Executive Chef Cardie Mortimer Presents Culinary Therapy
Discover the transformative power of Culinary Therapy with Executive Chef Cardie Mortimer, who leads his audiences on a journey of inspiration, laughter, and healing through the art of food.
Chef Cardie honored by the Emeril Lagasse Foundation:
Celebrating more than 45 years of passion, resilience, and the healing power of Culinary Therapy.
The Emeril Lagasse Foundation has honored Chef Cardie Mortimer for his 45 years of passion, resilience, and Culinary Therapy.
Led by Emmy-winning chef and philanthropist Emeril Lagasse, the Foundation empowers youth through culinary, nutrition, and arts education.
In its recent Partner Spotlight, the Foundation recognized Chef Cardie for inspiring students and communities through his signature Culinary Therapy program.
Read the full Spotlight article from Emeril.org here.
See our Gallery for more images from past events and reflections from those who experienced Culinary Therapy.
In the Press:
Chef Cardie Celebrates 125th Culinary Therapy Show
The milestone event was held at The Woodlands at Ramsey, a Springpoint senior community in northern New Jersey. Read the November 2025 story.
Woman’s World
In this in-depth feature, Chef Cardie recounts his journey from spinal surgery and paralysis to creating his Culinary Therapy program, using food, humor and storytelling to heal and uplift. Read the May 2025 article.
“While enduring the excruciating physical-therapy sessions … I vowed to recover so that I could give back to others.” — Chef Cardie
Now taking requests for 2026.
Our Culinary Therapy Tour 2024/5 was enormously successful. Thanks to our fabulous audiences at:
The Woodlands at Ramsey, Ramsey, NJ
Wallington Senior Activity Center, Bergen County, NJ
Northwest Senior Activity Center, Midland Pk. NJ
Stratford Rehab Center, West Orange, NJ
Sunrise W. Essex in Fairfield, Fairfield NJ
Elmwood Park Senior Center, Elmwood NJ
Southwest Senior Center, East Rutherford NJ
Pines Manor, Edison NJ
Monmouth County Technical School, Asbury Park, NJ
Family of Caring-Tenafly, Tenafly, NJ
Care One of Livingston, Livingston NJ
Mills Garden Assisted Living, Midland Park NJ
Family of Caring, Park Ridge, NJ
Canterbury, Cedar Grove, NJ
Care One of Oradell, Oradell, NJ
Palisades Park Senior Ctr., Palisades Park NJ
Connect with Chef Cardie
Interested in having Chef Cardie for your own Culinary Therapy experience at your organization, facility or event, free of charge?
Please contact us about scheduling a date for 2025.
Contact Chef Cardie directly using the form below or via email at info@cardiecooks.com. Let us help you schedule an unforgettable experience for your audience.
Receive a copy of Keep On Cookin' —
Chef Cardie’s Culinary Therapy cookbook, Keep on Cookin’ contains 120 easy-to-make recipes along with stories about life, love, and laughter. Featuring tantalizing appetizers, salads, soups, sides, mains, and desserts, there is a little something for everyone and for every occasion.
To get your copy of Keep On Cookin', click here.
All proceeds from Keep on Cookin’ support the National Coalition for the Homeless, and other organizations working to end homelessness.
Spotlight on Chef Cardie
CBS News Salutes Community Hero:
New Jersey Chef Cardie Mortimer thrives to make a difference, using his culinary skills to feed the hungry and help those in need.
(CBS NEWS NEW YORK)
Get a taste of Chef Cardie's unique and captivating presence through some of his many television appearances.
Neighborhood Journal tells Chef Cardie’s inspiring story of recovery, gratitude and the origin of Culinary Therapy.
Culinary Therapy, as described in this appearance on the Better Show.
On the nationally syndicated Better Show, Chef Cardie makes his Southern Cheddar Cheese soup.
Bananas Foster, prepared in Chef Cardie’s own backyard.
“Food and cooking can transform your life.”