Chef Marcel Fortuin has over 43 years of experience in the culinary arts. Born in Rotterdam “The Netherlands”, he spent 8 years in Culinary Arts School earning 3 culinary degrees. Chef Marcel apprenticed with several Master-Chefs and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Mexico and the United States. His interest in the culinary arts started very early in his childhood and he began pursuing his goal at age 13 in a French bistro.
In addition to his title as Executive Chef, Chef Marcel also teaches Culinary Arts and is an instructor for the Texas Department of Health. Despite his demanding schedule, Chef Marcel also finds time to contribute to causes such as RGV FoodBank, Make a Wish Foundation, March of Dimes, Our Lady of Sorrows, Junior League, Texas Oncology, Renaissance Cancer Center and other worthy causes. Chef Marcel came to the United States in 1993. His lovely wife Sylvia is from McAllen and Chef Marcel realized how much his talents were needed in this area.
Chef Marcel started Bistro M, a small intimate restaurant in North McAllen, in 1998. Bistro M was open for 11 years, then suddenly closed due to Sylvia’s cancer diagnosis. After many requests from our clients and friends to start Cooking Classes at our BistroM restaurant, we decided to offer cooking classes where anyone could get great ideas and meet new friends along the way. McAllen Culinary Academy was born. Our Classes are for beginner to seasoned cooks. We encourage interaction in our classes. Just cook, eat, relax, enjoy and try something new! Chef Marcel now teaches healthy cooking, to all ages, as young as 5 years old. Adults and children can learn to cook healthier for their family and friends. Chef Marcel is experienced in Dutch cuisine as well as the cuisines of France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, Indonesia, Mexico, North and South America, and Nuevo Latino cuisine.
Chef Marcel’s philosophy is:
"To cater to his guests as if they were his finest friends and to cook the most excellent food possible."
As Chef puts it, “Perfection is Attainable.”
Adjunct Faculty
Email:
marcel.fortuin@utrgv.edu EHABW 2.114