Talk Dat Talk | Your Black Celebrity Gossip, Culture News & Trending Tea

Tag: black chefs

  • Draya Michele Enters Culinary School

    Get ready for a new era from Draya Michele! The former reality star and entrepreneur is stepping away from the spotlight in a surprising new direction – she’s enrolled in culinary school. Michele revealed on social media that she’s been quietly honing her cooking skills for months, embarking on what she calls her ‘Culinair era.’

    From Reality TV to the Kitchen

    Michele shared glimpses of her culinary journey on Instagram, posting photos and videos of herself in class, prepping ingredients, and even mastering the dramatic French flambé technique. While she’s enjoyed cooking for loved ones for years, she’s now focused on perfecting her craft.

    She encouraged her over 9 million followers to embrace personal evolution, regardless of age or background. ‘You’re allowed to evolve. You’re allowed to pivot,’ she wrote. ‘You’re allowed to discover new passions you never saw coming. It’s never too late to change your path or start something new. If you’ve been waiting for a sign… this is it.’

    A Passion for Entrepreneurship

    This pivot into the culinary world isn’t Michele’s first foray into entrepreneurship. Back in 2011, she founded the successful swimwear line Mint Swim, launching it with $12,000. She aimed to create high-quality swimwear that celebrated diverse body types, emphasizing authenticity and passion over quick profits.

    Beyond her fashion ventures, Michele has also built a career as an actress, appearing in nearly a dozen films, including a role in the 2022 BET+ film ‘The Sound of Christmas’ alongside Ne-Yo. Her diverse career path shows a consistent drive to explore new creative avenues.

    Embracing a New Passion

    While Michele has been incorporating cooking content into her social media for some time, she’s now making it clear this is a significant career shift. Her ‘Culinair era’ signifies a commitment to mastering a new skill and potentially a new professional path. It’s inspiring to see her embrace personal growth and encourage others to do the same.

    What do you think of Draya Michele’s decision to pursue culinary arts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • 8 Black Pastry Chefs for National Dessert Day

    Got a sweet tooth? Then mark your calendars for October 14th – it’s National Dessert Day! This is the perfect excuse to indulge in all things sweet. To celebrate, we’re shining a spotlight on eight incredibly talented Black pastry chefs who are whipping up delicious treats and making a significant mark in the culinary world. Get ready to be inspired (and maybe a little hungry!).

    Meet the Sweetest Creators

    1. **1. Camari Mick:** Influenced by her Jamaican roots, Camari Mick, a renowned pastry chef in New York City, infuses Afro-Caribbean flavors into her creations, like jerk ice cream and rum cake. She’s transitioning from her roles at Musket Room and Raf’s to launch L’Atelier Ébène, focusing on savory dishes with a Caribbean twist.
    2. **2. Jocelyn Delk Adams:** Through her “Grandbaby Cakes,” Jocelyn Delk Adams honors her grandmother’s legacy by modernizing family recipes. Her comforting and visually appealing desserts, like Butter Pecan Butter Swim Biscuits and No Bake Kool Aid Pie, bring a sweet touch to tradition.
    3. **3. Vallery Lomas:** A winner of “The Great American Baking Show,” Vallery Lomas is the first Black winner of the competition. Her food blog and Instagram showcase innovative takes on traditional dishes, including a unique Hummingbird Cake and Cranberry Cornbread.
    4. **4. Jatee Kearsley:** Owner of Je T’aime Patisserie in Brooklyn, Jatee Kearsley specializes in Parisian-style pastries made with fresh, unprocessed ingredients. Inspired by a trip to Paris, she offers delights like fruit danishes and pineapple rhumm baba.
    5. **5. Benjamina Ebuehi:** After reaching the quarter-finals of “The Great British Bake Off,” Benjamina Ebuehi has become a respected food stylist and cookbook author. She uses her baking passion to support Luminary Bakery, empowering women facing hardship.
    6. **6. Bree:** Known for her vibrant cake pop art on Instagram’s “Bree Bakes,” Bree creates themed mini desserts that are as fun as they are delicious. Her creativity shines through seasonal designs and cakes molded into unique shapes.
    7. **7. Daphane DeLone:** Working as a pastry chef at Connie and Ted’s in West Hollywood, Daphane DeLone is famous for her in-house made whoopee pies. Her current menu features a delightful Lemon and Lavender Whoopie Pie with buttercream filling.
    8. **8. Tiara Bennett:** During the pandemic, Tiara Bennett started The Pastry Box to bring joy to her neighbors. This initiative blossomed into a bakery in 2023, making her the first Black-owned restaurant in Manhattan’s East Village in 25 years.

    These eight chefs represent just a fraction of the incredible talent within the Black culinary community. Their dedication, creativity, and passion for pastry are truly inspiring, especially as we celebrate National Dessert Day. Each one brings a unique flavor and story to their craft, making their creations not just delicious but also meaningful.

    Which of these talented pastry chefs are you most excited to try? Have you tasted any of their creations? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!