Today, we’d like to introduce you to Michele Tompkins. Michele was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Yohana Solomon.
Michele , thank you so much for joining us today. We’d love for you to bring our readers up to speed – can you introduce yourself and share your story?
Growing up I remember always being curious to what was happening in the kitchen. My grandfathers on both sides of my family did the majority of the cooking. Barely reaching the stove I just wanted to be in the mix and contribute. I can recall being so fascinated with my grandpa Harry’s food storage section of the basement and and his spice cabinet. Grandpa Buster often took the time to explain the process to his methods of cooking. It was when I was an adult that I learned my paternal great grandfather was a chef at Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Because of his light complexion of being able to pass, this afforded him the opportunity to work his way up through the kitchen. I was honored when my grandmother gifted me a menu my great grandfather assisted with creating and executing. My initial career path was under the umbrella of marketing & promotions within the television industry. After a 5 year run I switched gears when I had an opportunity to go to culinary school. The first day of class I knew I made the right decision and have not looked back since. Culinary school teaches technique and the details of the kitchen brigade. Cooking is ancestral talent passed on through family generations. I have been on the professional culinary grind since 2003 learning, creating, experimenting and simply dancing along my path of passion in the kitchen. It literally has been blood, sweat, tears, and laughter through the roller coaster ride of my kitchen diaries, I stand very grateful to have fulfilled goals of owning and operating a private chef company, a catering company, a restaurant, and most recently executed a total rebrand into a personal chef business with multiple streams of services that include personal chef travel services, consulting services, and cooking classes to name a few.
Please tell us more about your brand, ROOTS & CULTURE CRAFT KITCHEN
Roots & Culture Craft Kitchen is a personal chef business that specializes in executing boutique private culinary experiences. My Bohemian approach to food is also a nod to bridging the gap to racism through food. Food has always brought people together from all walks of life. I pride myself on combining cultural cuisines to create re-imagined flavors and textures through the use of ingredients originating from all over the world.
Yohana Solomon has been a great friend to us and I know you’ve got a great relationship as well. Maybe you can tell our audience a bit about Yohana and your experience with them.
To know Yohana is not only a pleasure it is truly an honor! I came to know her through the Atlanta Underground Market. It was such an awesome experience to participate in such a fun and exciting foodie pop up concept. Her creative ideas to bring international home cooks and chefs together is simply brilliant. She provides a great platform system to introduce foodies to awesome culinary experiences. Yohana is definitely a gem within the Atlanta food scene. I am honored to take part of everything she creates because it always come from a place of goodness.
Website: www.rcckfibe.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/rootsandculturechef
Facebook: Roots & Culture Craft Kitchen
Yelp: Roots & Culture Craft Kitchen
Other: Tik Tok: The sneaker chef @rootsandculturechef5
