Every visit tells a story.
From senior centers and community spaces to special hosted events, these moments capture Chef Cardie in action — connecting, cooking, listening, and sharing experiences that go well beyond the plate. Each photo represents a stop along the journey and the people who made it possible.
Culinary Therapy is made possible by the organizations and hosts who believe in the power of shared experience. We’re deeply grateful to the partners who invited Chef Cardie into their spaces and took the time to share their reflections. The following is a sampling of comments from the organizations who have experienced Chef Cardie’s Culinary Therapy.
WOW WOW WOW ! That is all I have to say about Chef Cardie’s cooking and presentation
Just a minute after his entrance video and introduction everyone at the Wallington Senior Activity center was smiling and laughing along with the chef who after years of his own journey through a painful recuperative therapy brought us his new show Culinary Therapy, along with his funny and insightful take on life love and the pursuit of food
Chef Cardie interacts with his audience in a very personal way, addressing everyone by name and in his own wonderful way will make everyone in the room feel special. Chef knows just how to project goodwill to the whole. -- Wallington Senior Activity Center
I want you to know the impact you had on our residents at CareOne Oradell. They Loved you! You brought JOY & laughter into their world !! They told me they felt uplifted, energized, and hopeful after your visit. They couldn’t stop talking about your wonderful presentation and how meaningful it was to them. You are inspirational, and it was an absolute pleasure having you at CareOne Oradell. And ……they loved the bread pudding!! We can’t thank you enough. Everyone at CareOne is looking forward to seeing you again!!! Thank you so much, and God bless you! — Christina Becker, ADC Director of Activities
Culinary Therapy is more than a demonstration — it’s an experience. Chef Cardie has a unique ability to connect with audiences in a way that feels personal, uplifting, and memorable. Work Hard Dress Right is proud to support a program that consistently delivers meaningful impact to the communities it serves.
— Work Hard Dress Right
Culinary Therapy with Executive Chef Cardie Mortimer was an absolute game-changer for students at the Culinary Education Center. His presentation is not only captivating and inspirational but also deeply relevant to our journey as aspiring chefs. Chef Mortimer’s stories about his career, the challenges he faced, and the triumphs he achieved resonate with us on a personal level, making us see the culinary world in a new light. His passion for cooking and life is contagious, and by the end of the session, we found ourselves brimming with enthusiasm and new ideas. This experience is perfect for educational settings, leaving a lasting impact that motivates and delights everyone involved.
Thank you from the students and staff of the Culinary Education Center — Jaime Soto, Principal Monmouth County Technical School, Asbury Park, NJ
I wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible Culinary Therapy event you brought to Care One at Wayne. It was truly an amazing, entertaining, and spectacular experience that our residents, families, and staff will cherish for a long time to come. Your engaging approach and the delicious dishes you shared created an unforgettable atmosphere. We are genuinely thankful for the joy and warmth you brought to our community. We are already looking forward to having you back with us again soon. Congratulations on a very successful event and thank you once more for your dedication to enhancing our community's well-being!
- Marlon Zapanta, Director of Life Enrichment – CareOne at Wayne