Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazz Pinkney
Hi Jazz, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My culinary journey began in high school, quite unexpectedly. I attended a Career and Technical school, and it was there, under the guidance of my incredible instructor, Chef Marty, that I truly discovered my passion for food. He opened my eyes to a world of culinary wonders and encouraged me to pursue formal training at his alma mater, The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in my hometown of Philadelphia. I graduated in 2009 with a degree in Culinary Arts, and from that point forward, Chef Marty has been an unwavering mentor, shaping my career and inspiring me to teach others.
During my time at The Restaurant School, I had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in a culinary course in France. For a young girl from North Philly, that was a dream come true, a truly rare and blessed experience that expanded my culinary horizons beyond anything I could have imagined.
That mentorship and those experiences have led me to where I am today, as the owner of Jazz’s Kitchen Comforts, where I empower individuals to become confident cooks through hands-on culinary lessons. I’m building ‘Culinary Masterminds’ here in Georgia, sharing the skills and knowledge I’ve gained over the years.
But my passion extends beyond teaching. I also craved the authentic flavors of my Philadelphia upbringing, those comfort foods that truly felt like home. That’s how Jazz’s Kitchen Comforts’ Taste of Philly—soon to be rebranded as Homegirl’s Deli—came to be. I wanted to bring the true taste of Philly to Georgia, a taste I felt was missing. Yes, there are other cheesesteak spots, but mine is 100% authentic, crafted by a genuine Philly native. I’m proud to say I’m bringing a piece of my hometown to Georgia, and I’m happy to be known as ‘The Queen of Philly Cheesesteaks.’ It’s about sharing my love for food, my culture, and empowering others to find their own culinary confidence.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. This journey to my still-growing success has felt more like pushing a cart over cobblestones – extremely bumpy. There have been countless setbacks, endless trials as I navigated the culinary world and sought my own place. I knew I had the talent, and I didn’t want to simply be a chef for someone else’s establishment.
One experience nearly broke my spirit completely. The second time I moved to Georgia, I had the opportunity to open a cafe in a gas station. I was over the moon, pouring every financial resource I had into making it a reality. I had my parents and siblings there every day, helping me out. We finally opened in December 2019, just as the world began to fall ill, leading to the COVID-19 pandemic and global shutdown. By March 2020, I had to make the devastating decision to close. Nobody knew when life would return to normal. I was heartbroken because I had invested everything. To make matters worse, I didn’t qualify for any grants or financial assistance. It felt like the universe was against me. I ended up packing up and returning home to teach for the Philadelphia School District.
Looking back, I realize it simply wasn’t my time. That wasn’t the path meant for me then. Now, I’m back in Georgia, and while it’s still a challenge to reach my goals, I’m far more resilient. The culinary world is full of curveballs – competition, fluctuating food costs and availability, and constantly changing regulations. Being new to Georgia and building a name for myself has also been an interesting ride.
I have unwavering confidence in my skills and craft, but getting people to taste and experience it is the challenge. However, I know that once they do, there’s no turning back. Once you’ve experienced my classes, your culinary confidence will soar, and you’ll have the tools to create flavorful, delicious meals. And once you’ve experienced why they call me ‘The Queen of Philly Cheesesteaks,’ well, honey, you’re stuck forever!
As you know, we’re big fans of Jazz’s Kitchen Comforts. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Jazz’s Kitchen Comforts is more than just a business; it’s a culinary experience. I’m a traveling Culinary Instructor, dedicated to empowering individuals to conquer their kitchens. I specialize in teaching practical skills, from mastering your spice rack and exploring international cuisines to perfecting restaurant-quality dishes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or developing a new restaurant concept, I provide hands-on instruction to guide you to success. I also offer fun and engaging in-home cooking parties for kids and adults, creating memorable culinary experiences.
Beyond that, I’m a ServSafe Instructor and Proctor, helping aspiring food entrepreneurs obtain their required ServSafe Managers certification, a crucial step in opening any food service establishment.
When I’m not teaching, I’m bringing the authentic taste of Philadelphia to Georgia through my shared kitchen space in College Park. You can find Jazz’s Kitchen Comforts on DoorDash, offering the most tender, juicy, and cheesy cheesesteaks you’ve ever tasted. My menu also features Philly favorites like the Cajun Salmon & Shrimp Steak and the colossal Fried Fish Hoagie, also real Philly cheese fries and refreshing Philly style water ice. I take my title, ‘Queen of Philly Cheesesteaks,’ very seriously, ensuring every dish is made with passion and authenticity.
What sets me apart? I’m a true Philly native, born and raised in Nicetown, North Philadelphia, near 22nd & Allegheny. I know what a real cheesesteak is supposed to taste like, and I’m committed to delivering that authentic experience. I’m most proud of bringing a genuine piece of my hometown’s culinary culture to Georgia, sharing my love for good food with everyone I meet.
Ultimately, I want readers to know that Jazz’s Kitchen Comforts is about more than just food. It’s about building confidence, sharing culture, and creating delicious memories. Whether you’re learning to cook, earning your ServSafe certification, or enjoying a taste of Philly, you’re experiencing the passion and expertise that defines my brand.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that truly surprises most people is that I’m a major science buff. I’m absolutely fascinated by food science and molecular gastronomy. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Sustainable Food Systems because I believe understanding the science behind food is crucial for the future. As I teach my students, I’m adamant about opening their eyes to the vast array of culinary-related careers they might not even know exist. I love to challenge them with questions like, ‘With our current climate change issues, how do you envision your great-great-great grandchildren gathering and cooking food?’ or ‘How can we ensure the foods we enjoy today are available for generations to come?’ And one of my favorites: ‘How can we manipulate the foods we eat to look and taste like something completely different than how they appear?’ It’s about showing them the limitless possibilities within the culinary world.
Another surprise? I can bake just as well as I can cook. I adore making birthday cakes. In fact, my daughter Alanna has developed a real talent for cake decorating, and I’m constantly amazed by her skills. And, perhaps most surprisingly, she’s the only person on earth I trust to season my food. She’s just ten years old!
Pricing:
- Culinary Classes $225 and up
- Cakes/ Catering $150 and up
- Culinary Consultations $500 and up
- Servsafe Classes w/ testing $150
- Taste of Philly/ Homegirls Deli $5 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JazzskitchenComforts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazzs_kitchencomforts?igsh=MWFiNGtqeHVjdTJncw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18b4WmpLLq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazz-pinkney-bb0246248
- Twitter: https://x.com/JazzsKitchen
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jazz-s-kitchen-comforts-college-park
- Other: https://jazzs-kitchen-comfortstaste-of-philly.square.site/
Image Credits
Adam Ovalle
