Page 61 - Winter/Spring 2015 Issue

Q. Would you consider yourself a driven person? What makes you a powerhouse? What is the source of your strength?

A. I am a very driven person. I remember I didn’t listen to anyone, I had investors and I was going to finally get my dream come true, only to have the investors back out 2 weeks before closing and having to admit to everyone, you were right. Knowing I still have dreams of opening my own restaurant, I stay focused, keep faith and remain humble. I think that the force to be reckoned with is my training. Pursuing this chef dream, I took any and every job just to make a way and/or to get a different type of training. I am a person who has worked in fast food, managed restaurants, been a waiter, a busboy, a loan clerk, etc. So it is a good feeling to know that when that dream happens, I can not only manage my restaurant/kitchen, but I can help out the staff to maintain a respectable business.
Q. How would you define peace?

A. I define peace by stepping away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and be able to sit back and do simple stuff. Eat fast food, watch a movie, spend times with my kids. I love watching jeopardy and I like to enjoy a big mac from McDonalds. You need to maketimetorelax. Icanhonestlysaythattherealanswertolookingforpeacethoughiswithinyou. Peacecannotbesoughtin others, it can only start and end with you. Also remember, don’t lie to yourself.
Q. Do you have a cookbook out? If yes, name? If not, is this something you are currently working on or would like to work on?

A. Yes, I do. My cookbook is entitled “Maryland Crab”.
Q. Whatcanweexpectfromyouinthefuture? Doyouownyourownrestaurantoristhatadreamof yours?

A. I currently have my Catering Company (Stewarts Bistro Gourmet Catering, contacted at ChefStewCatering@gmail.com) and Clothing Line (www.Str8Chefn.com) that we are expanding daily. I also have a cooking show (Industry Soup on Youtube). My book is available “Maryland Crab” (www.chefstew.com).
Q. What advice would you offer others who are interested in becoming a chef?
A. DreamsarethelanguagewithGod. MakesurethatyourdreamsarethesamedreamsGodhasinstoreforyou. Also,before investing financially, get free training through regular jobs and MAKE SURE this is what you want before you find yourself knee deep in bills for something that doesn’t really make you happy. Also remember 3 things: 1) associate yourself with likeminded people; 2) get experience in your field; 3) have faith.

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