Son of a Southern Chef

Lazarus Lynch, '16, demonstrated his cooking prowess as a Buffalo State student and has since made a name for himself as a culinary celebrity.

Since graduation, Lynch has appeared on several Food Network shows including Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, Chopped Junior, the Kitchen, and Unique Sweets. He continues to contribute to Tastemade Snapchat, where he is a featured tastemaker. Lynch even taped a pilot for his own Food Network show.

As a student, he created "My College Kitchen," a popular web series that provided tips for students on how to cook healthy food on a budget. In the ongoing series, Lynch demonstrates how to fold inexpensive ingredients, such as Raman noodles, into gourmet dishes and how to grocery shop on a budget.

Lynch grew up in Queens, New York, the son of a Southern-born father and South American mother. They opened a restaurant when Lynch was a child, and he learned the finer points of cooking everything from traditional Caribbean dishes to soul food. Lynch named his website, video series, and brand “Son of a Southern Chef,” after his father who passed away in 2015.

Combining Interests

Although Lynch chose Buffalo State for its health, dietetics and nutrition program, he soon realized he could combine his interests in social media and entrepreneurship into an individualized studies degree with a concentration in communication. Along with building his website, he also created a photo blog called “Chop Block,” which offers inspirational thoughts and messages written on a large cutting board.

“We are extremely proud of all that Lazarus has been able to accomplish in such a short time,” said Lou Rera, associate professor of communication. “I have no doubt that great things lie ahead for this talented young man.”