University of Houston
Division of Administration and Finance
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2009
Contact: Chelsea Lee, 832-842-5550
UH’s Executive Chef Has Star-Studded Portfolio
If you’ve eaten at any of the university’s dining facilities, you’re in good
company. UH’s Executive Chef Brent Gorman has been a chef to many of Hollywood’s
biggest stars. Gorman has had the opportunity to design menus and cook for stars such as
George Clooney, Sean Combs and Vivica A. Fox. Gorman also can say that two
presidents – George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush – have graced his table.
In his role at UH, Gorman oversees food quality in the on-campus venues. He is
also responsible for supporting all the food vendors on campus and overseeing catering
for events on campus. Currently, there are 10,000 recipes in the data base – 50 percent
were created by Gorman.
Not only does Chef Gorman cook, but he is actively involved with the students in
the sustainability efforts.
“I make sure that all of the containers used in the grab and go stations are
recyclable and compostable for the produce garden. With the garden there will be no
more kitchen. Fresh food gives the students the opportunity to see what the chefs do
behind the scene. So that means nothing can be dirty or unsanitary.” said Gorman
The list of Gorman’s accomplishments include opening the Downtown Aquarium
and serving as their chef for two years, two Culinary Competition gold medals and one of
Chefs for the 2005 NBA All-Star party at the Aquarium.
With these accolades one might wonder why Gorman would choose to accept a
job at UH instead of working at a five-star or as a personal chef to a Hollywood star.
“What I enjoy the most is diversity with retail and having our own concepts with
our own influences and recipes,” said Gorman. “We can customize the menu for our
customers. Working here at UH has made me a better chef. It has given me a holistic
ap