.
While he says the “foraging game" is completely different in Oregon he is blazing a trail for himself on the west coast.