Houston Chef Adrian Torres Inspires Students at Fortis Academy Through Culinary Mentorship and Shared Life Lessons
Houston-born Executive Chef Adrian Torres returned to his roots on July 17, visiting Fortis Academy to mentor students committed to recovery from alcohol and substance abuse. His appearance was part of the school’s innovative culinary arts program, designed to help students develop life skills, explore career opportunities, and find new, healthy outlets for self-expression.
Fortis Academy, operated by the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), is the first public recovery high school in the Houston area and one of only about 40 in the nation. It serves students seeking sobriety by combining academics, counseling, and career training. The academy’s state-of-the-art culinary program provides a therapeutic, hands-on learning environment.
“Peer pressure is a powerful force, so we combine counseling and coaching centers into the traditional school day to promote continued sobriety,” HCDE Superintendent James Colbert Jr. said.
Torres’ visit focused on one talented student, Jerry Lorenzo-Garza, who joined the chef for a live cooking demonstration preparing tacos in the school’s professional kitchen. “The experience was phenomenal,” Lorenzo-Garza said. “It was something you can’t get anywhere else.”
The connection between chef and student ran deeper than food. Torres, who grew up in Aldine like Lorenzo-Garza, shared his own journey—one that began when he was inspired by TLC’s “Cake Boss” and nurtured through high school culinary classes and training at San Jacinto College. Despite facing obstacles, including being denied admission to dream culinary schools due to his DACA status, Torres persevered, ultimately earning leadership roles at acclaimed Houston restaurants Xochi and Belly of the Beast. In October 2024, at age 26, he became the executive chef of West University’s Maximo restaurant, where he is known for his progressive take on authentic Mexican cuisine.
“My parents sacrificed a lot,” Torres said. “The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to let them know that their sacrifice was worth it.”
Today, Torres oversees Maximo’s ambitious menu transformation, celebrating authentic Mexican ingredients and techniques like nixtamalization while introducing creative dishes such as cauliflower “carne asada” and requeson cheesecake. His culinary innovation has helped Maximo gain a reputation as one of Houston’s most distinctive dining experiences.
For Fortis students, the chance to work alongside a young chef with deep Houston roots underscored the school’s mission: recovery through empowerment and opportunity. “Through Fortis Academy’s culinary program, students gaining and maintaining sobriety from alcohol and substance abuse learn to express themselves in a healthy environment,” said Colbert. “Students can also use skills gained in the kitchen for daily life or future employment opportunities.”
Fortis Academy remains unique not only for its specialized programming but also for its philosophy of care. Rather than focus on punishment, the school centers on holistic support with counseling, recovery coaches, and small class sizes, all while helping students work toward their diplomas. With just 35 seats available, Fortis offers individualized attention and career pathways like culinary arts and nursing assistant certifications, providing students with practical steps toward independent, sober futures.
For Lorenzo-Garza, the day with Torres was transformative—not just for the new culinary techniques learned but for the affirmation that recovery and success are possible. Torres, who began cooking at age 10 and never lost his passion despite life’s challenges, offered living proof.
His message to students was simple yet powerful: hard work, dedication, and community support can transform obstacles into opportunities. And for students at Fortis Academy, that message resonated as clearly as the scent of freshly prepared tacos wafting through their kitchen.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
