REDEFINING THE ART OF FOOD AND COMMUNAL DINING WITH CHEF NEKIA
Photography by Tommy Ventura
In the world of culinary arts, some chefs go beyond the boundaries of a restaurant kitchen to create personalized experiences for individuals and families. Among them, Chef Nekia stands out as a remarkable private chef, specializing in crafting healthy and customized weekly meal prep plans. But her culinary talent extends beyond meal planning. At heart, Chef Nekia is an artist who believes in the power of food to transform lives and create magical moments as people gather together at a communal dining table.
BEGINNINGS
Nekia said her journey with cooking began at the young age of eight as her fascination with food sparked an early curiosity of the culinary world. Her interest peaked during her high school years, when she had the opportunity of witnessing her grandmother, Loretta, work her magic in the kitchen. As Loretta’s sight began to diminish, Nekia said there was much to witness and learn by watching her grandmother rely on her heightened senses of touch, taste, and memory. To this day, even the simple aroma of cumin evokes cherished memories of creating meals with her beloved grandmother.
In the mid-2000s, Chef Nekia's journey took a significant turn when she crossed paths with Chef Russ Landers, an experienced professional in the culinary world. Chef Russ quickly recognized her natural talent and eventually became her trusted mentor, pushing her beyond her comfort zone and encouraging her to develop her innate gift in the kitchen.
A NEW DIRECTION, BOURN FROM LOSS
In 2014, Chef Nekia experienced a deeply personal loss when her father, Kevin passed away. As she contemplated his legacy of an unwavering commitment to planting seeds of opportunities for future generations, she embarked on a journey of self-reflection. Kevin was a generous and pioneering soul, a mentor to many and someone who embodied selflessness and joy. Growing up, their home was always open to people, and that inclusive spirit became the cornerstone of Nekia's private chef career. Her mission became clear: to foster that same sense of connection by creating a bridge between different people from diverse backgrounds that could gather and connect. That bridge became the culinary experiences she now creates, with the gathering table serving as the medium.
FINDING HER NICHE DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
Driven by her passion and a desire for a sustainable culinary career, Chef Nekia delved into exploring innovative concepts to achieve her mission. During this time, she connected with the idea of grazing tables, a culinary display where a variety of food items, such as charcuterie, fruits, cheeses, and desserts, are artfully arranged on a table for guests to enjoy.
After completing an intensive six-month training program, she launched her own business in January 2020, centered around the concept of grazing tables. The onset of the global pandemic in March of the same year presented unforeseen challenges. However, Chef Nekia quickly adapted her business and embraced the necessary pivoting of her model. She simply started by offering her avocado-lime hummus on Instagram one day and received an incredible response. She then began introducing "grazing boxes," a unique way of offering individuals a way to savor her culinary creations while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
THE POWER OF COMMUNAL DINING
Chef Nekia's culinary artistry goes beyond her presentation of the food on a plate. She believes that food is a catalyst for connection and conversation, a universal need that brings people together on equal footing.
“Food for me is more than just a beautifully plated and skillfully executed meal,” she said. “It's about what happens when we gather around the table. Where you're from, your socioeconomic status, the color of your skin; those things do not matter at the table, we all have to eat. When we sit at the table, we are at the same level. I strive to facilitate communal food experiences by gathering people together around delectable table-scapes.”
Her private dining events are more than a meal, instead offering immersive social experiences and unforgettable dining journeys.
Throughout her journey, Chef Nekia has learned valuable lessons about knowing her worth and making choices that align with her vision. She embraces flexibility and resilience, always open to new possibilities and willing to adapt to changing circumstances.
"Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not break," she says as a personal mantra.
With her caring and flexible approach, Nekia has transformed her private chef business into a vessel for crafting unique and memorable communal food experiences.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND HER
Chef Nekia's passion for food is creating delectable dishes. However, her deeper purpose lies in her power of building connections, fostering inclusivity, and savoring the richness of life at a communal table where everyone is welcome.
To find out more about Chef Nekia and her offerings, view her site here.
All article photos by Tommy Ventura.