“I hope that I will bring the wider perspective of American cooking that I have gained during my education in the south. Being in the place of my ancestors and my heritage has changed my own view on food and the influence African Americans have had on American cooking.”
What’s your favorite dish or one you’re most excited to share during the residency?
Having spent many years working and training in NYC, how does it feel to be bringing southern flavors and dishes back up here?
“It feels good. One of the most revitalizing things I was able to do while living in NYC was visit my family in Georgia for the holidays. I always returned rested and with a deeper understanding of my family’s food. I have loved having the opportunity to cook in the South for the past few years and I am excited to do the same going forward.”
As the first Black female chef taking over INTERSECT, where do you think the industry is in terms of becoming more inclusive and what advice do you have for other BIPOC chefs coming up right now?
“The more people who look like me at the helms of their own kitchens and businesses will open the doors for others to follow. Representation is so important and if people can see it they can believe it. As for advice, keep pushing for your dream and do the work!”
“Honestly, not in a way I expected. I imagined myself cooking daily and being very creative, but I focused on nesting. It turns out that I spent lots of time ordering take-out and focusing on our food businesses which has helped me put my own business in perspective.”
What are your personal favorite restaurants we should all have on our radar?
“I go to the same places when I am visiting New York and I haven’t been home in over a year. So, I would say Atoboy is at the top of my list and Prune, of course. I really hope Gabrielle reopens.”
As a chef, where is somewhere you think people need to go to experience the food?
“I haven’t done a lot of traveling, but one of my favorite places to eat in the world is Paris — hands down. And, Bologna has this essence of hometown cooking that I crave. I can’t wait to go back.”
Reservations for The Grey at INTERSECT by Lexus are now open.
Tanner Saunders is the Associate Digital Editor of Travel + Leisure. He would really, really love an oyster hand pie right now. Follow him on Instagram @Tizanner.
For more on the original articel visit: https://www.travelandleisure.com/food-drink/intersect-by-lexus-the-grey-mashama-bailey?did=580395-20201115&utm_campaign=just-in_newsletter&utm_source=travelandleisure.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=111520&cid=580395&mid=44866536237
Be the first to comment