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 Natural Awakenings Lancaster-Berks

Chef Timothy Twiford Makes a Difference in Reading

Sep 29, 2015 10:16AM ● By Michelle Bense

Timothy Twiford, Executive Chef and Culinary Director of Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Wyomissing, uses his culinary talent and big heart to make a lasting impact on the Reading community. Twiford’s major project is Chef Tim’s Table, a special dining experience that he donates to be auctioned at fundraising events held for local nonprofits.

“The table is an exclusive area in the center of the kitchen that is an incredible dining experience,” enthuses Twiford, known for his culinary flare of American regional cuisine. With an average auction price of $1,000 per event, and about 40 events held or scheduled in 2015, Twiford will have helped raise about $40,000 for local nonprofits just this year.

“In addition, I commit one day a week to host #ChefTimCooksForFamily, which is focused on families who are in a hardship of health with a family member,” says Twiford. Those assisted include people who may have breast cancer, leukemia, heart conditions and other health problems. 

After high school, Twiford fed his passion for cooking by working under Chef Alan Rutter at The Inn at Reading, until given the opportunity to enroll at The Culinary Institute of America. Upon graduation, Twiford started his career as the Executive Chef at The Inn at Reading. Over the next 14 years, in addition to cooking at The Inn, he instructed classes for area schools and was featured in a local television miniseries, “Inn the Kitchen with Chef Tim”, which aired weekly and featured many favorite recipes.

Twiford and two partners opened a local restaurant and bar in Reading in 1997, and for the next three years, offered a local favorite eatery and nightlife. But with training, expertise and passion for working in the hotel industry, he then began work as the Executive Chef at the Sheraton Reading Hotel. In 2000, the hotel underwent a major renovation and became a Crowne Plaza Hotel, where he has remained—using his guidance and experience to create a strong team that continues to raise the bar for hospitality and food service excellence.

An avid community supporter, Twiford has served on many leadership boards within the area and offers his time to serving with the help of fellow chef, Jason Hook of H20Kitchen. The pair collaborates to provide pop-up culinary events, culinary demonstrations, Iron Chef competitions and exclusive events at The Crowne Plaza Hotel Reading. Together, Twiford and Hook have done over 100 nonprofit events.

When not cooking, Twiford is passionate about spending time with his wife and three children, and working with the homeless, children, seniors and inmates transitioning back into society. “Everything counts; be your best,” he advises. “Never underestimate your ability to influence someone in a positive or negative way.”

Crowne Plaza Hotel is located at 1741 Papermill Rd., in Wyomissing. To connect with Chef Tim, call 610-914-6100, email [email protected] or visit Facebook.com/ChefTimsTable.

Michelle Bense is a writer and editor for Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect with her at [email protected].