A Culinary Journey to Community Connection

Meet Bree Turbeville

Bree Turbeville is not just a student; she’s an aspiring chef with dreams of owning her own food truck. At 33 years old, Bree is a native of Carteret County, balancing her studies in the Culinary Arts program at Carteret Community College while raising her two children on a small homestead filled with chickens and goats.

Bree’s love for cooking was instilled in her by her grandmother, who played a pivotal role in her upbringing. “Cooking has always been a part of my life,” said Bree. “My grandmother taught me so much about food and flavor.” It was this foundation that led her to explore the culinary arts and fuse elements from different cultures in her cooking.

At Carteret CC, Bree is gaining hands-on training that prepares her for real-world experiences, such as her recent opportunity to lead the Kraken Eats food truck at the College’s annual Fall Fest. She was also most recently selected as a featured student chef during  a cooking demo at the 38th Annual NC Seafood Festival on the Big Rock Stage.

“This experience meant the world to me,” she shared. “I’ve worked in hospitality for 18 years, but have never showcased my cooking passion like that before.”

Bree’s journey at Carteret CC has provided her with countless opportunities, connecting culinary arts and community engagement. Participating in events like these has honed her skills and boosted her confidence, allowing her to deliver quality dishes while under pressure.

Bree’s time in the Culinary Arts program has helped her develop a deeper understanding of food’s impact on bringing people together. “Cooking is about more than just ingredients; it’s about creating experiences and connections,” she reflects. “I’m excited to take what I’ve learned and share it with my community.”

With aspirations to own her food truck, Bree is excited about the future. “I want to continue exploring new experiences and sharing my love for food with others,” she says. Her advice to fellow students and those interested in the program is clear: “Stay involved and try new things. You never know what you might discover about yourself.”

To learn more about the Culinary Arts program at Carteret Community College, visit www.carteret.edu/cook.