Monarch High Culinary Teacher Turns Fine-Dining Experience Into Lessons for Future Chefs

by David Volz August 13, 2026

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Patrick Golden {David Volz}

Patrick Golden has a passion for fine dining and creating high-quality meals.

A culinary arts teacher in his second year at Monarch High School, he wants to share his passion with young people and help them achieve success in the food industry.

“I am teaching a life skill. No matter what occupation the students pursue, they should be able to prepare meals. There are some good career opportunities in the restaurant and hotel industry,” said Golden.

The Monarch culinary arts program has about 330 students, and some are in their second year. This means that if they complete their second year, they can take the ServSafe test, which will give them an important advantage when applying for restaurant positions. The National Restaurant Association created this exam, and passing it shows that an individual knows how to handle and prepare food safely, according to Golden.

His students are learning basic cooking skills, such as preparing breakfast meals, including eggs, various types of bread, muffins, and cakes. They are learning the types of meals prepared in restaurant kitchens, according to Golden.

Before becoming a high school teacher, Golden worked in fine-dining kitchens, including the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, and learned what it takes to succeed in the kitchen.

“I wanted to share my passion for preparing high-quality meals, and I love teaching,” he said.

Golden has not entered his students in local culinary arts competitions that can lead to state recognition, but he may do so in the future.

“I want to help my students become good at preparing meals and to show them career opportunities in the dining industry. I want to make the program at Monarch the best in the area,” he said.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.