Ronnie was blessed to grow up in a loving home, with a mother who was an amazing cook. He spent hours, which turned into years, cooking with her and learning those special skills you don't quite learn in school!  She lit the first flame and inspired him to follow in her footsteps. Ronnie's Mom is from Louisiana, and Ronnie's culinary journey started with that southern twist. At 16, Ronnie learned to BBQ from an experienced smoker and fell in love with the art of smoking, cooking, and eating BBQ Food with family and his community.   

 

Ronnie attended UC Irvine, cooked on campus, and then joined the US Army as a Food Service Specialist (army cook). After leaving active duty, he joined forces with his sister, Catherine, a culinary artisan with a culinary degree.  Cooking with his sister took Ronnie's interest in cooking and smoking to a new level, and he mastered an indirect smoking technique.   

 

As the years passed, Ronnie met Zenny, and they fell in love, then married, letting the fusion of their faith, culture, and experience set their path ablaze! Their Fusion became Fire! Chef Zenny is self-taught and was an amazing cook for her family back in the Philippines. Chef Zenny has a flair for understanding healthy cooking, and her love for cooking is in the details of her food.

 

Ronnie and Zen started using their cultures and experience to bring you LOVE in every bite. Smoking and cooking bring peace and joy to them, and it is a blessing to provide nourishment to those that they serve. Through their journey together, and with the love and talent of family and mentors who have blessed them, The Fusion Food Club came to life. 

​

Ronnie Forbes is a Disabled United States Army Veteran, a Livermore Rotarian, and runs a nonprofit that works with the Alameda County Food Bank to provide food for those experiencing food insecurity.  Together, Ronnie and Zen, along with "The Crew" with hearts of gold, cook and serve the Seniors at Ridgeview Commons weekly in their commercial kitchen in Pleasanton. Ronnie and Zen live in Livermore, CA.

 

They couldn't do it without everyone who serves alongside them. 

 

"To God be all the glory,"  ~ Ronnie & Zen