The Full Story
A Lifelong Passion for Cooking: My Journey as a Chef
My love for cooking began almost as soon as I could walk. Growing up, my dad was always in the kitchen, and I was his eager shadow, watching, learning, and eventually joining in. By the time I was seven, I was so obsessed with cooking that I asked for a chef’s knife for Christmas—a request that surprised everyone but showed just how serious I was about my passion. That same knife still holds a special place in my kitchen today, a reminder of how far I’ve come since those early days.
As I grew older, my curiosity in the kitchen only deepened. I constantly experimented with recipes, trying new techniques and flavors. I was fortunate to have a cousin who shared my love for food, and he introduced me to a whole new world of culinary excellence. On special occasions, he would take me to Michelin-starred restaurants, where I developed a fascination with tasting menus. The creativity, precision, and artistry of those meals inspired me to create my own menus for family gatherings and holidays. Christmas dinners, in particular, became a tradition where I’d design full tasting menus, turning our family celebrations into multi-course culinary experiences.
From Hobby to Profession
What began as a personal passion soon caught the attention of others. I started an Instagram account to share photos of my creations, and before long, I was receiving messages from friends of friends, family acquaintances, and even strangers asking if I could cater private events. That’s how I ventured into private chef work, preparing custom meals for intimate gatherings and celebrations. It was a fulfilling experience to bring joy to others through my food, and it gave me a glimpse of what it meant to cook professionally.
The High-Stakes World of a Restaurant Kitchen
While private chef work allowed me to express my creativity, I wanted to understand the pressures of a professional kitchen. For two and a half months one summer, I worked as a chef at Salvaje, a Japanese fusion restaurant in Midtown. The experience was nothing short of intense. Working under high-pressure conditions, juggling orders, and maintaining precision during a busy service taught me the true meaning of grit and teamwork in the culinary world. It was both exhilarating and exhausting, and it gave me an even greater appreciation for the art and discipline of cooking.
The Joy of Cooking Today
Though my academic commitments as a full-time student have limited the time I can dedicate to private chef work, cooking remains an essential part of my daily life. I continue to experiment in the kitchen, often using fresh fish I catch myself—further combining my passion for the ocean with my love for seafood. Creating new dishes with fresh, high-quality ingredients is one of my favorite ways to unwind and stay connected to my culinary roots.
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Every so often, when my schedule allows, I still take on private chef events. It’s always rewarding to step back into that role, crafting personalized menus and delivering memorable dining experiences. Whether I’m preparing a multi-course meal for a special event or just experimenting with new flavors at home, cooking remains a constant source of joy and creativity in my life.
From childhood curiosity to professional experience and everything in between, my journey as a chef has been a reflection of my passion, perseverance, and dedication to creating unforgettable meals. Cooking isn’t just something I do—it’s a part of who I am.