About Me

My name is Mark Porter, and I am pleased to be of service as your Instructor of Culinary Arts and Culinary Management here at La Sierra High School.

I was born and raised in Riverside, California. I am happily married to a wonderful wife named Rosie who won my heart in Culinary School. After we graduated we moved to the Big Island of Hawaii to start our careers as professional cooks. Our two sons, Erick (9) and Bobby (7) were both born in Hawaii, yet we have since moved back to Southern California to live closer to our family. We love to spend time outdoors in nature doing things together such as hiking, camping, and fishing. I have been very active my entire life and love to run, hike, hunt, cycle, rock climb, surf, spearfish, lift, and do just about anything that gets me outside and keeps my heart rate going. It goes without saying that I am passionate about food, but especially whenever there is an opportunity to harvest it fresh from the ground, the land, or the sea.

Educational Experience

I graduated from the Riverside City College Culinary Academy in 2009, and have since earned Associates Degrees in Culinary Arts, Math and Science, and Kinesiology after returning to school several years ago. I have also earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from California Baptist University and am continuing to further my education through the University of California Riverside.

Professional Experience

Prior to a career in education, I had the pleasure of gaining invaluable experiences in hospitality for nearly 13 years. Starting as a dishwasher at the age of 16 at Anchos Southwest Bar and Grill, I have moved through nearly every position held inside of the food service industry. I have been a part of 3 new restaurant openings as both a sous chef and executive chef. I have cooked for celebrities and private clients on Hawaiian beach front resorts with million dollar views and served school lunches to pre school students at Bryant Park Head Start. I have been called "Lamb Man" at the number one restaurant in Hawaii for over 25 years in a row at Merriman's Restaurant in Waimea, after my first full dinner service as a line cook without messing up an order. I am now proud to be called your teacher, and prefer to be called Mr. Porter, but you can also call me Chef Mark.

Previous Food Service Employment

  • Anchos Southwest Bar and Grill, Riverside CA - Dishwasher

  • TGI Friday's, Riverside CA - Busser, Food Runner, Expeditor, Server

  • Phood on Main, Riverside CA - Apprentice, Prep Cook, Server, Bartender

  • Merriman's Hawaii, Waimea HI - Pantry Cook, Saute Cook, Grill Cook

  • Allen's Table, Waimea HI - Sous Chef

  • Canoe House at Mauna Lani Hotel & Bungalows, Kamuela HI - Cook I

  • Ocean Club Bar & Grill at Hali'i Kai, Waikaloa HI - Executive Chef

  • El Dente, Waimea HI - Owner, Private Chef, Caterer

  • Luna Restaurant, Waimea HI - Executive Chef

  • Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, Los Angeles CA - Sous Chef

  • Alvord Unified School District, Riverside CA - Head Start Food Service Worker