From Kitchen Star To Salvation Army Chef

ST. PAUL (AP) - A Minnesota chef is making delicious meals in an unlikely place - a Salvation Army soup kitchen.

Forty-year-old Jeff Ansorge left a posh downtown Minneapolis restaurant last year to become head cook at a Salvation Army soup kitchen in St. Paul.

Ansorge says a spiritual awakening led him to his new job. He makes just one-third of his previous salary.

But he still brings his culinary skills to bear making salmon, ribs and stews for the poor and homeless.

Salvation Army Capt. John Joyner says Ansorge makes "phenomenal meals" that would cost a lot at a restaurant.

For the Thanksgiving meal that's being served Wednesday, Ansorge is serving a traditional turkey feast on tables with white tablecloths.