The smell of garlic bread wafts up the stairs from the Commons, invading classrooms and hallways with its wonderfully delicious and buttery scent. Period four seems to last years, until finally the bell rings, and Lunch/Activity starts.

To put it simply, I love food. Every day, I think about how lucky we are to be students at STA. Not only because of our rigorous education, but also because of our incredible food connoisseur, Chef Scott. The work he puts into ensuring that our lunches are nutritious and delicious is truly inspiring. I’ve created a list of reasons why Chef Scott is the greatest.

1. His cooking is amazing.

Personally, I find making food very difficult. I burn toast regularly, and sometimes the directions on instant mac & cheese are downright confusing. That’s why I look up to Chef Scott so much. He always makes lunches that reflect the amount of care and effort he puts into them each day.

Take the pork carnitas. Carnitas require a lot of work and skill.

“Taking a tough, gnarly piece of meat like a pork shoulder and cooking it into something delectable like carnitas accentuates true cooking,” Chef Scott says.

He informed me that the process of making pork carnitas takes three days! Next time the carnitas are served, be sure to consider Chef Scott’s dedication to quality cooking.

2. He has a degree in biology.

I never even considered the fact that cooking involves science. Now that I think about it, following recipes and following lab directions are very similar. Doing steps in the right order is very important, as are measurements and materials. Add the wrong ingredient, and the process is ruined. Chef Scott enjoys long, drawn-out cooking processes that involve science and chemistry. I love that Chef Scott is so knowledgeable about science, and his passion for cooking is evident in his devotion to making sure everything we eat is delicious.

3. He watches quality cooking shows.

I’ve wasted too much of my life watching cooking shows that aren’t worth my time. For instance, “Cupcake Wars,” although endlessly entertaining, is ridiculous. The only real reason I watch “Cupcake Wars” is to see Florian Bellanger roast unsuspecting bakers. Chef Scott, on the other hand, watches shows that are far more intellectual and intriguing.

One of the shows he follows is “Good Eats.” According to the Food Network website, “host Alton Brown explores the origins of ingredients, decodes culinary customs and presents food and equipment trends. Punctuated by unusual interludes, simple preparations and unconventional discussions, he’ll bring you food in its finest and funniest form.”

Another of the cooking shows that Chef Scott enjoys is called “Beat Bobby Flay.” It’s a show about one of the best chefs in the U.S. beating other chefs at their own game. Bobby Flay uses spices and seasoning to enhance the taste of a dish cooked by the other chef, creating an even tastier version. Chef Scott believes that properly seasoning food is the single most important process in cooking.

4. He understands the importance of fresh baked cookies.

Thursday is a sacred day. It’s the day that Bistro offers us a glimpse into heaven in the form of two perfectly baked, chocolatey and warm cookies. As a sophomore, I have to wait until second Activity for the cookies, which is a form of torture. Chef Scott says that he has a great recipe for the cookies, and they are baked fresh in the morning.

5. He’s a dog person.

Chef Scott is an animal lover, especially dogs. He has an adorable, black-and-white eleven year-old cocker spaniel named Ellie.

6. He likes Le Fou Frog.

Le Fou Frog is a French restaurant located in the River Market area. The chef and proprietor, Mano Rafael, is the father of former STA student Juliette Rafael. My parents love Le Fou Frog, especially the salads and hors d’oeuvres.

7. He’s an Aquarius.

For those who are unfamiliar with the star signs and their characteristics, Aquariuses are known for their philanthropic tendencies, generosity and laid-back personalities. On Chef Scott’s birthday, my whole Christian Morality class took a break from studying to sing “Happy Birthday” to him. It was a great experience, and even though everyone seemed to have chosen a different key, we managed to sound good.

8. He has a real estate license.

Not only is Chef Scott an accomplished cook, he also has a real estate license. If that isn’t enough, he also co-owns a remodeling business with his mother.

I think it’s awesome that our chef is skilled in so many areas. And, if you find yourself in need of extra fun on the Fourth of July, Chef Scott sells fireworks.