Author: BigStokesFood
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Grouchy Chef Question: Charity or Cheap Promotion?
This is something I question more and more. When a person or business does something charitable and immediately puts it on social media, are they actually looking at it as charity—or is it just cheap promotion? I’m a very particular type of guy when it comes to intentions. I believe your intentions should align with…
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Grouchy Chef Rant: “It’s Just Business”
One phrase that has always bothered me in this industry is: “It’s just business.” As a Chef and someone who has spent years in the food industry, I understand everybody has their own business model. I can’t dictate how somebody else operates. But I can damn sure dictate mine. My goal has never been to…
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BigStokes Confession: The Worst Date I Ever Cooked
BigStokes Confession: The Worst Date I Ever Cooked Chefs love telling stories about their best dishes — the ones that make people close their eyes and nod like they just witnessed greatness. Let me tell you about the worst dish I ever cooked. At the time I had what I would describe as a very…
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Grouchy Chef’s Disappointment in Hospitality
Disappointment in Hospitality I often try to speak from a neutral position to remain open-minded and fair in my observations, but on this topic I’ll admit I’m venting. As a chef, owner, and student of food culture—especially the traditions rooted in Black food culture—I find myself increasingly disappointed with the state of hospitality in our…
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The Grocery Store Got Faster. So Why Didn’t Food Get Cheaper?
Grouchy Chef ChroniclesGrocery Store Question There’s something that’s been bothering me every time I walk into a grocery store lately. For years, we were told that technology would make food systems better and more affordable. Automation, advanced logistics, online ordering, and self-checkout were presented as progress — tools designed to increase efficiency and reduce operating…
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A Standard, Not a Compliment
A while back, I was asked to curate a menu for an event.The person reaching out worked in the kitchen and wanted something that would truly impress their guests. I was honored — and I did the work. A few days later, I received the message: “Thank you, Chef, but we’ve decided to go in…
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Presents…
The Grouchy Chef: Stove-Side StoriesOne thing about being a private chef… you don’t just cook meals.You witness conversations that make you question reality. I was cooking a private dinner for a vegan couple. Everything was going smooth. I’m focused, locked into the stove, minding my business, chef mode fully activated. Then the husband starts telling his wife a story……
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Grouchy Chef Chronicles
Hospitality Matters, Every Seat Has a Story- I get asked a lot what I like most about being a chef. As a chef and owner, I wear many hats—some administrative, some creative.Let’s be honest… the admin hat is necessary, but it’s never the one that feeds my soul. So let’s skip that part and talk…