Addison Hinn, Cask and Cork Chef in Amarillo, Texas was recently selected for the prestigious opportunity to be a Certified Hereford Beef® (CHB) Chef Brand Ambassador.

Hinn’s inevitable beginning in the culinary world started long before his first job as he was always mesmerized by cooking shows and enjoyed helping his mom prepare meals in the kitchen. He was only 13 when his kitchen experience began through his first job bussing tables and washing dishes at the restaurant his mother managed. After that, he never departed the kitchen.

Growing up in the small west Texas town of Plainview, he knew he would need to leave home to gain an elite culinary education. While nearing the end of high school, Hinn made the fearless decision to attend culinary school in Denver.

“I was always very interested in cooking, but never had the equipment or ingredients to really practice and create what I wanted,” says Hinn. “After much consideration, I decided to leave my hometown with some of my high school friends and move to Denver for culinary school.”

Hinn’s West Texas roots called him home after his completion of culinary school to his esteemed role in the kitchen as the Chef at Cask and Cork, a high-end, local favorite in Amarillo, Texas. There, he was able to draw on his leadership in the kitchen, his innate talent for creating new dishes, and his education to curate an exciting menu for his local and out-of-town customers.

His kitchen at Cask and Cork is well-known for its exceptional dishes and their customer favorite, Certified Hereford Beef Ribeye steaks. Often, he is asked what his special steak seasoning is, but the answer is always the same – It’s the quality of Certified Hereford Beef.

“We barely touch the beef; all it needs is a little salt and pepper to make it perfect– that’s all we do,” says Hinn. “The steaks are always consistent with great marbling and fat content.”

As a new Certified Hereford Beef Chef Brand Ambassador, Hinn looks forwards to educating other Chefs and consumers about the brand and the best culinary techniques.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to be the Chef Brand Ambassador to teach others and make new connections through the program.”