Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Walker.
Ali, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Born and raised in Los Angels, CA! A true fire sign. I’ve been cooking, like most chefs, since I was a small child. Both my mother and father were always in the kitchen, not by trade but by passion. My mother was a hygienist and my father was a dentist. My mother with her creole/Cajun culinary background taught us that through food there is love. She was my first chef, because of her I learned how to enhance flavors in food and how important it is to create with love! She was a whole vibe in the kitchen.
My mother helped to create and mold my palate through everything she cooked for us. Breakfast always sparked my imagination, lunches were coursed meals, and for dinner, my sister and I never had to worry, we always ate good. We didn’t do fast food and we went to restaurants for special occasions, cooking was her way of showing love. My Culinary career started in Atlanta and Los Angeles where I was able to work in various types of restaurants perfecting my craft in each kitchen. I continue to enhance foods through flavor and presentation and to be sure I focus on one major ingredient, love. I am who I am today because of the skills I gained from my mother and my passion to share it with others.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Strong energy is important in the culinary industry. Being able to take criticism while still remaining humble when praised, this will help you to easily overcome any hurdle you make encounter. That and staying true to your passion and yourself.
When my mother became ill with Alzheimer’s, her passion and her way of loving slowly started to disappear, it took a huge toll on me mentally and physically. I knew I had to stay in my second home, I knew I had to hold on to everything she taught me to be; independent, strong, and able! I knew I had to continue to make my mother proud. With that instilled in me and the support from my friends, I took all my pain and anger and focused it into my passion of cooking.
Although it was not easy, I ran into many walls but I never stopped fighting. I had to be strong in the dark in order to grow through what was happening to my mother. I never let go of the love she embedded in me through food. I know each day I create, I’m making her proud.
Please tell us about Food By West.
Food by West, it’s all in the name. I love to create good food for people so that they feel it in their souls.
I specialize in small parties, private dinners, brunch, seafood and infused dishes where I cook with a special herb! I think I am known for creating memories through food. My talents range from all levels seeing that I am a foodie myself.Wether I’m cooking for a party or just friends, I channel my focus on my guest experience one bite at a time. Even if you have had the dish before, if I make it, you won’t want it any other way. I go above and beyond to bring harmony through food and overall experience. Creating my dishes with souls purpose of pleasing the guest and having them come back for more, this is what Food by West is all about. After a guest has enjoyed my food I am most proud when asked “what did you use…” or “how did you come up with these flavors?” My answer every time, Love!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Christmas mornings! Every Christmas after opening gifts I knew exactly what came next! The kitchen, peeling shrimp, making shrimp stock, using every component of food to create the most magical bowl of gumbo! Watching my mom make her delicious holiday fudge is something I’ll never forget. The aroma, the details and getting to watch our friends & family come through to indulge in each bite, it was always worth it.
This and my mother and I watching Emarld Live on the food network. Screaming BAM! Every time he added love to each of his dishes are memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime!
Contact Info:
- Email: foodbywest@gmail.com
- Instagram: @foodbywest
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