My Story

​My love for cooking began in the warmth of my grandfather Larry’s kitchen. He was the heart of our family - a man who believed that food could heal, celebrate, and connect. As a child, I’d sit on a stool, eyes wide, watching him move through the kitchen with quiet confidence. He never followed recipes. He cooked from memory, instinct, and love. There was always a pot simmering, the smell of garlic and spices in the air, and old-school R&B playing in the background. Those Sunday afternoons felt like magic - a symphony of flavor, music, and family. More than just teaching me how to cook, my grandfather taught me what food means. It’s about soul. It’s about bringing people together at the table. That legacy lives in everything I create today.

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Growing up in Chicago shaped me in countless ways. The city itself was my first classroom. I remember walking down bustling blocks filled with corner bakeries, mom-and-pop taquerías, soul food diners, and smoky BBQ joints - each one offering a story, a culture, a lesson in flavor. The streets buzzed with energy, ambition, and diversity. You could smell jerk chicken drifting from one window, fresh-baked bread from another, and catch a taste of every corner of the world without leaving your neighborhood. It was beautiful chaos living in a city that demanded hustle, but rewarded heart. 

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My culinary journey began humbly - washing dishes in a small wine bar. At the time, I was living on the West Side of Chicago, surrounded by poverty, violence, and limited opportunities. That job was more than a paycheck, it was an escape. Every day, I’d bike across the city to the North Side, pushing through the elements and exhaustion, just to be part of something different. In that kitchen, I found purpose. I was captivated by the rhythm of service, the heat of the line, the focus, the creativity, and the unspoken teamwork. It was a world away from what I knew, and for the first time, I saw a future I wanted. That dish pit didn’t just change my path, it gave me one.

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From there, I put in the work. I’ve held every position in the kitchen - prep cook, line cook, sous chef, and eventually executive chef, learning the craft from the ground up. That path gave me more than skills. It gave me humility, perspective, and deep respect for every part of the process. Every station taught me something different - speed, precision, patience, leadership. I earned my stripes the old-school way.

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Now, after over a decade of hard-earned experience I’m stepping into a new chapter. I’m taking everything I’ve learned, everything I’ve lived, and pouring it into my own private chef venture. 

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This isn’t just about cooking. It’s about creating experiences that feel intimate, elevated, and deeply personal. I’m bringing something different to the Twin Cities — a mix of fine-dining technique, soulful storytelling, and unapologetic flavor. Whether it’s a curated dinner party, a special event, or an in-home tasting menu, I design every detail to reflect my clients and leave a lasting impression.

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My journey started with survival. Now, it’s about legacy — building something real, something mine, and using my craft to nourish, connect, and inspire. If you're ready to elevate your next dining experience, I’d be honored to bring your vision to life. Let’s connect and create something truly memorable!